City hall modernization: Exhibition and works of art

Last updated June 6, 2024
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City hall welcomes Montrealers to a newly refurbished and modernized space. The building has been renovated to be more accessible and user-friendly. In addition to a permanent exhibition, works of art and areas previously closed to the public can now be seen, including a terrace.

Art and museum space

A tour of the museum, including the permanent exhibition “Ville humaine” (“Human City”), is free and open to the public. It tells the story of local democracy and explores how this civic space has evolved since its creation.

Two works of art (in French) have been installed inside and outside the building.  On the first floor, “Ce que nous avons laissé derrière nous aide à avancer” (“What We Left Behind Helps Us Move Forward”) features 5 photographs printed on glass panels. Artist Chih-Chien Wang depicts plants from his garden that are often considered weeds. The work encourages us to rethink who we are as individuals, but also as human beings in society.    

On the terrace, Mathieu Lévesque’s “Gambit” consists of 5 modular, geometric sculptures in bronze and painted aluminum. They evoke a certain memory of the place. Their bright colours are a reminder of the festive side of our city and are a reference to the flowers on the city’s coat of arms.

The project was designed by Beaupré Michaud et Associés Architectes, in collaboration with MU Architecture and PARA-SOL.

An even more accessible and energy-efficient space 

The entire building, including the balconies, is wheelchair accessible. Persons with reduced mobility can access council meetings from the balcony of the council chamber. 

A public hearing room is available for people who would like to attend information meetings. See the standing committees page for more details. 

The building significantly reduces its energy consumption and waste at source by participating in the “ICI on recycle+” program.