Municipal art collection

Last updated May 5, 2023
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The city’s art collection is made up of over 1,000 paintings, books and art objects, sculptures, tapestries, installations, videos and photographs.

This collection is presented in municipal facilities in the boroughs, in public and semi-public spaces:

  • Borough halls
  • Libraries
  • Cultural and sports facilities
  • Office spaces 

Showcasing these works helps support and promote Montréal’s contemporary art scene. The collection brings Montrealers into direct contact with art from the past to the present.

Acquisition modes

The city adds to its collection in several ways.

Art acquisition plan for the cultural centre network (PADORAC)

Under this plan, the city acquires works presented in the 200 or so annual exhibitions of the cultural centre network. Artists must have exhibited as part of the network’s artistic programming, and their file must first be selected for evaluation by the acquisition committee.

Awards of excellence 

The city adds to its collection each year through works acquired from artists, finalists and winners of the Prix Louis-Comtois and the Prix Pierre-Ayot, which recognize excellence in visual arts, created in partnership with the Contemporary Art Galleries Association (AGAC), and the Prix François-Houdé, awarded to craft artists, created in collaboration with the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec (CMAQ).

Donations

When the city receives proposals for art donations, they are reviewed by an acquisition committee. The committee then makes recommendations as to whether or not the artwork should be added to the collection. The offer submitted must include a presentation of the work and the completed form.

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