My Montreal Bucket List: Museum of Fine Arts

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Fine art museums are such interesting places. Anytime I am travelling and discovering a new city, I really love to visit the provincial or national art museums and galleries. I feel they always have so much to offer on many levels and for many reasons. Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts is no exception.

Located downtown on Sherbrooke street, the Museum of Fine Arts stands proudly amongst the buildings of the cities business area. Housing many famous and historical works of art depicting some of the greatest historical periods and stories of the world, this fine arts museum certainly is filled with all kinds of artistic magic. From Inuit art to works of the first settlers, to religious archives, contemporary art and modern furniture, there really is a little (or a lot) to interest everyone!

So don’t for a second think this is going to be a quick trip! Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts is broken into six main sections: Archeology and Culture of the World, Ancient and Modern International Art, Quebec and Canadian Art, International Contemporary Art, Decorative Art and Design, and Graphic Art and Photography. The museum spans over many floors both above and below ground level with art-filled corridors and passageways connecting them.

It is too easy to spend the day here! I spent hours wandering and absorbing all kinds of information. But I must say, it felt like a somewhat endless journey with more information and art work than I could really absorb and appreciate at one given time. There is just so much!

As well as the permanent collection, the museum often hosts special exhibitions for an extra ticket price. Currently, ‘Fabuleux Faberge’ is taking the stage however the exhibitions change often.

Upon arrival, you are given a map and left to roam free from floor to floor, collection to collection. It’s a lovely way to spend the day, and especially now that the wintertime is looming. But don’t fear, if it seems like too much in one go, stop for a rest at the museum’s cafe for a break and something delightful to eat. The gift shop is also a lovely stop to see souvenirs from the museum and various artistic works, books, jewellery and all other products both locally and internationally made.

For me, the entire visit was enjoyable. From the different artworks, to the architecture of the building itself, to seeing what was for sale in the museum store. It was a great solo day out but would be equally as fun with someone to bounce your thoughts and ideas between. Montreals Museum of fine Arts is a rich and therefore exhausting place in some respects, but rewarding and equally as beautiful at the same time. I would certainly encourage a visit to this wonderful place.

The Museum of Fine Arts is located at 1380 Sherbrooke Street West. Opening hours, admission costs and exhibition information can be found on the website, here. Collections and Major exhibitions are open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Wednesday night, the museum remains open from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and allows access to the Major exhibition for $10. Admission fees for adults are $20 for major exhibitions, $12 for the collections (over 65 have access to collections for free). 13-30 year olds can see major exhibitions for $12 and the collection for free. The last Sunday of the month allows free access to the collection.