Free Museums in Montreal

"The multi-media, LEED-certified eco-friendly Phi Centre in Old Montreal, and the neighbouring Fondation Phi pour l’art contemporain, were founded by visionary Montreal patron of the arts Phoebe Greenberg. The Phi Centre includes an art gallery, cinema, theatre, performance space and production facilities, and presents exhibitions and shows year-round, while the Fondation Phi pour l’art contemporain is a private museum with no permanent collection and presents a couple of exhibitions per year."

"DHC Foundation for Contemporary art is another awesome not-for-profit which every year offers a handful of long-running exhibits for the public to enjoy, totally free. They’re housed in two beautiful heritage buildings in Old Montreal—get lost in the beautiful artwork and in the winding cobblestone streets of this historical neighbourhood. Where: 451 & 465 St-Jean Street"

"As Montreal moved past the Art Deco phase, Brutalism soon took over... but there are Brutalist buildings to love!. Plus, many other, more recent projects in the city prove that Montreal is an architectural hub with designers that don't waste the chance to turn a cultural physical site into a cultural landmark."

"The rundown: It’s so wonderfully strange to think that the world’s largest permanent exhibit of Barbie dolls lives in the Cours Mont-Royal shopping centre. Half childhood fantasy, half current daydream, this is literally a collection of 1,000+ Barbies—but they’ve had a massive transformation from the dolls you collected as a kid. Some are dressed in tiny, perfect designer creations, everything from a replica of Dior’s Tailleur Bar to a Hervé Léger bandage dress; others are styled like beloved celebs and movie characters, or sport uniforms inspired by brands (Harley Davidson, Hard Rock Cafe) and works of art (Van Gogh’s Starry Night, a Fabergé egg)."

"Montreal is home to the Barbie Expo, the largest permanent collection of Barbie dolls in the world. Guests have the chance to see and snap pics of over 1,000 one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls, all dressed by the city’s leading fashion designers. When: Daily Time: Friday, 10 am to 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pmWhere: 1455 Rue PeelPrice: Free admission"

"Located in historic Old Town, the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum is an epicenter of historical and cultural significance for the city of Montreal. The museum itself is centered on the life and accomplishments of Marguerite Bourgeoys herself, the founder of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and the city’s first teacher. One of the original pioneers of the 17th century, Bourgeoys is credited for having contributed to the birth of Montreal."

"The rundown: Marguerite Bourgeoys was Montreal’s first teacher. She opened a school in 1658 for the few young children living in Ville-Marie (now Montreal), returned to France to recruit teachers, then expanded the school to accommodate more students. While her story is interesting, it’s admittedly not the primary reason to stop by."

"If you want to check out the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum co-located with the chapel, however, you will have to pay an entry fee. Image credit: Jeangagnon (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 license)"

"Beautifully designed Bulma Bar is the hot new thing in Old Montreal. Stepping inside is a departure from the cobblestone streets of the area, where instead sleek modern lines, wood, concrete and neon lights dominate the space. Named for the Dragon Ball character, Bulma is an attempt to marry the owners’ Taiwanese heritage and love for Montreal."

"All the variety of a continental breakfast, without the boring (this place may be the only restaurant ever with an exciting version of the classic fruit cup)."

"It's a restaurant, an Italian grocery store and an ice cream shop all rolled into one. You can have a great meal here featuring generous portions of tasty osso bucco and pastas that are made in-house daily, topped with amazing sauces. There are giant salads, a good selection of veal and chicken dishes, pizzas and calzones, and specialties such as braised rabbit and roasted veal shank."

"Not only have they stood the test of time, but they’ve expanded to more than just a fine dining restaurant. Attached to the restaurant is a cafe and gelateria with homemade authentic Italian gelato. They probably have the best vanilla gelato we’ve tasted in Montreal, with flecks of vanilla bean, bursting with flavour."

"Montreal isn’t particularly known for Neapolitan-style pizza, but when you’re looking for a thin-crust, made-to-order pie, Gema makes one of the best. This place uses top-quality ingredients and makes all their charcuterie in-house. You can also get frozen custard, and during the summer, there’s a little takeout window where you can grab dessert to eat while strolling around Little Italy, which is basically the perfect summer evening in Montreal."

"While this Little Italy gem may be better known for slinging pies, the secret’s out on its homemade frozen custard too. Served from a walk-up window, the rich and creamy treat is made in-house with dairy from Laiterie Chagnon in Waterloo, Quebec and offered in traditional flavours⁠—pistachio, vanilla, and chocolate⁠—that are switched up on the regular."

"Gema Pizzeria may be one of Montreal’s finest pizzeria’s, but Gema also has a counter selling extraordinary soft ice cream. Thanks to chef Michele Forgione’s recipe, Gema is now a Tastet favourite for ice cream. Whether it’s vanilla or chocolate ice cream, dipped in chocolate or caramel, the outcome is ice cream heaven!"

"The Eater Restaurant of the Year for 2019, Moccione earned quick accolades from critics and peers alike, who were quick to praise the homey, laid-back atmosphere at this Italian restaurant. With very limited seating in a simple yet charming space, and a strong focus on fresh ingredients (the pastas are all handmade daily) the food is an obvious highlight, and the vibe is just right. Tip: look to make a reservation well in advance."

"Former sous-chef at world-renowned restaurant Toqué is back with this new co-venture. Moccione is, by comparison, a simpler place and focuses instead on creating a warm atmosphere that makes visitors feel right at home. They serve simple Italian dishes with authentic ingredients alongside a comprehensive wine list, each the product of many years of experience and expertise."

"Former Toqué chef Luca Cianciulli and partner Maxime Landry bestowed this cozy Italian resto upon Villeray in late 2018. Pasta is the focus — bolstered by the likes of arancini and polpette for appetizers — and, as with all great Italian food, simplicity is key, with sauces and other accoutrements that allow delicate bucatini or ricotta-asiago-stuffed cannelloni to shine."