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 architecture of Montréal reflects the city’s unique aesthetic sensibility: simultaneously bold, romantic, and unapologetic. Many of the most iconic buildings offer event space for private functions. Here are a few of our favourites.
Olympic Park
On the grounds of the 1976 Olympic Games, the iconic stadium and its impressive tower 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.
Biosphere
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.
Basilica Notre Dame
The crown jewel in Québec’s rich religious heritage. The exterior of the Basilica Notre-Dame includes an impressive Gothic Revival facade, while the interior is grand and colourful, with a ceiling coloured in deep blue and decorated with golden stars. The stained-glass windows of the sanctuary depict scenes from the religious history of Montréal. Various halls are available for meetings, receptions, concerts, school commencements, and other special events.
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 an 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, the Château Dufresne 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, the team at La Grande Roue de Montréal has accommodated all sorts of groups. The elevated patio can accommodate 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 recently renovated Montréal Biodôme enables visitors to discover plants and animals from five ecosystems across the Americas. Its Entrance Hall “wows” guests with 20-metre-high ceilings and ample space to accommodate between 250 and 500 people—a space that will undoubtedly dazzle guests. Event rental information on the website of Espace pour la vie.
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