Place des Arts, Montreal
Place des Arts was an initiative of Mayor Jean Drapeau, a noted lover of opera, as part of a project to expand the downtown core eastward from the concentration of business and financial activity. The first part of the complex was inaugurated in 1963, at the height of the city's construction and architectural boom. The other theaters were added progressively, along with Musée d'Art Contemporain that can be found next door.
Taking up an entire block of the downtown core, the multi-venue arts center is now a home of four of the city's largest production companies – the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Opéra de Montréal, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the Jean-Duceppe theater company. The site has undergone major reconstruction in order to include a 6th concert hall dedicated to performances by the Montréal Symphony, and to remodel the Grand Foyer, which greets visitors to the complex.
In the summer the Esplanade and adjacent street comprise one of the important outdoor sites of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, as well as of other cultural happenings and festival events such as the Montréal World Film Festival. The Esplanade's stairs are a choice spot for a meeting point or to simply sit and people-watch; in addition, there are jumping jet fountains and shallow pools nearby, surrounded by visitors cooling off, their feet dangling in the basin.
Why You Should Visit:
The place to be in Montreal from June to August! Great fun for young and old and there is something for everyone. The area is relaxed, yet full of restaurants and also good shopping; easily accessible as there's a metro stop nearby.
Taking up an entire block of the downtown core, the multi-venue arts center is now a home of four of the city's largest production companies – the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Opéra de Montréal, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the Jean-Duceppe theater company. The site has undergone major reconstruction in order to include a 6th concert hall dedicated to performances by the Montréal Symphony, and to remodel the Grand Foyer, which greets visitors to the complex.
In the summer the Esplanade and adjacent street comprise one of the important outdoor sites of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, as well as of other cultural happenings and festival events such as the Montréal World Film Festival. The Esplanade's stairs are a choice spot for a meeting point or to simply sit and people-watch; in addition, there are jumping jet fountains and shallow pools nearby, surrounded by visitors cooling off, their feet dangling in the basin.
Why You Should Visit:
The place to be in Montreal from June to August! Great fun for young and old and there is something for everyone. The area is relaxed, yet full of restaurants and also good shopping; easily accessible as there's a metro stop nearby.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Montreal. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Place des Arts on Map
Sight Name: Place des Arts
Sight Location: Montreal, Canada (See walking tours in Montreal)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Montreal, Canada (See walking tours in Montreal)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Montreal, Canada
Create Your Own Walk in Montreal
Creating your own self-guided walk in Montreal is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
The RMS Titanic Walking Tour
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Although Montreal's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Although Montreal's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Montreal Introduction Walking Tour
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The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Old Montreal Walking Tour
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Most of Montreal's earliest architecture, characterized by uniquely French influence, including grey stone... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Most of Montreal's earliest architecture, characterized by uniquely French influence, including grey stone... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Whenever you gaze upon the historical buildings of Montreal, you are reminded that the true measure of a city's greatness lies in its ability to preserve its past while embracing its future. Old Montreal – home to four centuries of architecture shaped by French sophistication and English practicality – is a place all its own.
Here, modern buildings coexist with some of the oldest and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Here, modern buildings coexist with some of the oldest and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Montreal Souvenirs: 15 Trip Mementos to Bring Home
The outpost of Frenchness in North America (and the world's 2nd largest francophone city after Paris), Montreal is the meeting point of the New and Old World styles, the collision of the French, English and Aboriginal cultures. The historical and ethnic uniqueness of the city is seen throughout...