Montreal is one of those cities where culture isn’t locked behind glass, it’s everywhere. From world-class art museums to small, unexpected spaces tucked into historic buildings, the city offers something for every kind of museum lover.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’ve lived here for years, this guide explores the best museums in Montreal, mixing famous institutions with lesser-known gems that locals genuinely enjoy.
Why Montreal Is a Great City for Museums
What makes museums in Montreal special is their diversity. In a single afternoon, you can move from fine art to archaeology, fashion, science, or Jewish history often within walking distance.
Montreal’s museums reflect the city itself: bilingual, multicultural, creative, and deeply connected to its past.
Must-Visit Museums in Montreal
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)
📍 Downtown Montreal
This is the crown jewel of Montreal’s museum scene. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is massive, varied, and surprisingly accessible. You’ll find everything from classical European paintings to contemporary installations, fashion exhibitions, and Quebec artists.
Why it’s worth visiting:
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One of the largest art museums in Canada
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Excellent temporary exhibitions
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Free permanent collections on certain days
Best for: Art lovers, first-time visitors
Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex
📍 Old Montreal
Built directly over the birthplace of Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière lets you literally walk through the city’s foundations. Underground ruins, interactive exhibits, and strong storytelling make this museum fascinating even if history isn’t usually your thing.
Why it stands out:
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Archaeological remains beneath your feet
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Engaging exhibitions for all ages
Best for: History lovers, families, rainy days
McCord Stewart Museum
📍 Near McGill University
The McCord focuses on Canadian and Indigenous history, fashion, photography, and social life. It’s smaller than the MMFA but incredibly well curated, with exhibitions that feel relevant and modern.
Why locals love it:
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Strong focus on Montreal and Canadian identity
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Thought-provoking temporary exhibits
Best for: Culture, photography, fashion
Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC)
📍 Place des Arts (temporary location varies)
If contemporary art is your thing, the MAC is essential. Exhibitions can be bold, experimental, and sometimes challenging — but that’s the point.
Why it’s worth it:
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Focus on living artists
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Often highlights Canadian and Quebec creators
Best for: Modern art fans, curious minds
Redpath Museum
📍 McGill University
One of Montreal’s oldest museums — and one of its most underrated. The Redpath Museum feels like stepping into a 19th-century curiosity cabinet, filled with fossils, dinosaur skeletons, ancient artifacts, and minerals.
Why it’s special:
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Free or donation-based
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Unique, old-school museum atmosphere
Best for: Families, science lovers
Smaller Museums Worth Your Time
Montreal Holocaust Museum
📍 Côte-des-Neiges
A powerful, moving museum focused on education, memory, and human rights. The exhibitions are thoughtfully designed and deeply impactful.
Barbie Expo (Temporary)
📍 Downtown
Fun, light, and surprisingly stylish — this exhibit showcases Barbie dolls dressed by famous designers.
Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA)
📍 Shaughnessy Village
A must for anyone interested in architecture, urban design, and how cities evolve.
Best Museums in Montreal by Interest
Art & Design:
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Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
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Musée d’art contemporain
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Canadian Centre for Architecture
History & Culture:
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Pointe-à-Callière
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McCord Stewart Museum
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Montreal Holocaust Museum
Science & Families:
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Redpath Museum
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Montreal Science Centre
Local Tips for Visiting Museums in Montreal
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Many museums offer free admission days, usually once a month.
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Winters are perfect for museum hopping — warm, quiet, and cultural.
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Old Montreal museums pair perfectly with cafés and long walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best museums in Montreal ?
The best museums in Montreal include the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Pointe-à-Callière, the McCord Stewart Museum, and the Musée d’art contemporain.
How many museums are there in Montreal ?
Montreal has more than 40 museums and exhibition spaces covering art, history, science, and culture.
Are museums in Montreal free ?
Some museums offer free admission days each month, and others like the Redpath Museum are free or donation-based.
Is Montreal a good city for museum lovers ?
Yes, Montreal is one of Canada’s best cities for museums thanks to its cultural diversity and strong arts scene.
Montreal’s museums aren’t just places to look at things, they’re places to understand the city. Each one offers a different perspective on Montreal’s identity, creativity, and history.
Whether you spend hours in a major institution or stumble into a small, unexpected gallery, exploring museums in Montreal is one of the best ways to connect with the city, especially when you slow down and take your time.
