Once the residence of Governor Claude de Ramezay, Château Ramezay Museum chronicles the rich history of Montreal. The history of this building dates back to the 18th Century when it was built and has been listed as an must-see historic sites by UNESCO. Now, it houses an impressive collection of antiques, photographs, paintings and costumes. This site is known for its frequent exhibitions from upcoming and veteran artists and has two permanent exhibitions.
Built on the site where the city's founders first landed, this history and archaeology museum opened exactly 350 years after the event, in 1992. Pointe-à-Callière Museum stands on the remains of original historical buildings, and parts of the old fortification walls are on display. It features a multimedia show and an underground archaeological tour, along with various temporary exhibits. Highlights include the triangular Éperon Building, the former Customs House, and Place Royale. Kids will especially enjoy learning first hand what it means to be an archaeologist in a fun engaging manner with the engaging Archaeo-Adventure Exhibition, while the Pirates or Privateers exhibition will thrill them as they learn about life on the High-seas. With plenty of events and activities, the museum is a true cultural hub in the city.
Housed in what was once McGill University's student union building, McCord Museum was born in 1921 - the vision of passionate collector David Ross McCord. Today it houses almost 900,000 objects consisting of ethnological and archaeological materials, costumes and textiles, photographs, paintings, prints, drawings and decorative arts, all related to Canadian social and cultural history. The museum offers interactive animation exhibitions, guided tours and publications. Stop into the boutique for native Canadian arts and crafts, fine china, pottery, jewelry, posters, exhibition catalogs and greetings cards.
Art and history come together to depict Lachine's fascinating history at Musée de Lachine. Comprising the historic Le Ber-Le Moyne, 17th-century structure and a sculpture garden, there is much to admire at this fabulous museum. The Maison Le Ber-Le Moyne takes visitors on a historic journey through its transition from a fur-trading post to a farm house and manor. Temporary exhibits, held in the Pavillon Benoît-Verdickt and the Pavillon de l'Entrepôt, run the gamut of modern art, while the Outdoor Sculpture Museum in René-Lévesque Park is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
Sisters of Saint Anne Historic Center (Centre historique des Sœurs de Sainte-Anne) is set in their former convent that dates back to the 19th Century. Unravel the history of the sisters and their revered founder, Blessed Marie-Esther Blondin through the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The stones of the building were culled from the nearby Lachine Canal and its magnificent hall will take you through the life of its first Mother Superior who dedicated her life to educating the rural people of the province. During summers, costumed guides will take you back in time in a charming tour of the religious heritage of this convent.