PHI Foundation Montreal
Global contemporary art, for free
The PHI Foundation, formerly DHC Art, is an anchor of the contemporary art scene in Montreal since 2007. It is housed in an art deco building in Old Montreal. Founded by Phoebe Greenberg, and inspired by the Fondation Cartier in Paris, the PHI Foundation is focused on making contemporary art accessible to the largest number of people.
I can't tell you how many amazing global artists I've seen there over the years. When I lived in Montreal, I visited. When I've lived elsewhere, I've returned to the city, sometimes specifically to see a show at PHI.
Here are a few of the globally renowned artists I have seen over the years: Sophie Calle (2008), Chris Marklay (2009), Eija Liisa-Ahtila and Jenny Holzer in 2010, Thomas Demand (2013), Richard Mosse (2014), Bjork (2016), Stan Douglas in 2021. Every one of these shows was well-curated thought-provoking and often experiential.
The current show (beginning August 4) is of work by Moridja Kitenge Banza, an artist born in Congo, then lived in Paris, and now calls Montreal home. Part of his show explores the "unequal power dynamics of cartography and the divinatory art of palmistry."
PHI Foundation is part of the larger PHI network, also including the PHI Centre, PHI Studio, artist residency programs, and Antenna, an editorial platform. When you're down by the river in Old Montreal, you can find PHI Foundation by looking for the red-lighted window, up rue St-Nicolas.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Montreal guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Montreal
Café Got Soul – Get Your Grub Groove On
Cafe or concept - Got Soul’s unique combination of the two which works well. Fans of club music and vintage vinyl will feel right at home...
By
Dasilva
Arthur
Theatre Fairmount – Spaceship with music
It's quite interesting because it's all in length, with a stage in the middle to the right & a bar on the left side stretched on almost half of the space.
By
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Le bar A – A real local bar
There is a neighbourly atmosphere that defines this tiny but very charming bar. The bar list is very basic but covers the essentials.
By
Jeremy
Petrus
Artist-run centres – Avant garde art in Mile-End
Each gallery has its own mandate and style, so a trip to the area will almost always result in a wide assessment of contemporary art practiced in the city.
By
Scott
Duncan
Parc Frédéric-Back – Ecosystem renewal and views
The land is the site of rapid regeneration, beginning with massive indigenous wildflower meadows that lead quickly to the formation of new forests.
By
Scott
Duncan
Wills Beer – Brand new brewery in Mile-Ex
Built by two cousins - Alex and Ethan - this brewery focuses on sophisticated beers reflecting recent trends and more classic Central European styles.
By
Scott
Duncan
Café Toranj – For foreign food and latte lovers
"Café Toranj" in Shelbrooke, Montreal, is a Persian café with eclectic decor. I can vouch for their saffron cake - and check out their latte!
By
Dasilva
Arthur
Guido Molinari – Old bank turned into art place
"Guido Molinari" in Montreal has everything going for it. It's an art space that always gets me thrilled whenever there's a new exhibition going on...
By
Jérémie
Gerhardt
Arcade MTL – Video Game Heaven
Finish him! Me-style kick! Hadouken! Shoryuken! If you’re familiar with these phrases, odds are that you're a gamer, or at least played a video game or two in your life.
By
Dasilva
Arthur
Saint Sushi Bar – Wanna eat some Marvin Gaye sushi?
"Saint Sushi Bar" in Montreal is not a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant - rather, its focus is on playful, hiphop, 'gangsta' reinterpretations.
By
Julie
Gauthier
Tami par Mlle V – Precise, fast, well priced
"Tami nails" Montreal is my favorite nail art studio. The artists are precise, fast and it's well priced. In short, a girl's luxury that feels good!
By