Stepping into the Beaux-Arts style 1700 La Poste feels like stepping back in time and stepping into the capacious mind of the art gallery's founder, Isabelle de Mévius. The art gallery curates solo exhibits of major contemporary artists, in a space that is beautiful and suited to all sorts of shows. It is a bright cultural light in a rapidly developing part of the city, Griffintown.
I've seen two shows at the gallery: a very personal retrospective of Quebec's Raymonde April, a magnificent photographer of the past four decades. April's photos invited you into her life - intimate, or expansive.
More recently, Jannick Deslaurier's installations. Deslaurier's show features large sculptures combining polyester, tulle, and wires to form delicate, somewhat broken-down forms of pianos, typewriters, and other household objects. In the main gallery space, she is showing forms that feel as if they've been struck by bombs: prams, swing sets, and others. The show is troubling and thought-provoking during a time of war in Ukraine.
1700 La Poste exhibits are free to the public, and very well curated by Isabelle de Mévieus and her team. The converted post office is worth a visit on its own.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Montreal guide.
Sit on the sidewalk and eat the most delicious gnocchi for only $5, with a rich tomato sauce and imagine whatever you want in your own alternate reality.
By
I was struck by the enthusiastic staff and the very tender exhibit about window coverings that invited us to consider what is shown and what is hidden.
By
Here you will find a strange pyramid of benches that doubles as an art gallery, small fields & greenhouses tended by students from the nearby university.
By
Olimpico attracts the young and beautiful. And Club Social feels like it's been there longer, and remains true to its roots. Both have terrific bombolini!
By
The cannoli! A crisp shell that shatters a bit as you bite into it, first-class ricotta cheese. Not too sweet. Somehow light and filling at the same time.
By
Caffe Italia has been popular with Italian families for decades & it never lost the homey feeling. The coffee is delicious. The vibe is welcoming and loud.
By
Jean Talon market is the kind of place where there is a vast choice, but I'd bet that most regulars end up with their favorite sellers.
By
Somehow in the race to make everything chain stores Duluth has remained pretty much a family-run affair, skewed towards the hippy/punk end of the spectrum.
By
I was quite smitten with the gnocchi at Restaurant Marconi, not least because a portion of the price of the meal is shared with those in need around town.
By
"Nonnina Panini and Gelato" in Montreal is a café that offers Italian snacks & desserts - get your chocolate & peanut butter tartelette and explore Lachine!
By
There are bird spotters, trainspotters... and plane spotters - and this is where they meet in Montreal! Ready for some plane spotting in YUL?
By
Most belvederes offer views from above - this one is different and offers views to Montreal's skyline!
By
0 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!
✓ 0 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!