Pointe-a-Calliere, Montreal's Museum of Archaeology and History is really the birthplace of Montreal making it an ideal first destination for visitors.
Situated in Old Montreal, the museum sits on the site of Montreal's first settlement where the St. Lawrence River met the now defunct Little Saint-Pierre River. The museum functions as both an exhibition space and an archaeological conservation site.
350 Place Royale, Old Montreal
T: 514.872.9150
Visit Pointe-a-Calliere
The Pointe-a-Calliere site includes three buildings: 1. The new Eperon Building whose tower dominates the rue (street) de la Commune and marks the entrance to the museum. 2. The Conduit which for a while functioned as a sewer and now leads to the archaeological crypt under Montreal's first public square, the Place Royale. 3. The Ancienne-Douane - the old customs house built in 1836.
In the multimedia room just off the main entrance visitors are treated to an 18 - minute film, "Where Montreal was Born". Visitors sit in one of two galleries overlooking architectural remnants spanning six centuries which serves as the screen for the film.
Descending into the basement, visitors can see relics from different eras that have been preserved in the soil. The exhibit, "A Point of Land Through the Ages" recreates Montreal's history from 1000 years ago until today.
Entering the crypt, visitors look down through a plexglass floor to view models of the city from five different time periods.
Upstairs in the Ancienne-Douane (old customs building) the exhibition, "From Wampum to Credit Cards" details Montreal's importance as a meeting place and a center of trade.
"Montreal Love Stories", a collection of objects and video montages, focuses on contemporary Montreal and the people from all backgrounds who have made the city their home. Upon leaving, visitors are encouraged to leave a photo of themselves or a souvenir as a contribution to Montreal's ongoing story.