A Canadian First
The idea of establishing a fine arts museum in Montreal began in the 1860s when a group of well-to-do art collectors inaugurated the Art Association of Montreal. A first in Canada, the group began to acquire a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures while giving public lectures and exhibitions throughout the city. Although the first building to be occupied by the Art Association was at Philips Square in downtown Montreal in 1879, the group eventually moved to its permanent home designed by Montreal architects Edward and William Maxwell on Sherbrooke Street West in 1912.

An Instant Success
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts was an instant success with local Montreal art aficionados and has played host to several world-renowned exhibitions over the years including works by European and Canadian masters, as well as ancient artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamon to name but a few. After undergoing the addition of several new wings and pavilions over the years, the ambitious Jean-Noel Desmarais Pavilion was finally erected in 1991 right across the street from the original building. With more than 30,000 art pieces in the permanent collection, including paintings and sculptures by Canadian, European, Inuit, and Native Canadian artists, as well as various artifacts, prints and drawings from across the globe, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts attracts thousands of Montrealers and tourists alike with its refined selection of travelling, temporary and permanent art exhibitions.

Boutique
To bring home some of the beautiful artwork, it’s as simple as visiting the museum’s on-site boutique. You’ll find posters, art cards, books, mugs, sculptures as well as crafts. All of the items sold at the boutique have been inspired by exhibits at the museum, so if you feel inspired after stepping of a gallery, chances are there is an item paying homage to it in the boutique.