Place Ville-Marie, Montreal

One of Montréal's most controversial projects, considering its proximity to many Montreal landmarks and the vast changes it would bring to the downtown core, Place Ville-Marie skyscraper was part of Mayor Jean Drapeau's plan to create a new, modern metropolis. Its name was, in fact, chosen by the Mayor himself (to honor the French Catholic colony founded in 1642 at what now is Montreal), while its offices were meant to house headquarters for the Royal Bank of Canada (still in place). The city's financial district thus moved from Old Montréal to downtown, inside the largest and most complex office building the world had ever seen.

The name "Place Ville Marie" is often used to refer to the cruciform building only, whereas it also applies to the four shorter office buildings constructed around it in 1963 and 1964, as well as to the urban plaza which lies on top of the largest section of the shopping promenade, and between the buildings.

Designed by I. M. Pei (one of most recognized architects of the 20th century) and Henry N. Cobb, this international-style construction was completed in 1962. Then tallest in the British Commonwealth, the edifice also held the distinction of being the city's only cruciform building.

The location of Place Ville Marie was originally a vast railway trench. Most of the building was thus constructed over the tracks, requiring the structure to be more resistant to vibrations than normally required. As a result, it is the most earthquake-resistant office tower in Montreal.

Below ground, the complex became a nexus for Montréal's Underground City, the world's busiest, with indoor access to over 1,600 businesses, numerous subway stations, and tunnels extending throughout downtown. A counter-clockwise rotating beacon on the rooftop lights up at night, illuminating the surrounding sky with white horizontal beams that can be seen as far as 50 kilometres (31 mi) away.

The plaza has a large fountain with programmed water jets and a large abstract sculpture at its centre, "Feminine Landscape" by Gerald Gladstone.

Tip:
If you visit during Christmas, you will find a huge Christmas tree at the central court.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 9:30am–6pm; Thu, Fri: 9:30am–9pm; Sat: 9:30am–5pm; Sun: 12–5pm