A question I ask myself when I moved to Montreal and every time I enter a new city is "where are the galleries hidden? What’s happening here and where do I get my visual art fix?" Galleries are for me the best way to prepare a trip if you travel on a budget; it’s usually free entrance such as the Belgo building, you explore new spaces and works or eventually you discover new artists. Sounds like a good deal to me!
Montreal, like many other locations, is full of street art; there are galleries and shops that are bridges and doors that allow one to communicate between these worlds. I think of galerie COA, the shop and gallery El Sino or the Station 16 Gallery. But if you are like me you will want more; the galaxy of art places is broad and like the milky way there exists a cluster with a higher concentration of galleries.
A few months ago I first pushed the doors of the Belgo building and since then I've been coming back very regularly. It's an iconic old building in downtown Montreal near Place des Arts on Sainte-Catherine -- five floors with zillions of art spaces showing the work of many artists. Places like Galerie Laroche Joncas, La Castiglione, art245 (where the picture illustrating this spot is coming from their exhibition on artist Landon Mackenzie) or the amazing space Catalogue are just a tiny selection of what is available for your eyes to see. Enjoy.
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Espace Urbain is a store that sells afro and urban-inspired products; everything from clothing and jewelry to beauty products and art. They have over 120 local brands and unique products, many of which are handmade.
by
It's not often that you can search vinyl, have a coffee, have brunch or eat a delicious burger - one of my top two - while someone is DJ'ing for you.
by
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
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
"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
"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
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
My bowling career has taken a new turn in the winter of 2023 when my job started a bowling league this winter, in teams of 6 players and we meet twice a month at Quilles Moderne Inc.
by
"Saint Sushi Bar" in Montreal is not a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant - rather, its focus is on playful, hiphop, 'gangsta' reinterpretations.
by
"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
"Kahwa Café" Montreal is one of my favorite places for coffee or tea. There's often a new exhibition and it's a great place to work with the free wi-fi...
by
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips