Located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada as part of the Place des Artes complex, the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal is Canada’s oldest museum dedicated specifically to contemporary art and its only one highlighting both contemporary visual and performing arts.
History
The MACM was founded in 1964 as a government initiative, at the urging of artists looking to see an institution established in Montreal exclusively for contemporary works. During its initial years, it was housed in three temporary locations: a short-term facility at Place Ville-Marre in its first year, a site at the Château Dufresne building, and an installation as part of the Expo 67 Gallery of International Art at Cité du Havre. In 1983, the museum became an independent provincially owned corporation managed by a board of directors, and soon began a quest to find a new permanent home. An architectural competition was held for designers to envision a new building for the museum, with over 100 international firms vying for design honors. The following year, in 1984, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte and Associés’ design was selected as the winner and planning for the new permanent location was begun.
The Place des Artes complex in the Quartier des spectacles district was chosen for the museum location, and a 15,100 m2 building was constructed. The new museum was inaugurated on May 28, 1992, with more than 20,000 visitors celebrating its opening. The building is notable for its rooftop digital art installation, La Voie lactée, designed by Quebec artist Geneviève Cadieux.
Permanent Exhibits
The museum’s collection holds a collection of 7,961 works of contemporary art created by over 1,500 artists, the majority of whom are still alive and working, with a special emphasis on the works of Quebecois and Canadian artists. The collection has largely been acquired through donations from artists and collectors and has more than doubled since the establishment of the museum’s permanent location. In particular, a 1973 donation by the National Museum of Canada of 55 works by Paul-Émile Borduas makes the museum the leading repository of the artist’s collection.
True to its mission of highlighting rising artists and works in multidisciplinary fields, much of the museum’s gallery space is devoted to rotating temporary exhibitions and open galleries featuring an assortment of works from its permanent collection. Pieces on display are diverse, from paintings, installations, and sculptures to digital video and sound works. The museum is constantly acquiring new works as an attempt to engage in dialogue with current art movements in Quebec and beyond, offering visitors a continually changing experience.
In addition to works displayed in the galleries, several sculptures from the museum’s collection are on display at public locations throughout the city, including Jean-Paul Riopelle’s La Joute, Ivanhoë Fortier’s Sans titre, and Marcel Babeau’s Nadia ou Le Saut du tremplin.
Ongoing Programs and Education
Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the museum conducts interactive docent-led tours for visitors, free of charge with general admission. Offered in English and French, the 60-minute tours are designed to foster a deeper appreciation of contemporary art for visitors, with docents answering questions and providing further information on the artists and works featured at the museum. Tours for schools and organized groups are offered by appointment, with tours available that are specifically geared to help visually impaired and reduced mobility patrons enjoy the museum and its works.
The popular quarterly Nocturne nights series allows a late-night museum experience in a fun and social setting. Hands-on art workshops are conducted throughout the evening, with DJs and bar service running until 2:00am. The SéminArts program gives visitors a chance to learn about the art world in a unique experience of five sessions with artists, gallerists, curators, and collectors, and also sponsors community events such as visits to other art venues. Other talks and tours are also frequently held with artists whose work is on display in the museum, encouraging community dialogue about the pieces and their creation.
Beyond its ongoing series, the museum is host to a number of special events throughout the year, many themed around temporary exhibitions or in cooperation with the events of the Place des Artes complex. The Place des Artes’ six theatrical halls and large public esplanade are home to some of Montreal’s biggest annual events, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Just For Laughs comedy festival, and the French-language music festival Les FrancoFolies. The museum’s cafe, Restaurant du MAC, is one of several restaurants on site at the complex for visitors attending festivals or special events or looking to enjoy a full day at Place des Artes.
Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, niveau galerie commerciale, Pl. Ville-Marie local 11220, Montréal, QC H3B 3Y1, Canada, Montreal Botanical Garden
