Montréal is a city of design — but don’t just take our word for it, trust the United Nations. In 2006, Montréal was officially designated a UNESCO City of Design (the only one in Canada), meaning that the city is a global leader in the field of design. The city’s architecture reflects its unique aesthetic sensibility, and many of the most iconic buildings offer event space for private functions. Here are a few of our favourites.
Place Ville Marie
Place Ville Marie is a downtown architectural gem. Designed by renowned architects Ieoh Ming Pei and Henry N. Cobb, this complex includes office towers, a shopping centre and the Cathcart epicurean food court (with its rental spaces) housed under the impressive PVM Glass Pavilion and indoor garden. Outside, the modern Esplanade PVM buzzes with activity under the iconic Ring installation (winner of a 2024 National Urban Design Award) and has ample space to host exciting cultural and experiential events.
Grand Quai and Port of Montréal Tower
The bright multipurpose spaces of the Grand Quai and Port of Montréal Tower can host a variety of events throughout the year, with a Green Rooftop and Esplanade at the end of the Grand Quai that provide a delightful setting for open-air networking events with enough space for tents, containers, and food trucks. The observation tower features picture-postcard views of the city and the river and adds a grand hall to the event spaces of the Grand Quai.
Esplanade Tranquille
The Esplanade Tranquille is a year-round public space in the heart of downtown, with a large urban terrace, complete with patio furniture and a playground in summertime — a large grassy area that plays host to an array of events and activities. Once the snow falls, the Esplanade’s large outdoor skating rink is a great spot for offsites.
Olympic Park
On the grounds of the 1976 Olympic Games, the iconic stadium and its impressive plaza continue to be major Montréal tourism attractions. The Olympic Park has a wide range of indoor and outdoor spaces that can be arranged to suit event needs. When you organize an event at the Olympic Park, you become part of its incredible history.
Biosphère
Originally an enclosed structure of steel and acrylic cells, the geodesic dome was conceived by Buckminster Fuller as the pavilion for the United States for Expo 67. These days it’s home to the Montréal Biosphère, a museum dedicated to ecology. Whether it is the conference room, the Belvedere, or the Entrance Hall, rental opportunities offer cozy and creative atmospheres. Event rental information on the website of Espace pour la vie.
Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
Located in a neighbourhood called the Quartier Latin, Montréal’s public library was designed to encourage the discovery and exploration of Québec culture: books, music, video, plenty of archives and other treasures. The building itself has won architectural awards, and features conference and reception rooms, as well as a light-drenched atrium ideal for mingling.
Place des Arts
A major performing arts centre, Place des Arts is the largest cultural and artistic complex in Canada. Located downtown in the entertainment district (area known as the Quartier des Spectacles), the complex is home to the Montréal Symphony Orchestra, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and the Opéra de Montréal. A variety of space rentals are available for private events.
Château Dufresne
The Château Dufresne was originally a beaux-arts style manor owned by leading members of Montréal’s French bourgeoisie. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the history of Montréal’s east end as well as plenty of exquisite artefacts from that timeless era. Book the solarium for a charming Downton Abbey inspired cocktail party.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
From corporate outings to elementary school classes to international tour groups, La Grande Roue de Montréal can accommodate all sorts of groups. The elevated patio has room for up to 150 attendees (for a cocktail-style event), and can be arranged to include tables, sofas, heaters, a DJ booth and other event requests. Both food service (through the onsite bistro) and liquor permits are possible.
Biodôme
The futuristically designed Montréal Biodôme enables visitors to discover plants and animals from five ecosystems across the Americas. Its Entrance Hall has 20-metre-high ceilings and ample space to accommodate between 250 and 500 people — it’s a space that will undoubtedly dazzle guests. Event rental information on the website of Espace pour la vie.
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