Museums and Culture

A museum about the nuns who founded Montreal's first hospital, and the history of medicine and care in the city. Free with a Borrow a Museum pass from any Montreal public library (2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children 17 and under); always free for children 5 and under. The pass covers the exhibitions, not the activity program.

A museum and research centre about architecture and cities, with the world's foremost collection of architectural drawings, plus the historic Shaughnessy House. Free admission for everyone on Thursdays after 5 p.m. Always free for anyone under 18 and for members of Indigenous communities. Pay what you can on the first Sunday of every month. Also free with a Montreal library card through the Borrow a Museum program. Other visitors pay regular admission.

Montreal's contemporary art museum, in its temporary home at Place Ville Marie downtown while its Place des Arts building is renovated. Admission to the exhibitions is always free for anyone under 20, and every Thursday evening it is pay what you wish for everyone. On Saturdays, the MAC en famille art workshops are free for under 18s with an adult. Check the museum's website for hours and current exhibitions.

A free art installation by Sarah Cloutier: a huge painting that unrolls through the space like a giant ribbon, inviting you to think about how many images we consume on screens every day. Free admission. November 26, 2026 to January 17, 2027. Open Tuesday and Wednesday 1 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

A free exhibition of photos, paintings, drawings, ceramics and installations by Ève K. Tremblay about family memories, ageing and the bonds between generations, with humour and tenderness. Free admission. November 18, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Open Wednesday to Friday noon to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

A gentle free exhibition of watercolours by Eliane Berdat, inspired by flowers, old photos and family objects, at the Saul-Bellow library in Lachine. Free admission. Until November 29, 2026. Open Monday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Montreal's museum of social history, fashion and Indigenous cultures, on Sherbrooke Street. Always free for anyone 17 and under and for members of Indigenous communities. On the first Sunday of each month it is pay what you can, from one cent, no booking needed. The exhibition Indigenous Voices of Today is free on Wednesdays after 5 p.m. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays until 9 p.m.

A free exhibition at La Guilde, a downtown gallery of Indigenous and Canadian crafts. See works made with natural materials and traditional techniques, like porcupine quills and caribou or moose hair, with a hands on area where you can touch some materials. Free admission. Until November 14, 2026. Open Tuesday to Friday noon to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Montreal's biggest art museum, on Sherbrooke Street. Free admission to the permanent collection and exhibitions for anyone aged 25 and under, any day (ID may be requested). Free for adults 65 and up every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free for families (one or two adults with at least one child 17 or under) on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. On the first Sunday of every month, the collection is free for all Quebec residents (booking required, proof of residency). Always free for members of Indigenous communities, and for people with a disability and their companion. Other visitors pay regular admission. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays until 9 p.m. Some galleries may be closed at times; check the museum's website before you go.

One of the oldest chapels in Montreal, in the heart of Old Montreal near the Old Port. Admission to the chapel is always free. The attached Site historique Marguerite-Bourgeoys museum charges a fee, but is free with a Borrow a Museum pass from any Montreal public library (2 adults and 2 children 17 and under), and always free for children 12 and under. A quiet, beautiful stop on a walk through the old city.

An open indoor gathering space under Place des Arts with free music, dance performances and art exhibitions. A great warm spot downtown in winter, connected to the underground city. Check the Place des Arts schedule for free shows.