The free museums in Montreal, Canada, are wonderful places to learn about a variety of subjects, including art, history, biology, and more, without having to spend any money. Continue reading to find out!
1. Where to find Montreal’s top free museums
Musée de Lachine
The trip to the suburbs is well worth it to see the Musée de Lachine, also known as the Le Ber-Le Moyne House. It is Montreal‘s oldest standing structure and has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada since 2002. Along with the old buildings itself, the Musée Plein air de Lachine features a large archeological collection and a sculpture park.
- How free is it? This museum in Montreal is always free.
Redpath Museum
One of the city’s most underappreciated museums, the McGill University-run science, and more destination, is home to a huge Gorgosaurus libratus dinosaur skeleton and an excellent collection of Quebec minerals and Egyptian mummies. What’s best? Pay what you can is accepted.
- How free is it? Always free (but a $10 gift is requested).
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Centre de design de l’UQAM: One of Montreal’s top free museums
In addition to being always free, the Centre de design is worthwhile to visit for its top-notch design displays, which range from photography collections to interactive multimedia performances. Keep an eye on their exhibition schedule because it frequently changes to highlight various facets of architecture, graphic design, the arts, and more.
- How free is it? This museum in Montreal is always free.
Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal
This fine arts museum features some of the best traveling exhibits in Canada, but admission to view the displays will cost you about $15 for every visit. If you don’t have the money, the permanent collection is as outstanding, including works by Picasso, Monet, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and a great selection of Canadian and Quebecois artists.
The museum buildings on Sherbrooke Street are dotted with outdoor sculptures, the most notable of which is a magnificent Dale Chihuly piece on the south-facing steps. Be sure to take a stroll around these structures.
- How free is it? On the first Sunday of each month, the permanent collection is free for those ages 0 to 20.
McCord Museum
This is one of the top free museums in Montreal. The McCord Museum’s official purpose is to honor Montreal’s history and people, but in practice, it serves as a hub for all things related to culture and happy living. In addition to its permanent collections of paintings, samples of fashion, Indigenous artifacts, furniture, and photography, visitors may expect to discover morning yoga lessons, Indigenous music concerts, and even movie screenings, depending on the day.
- How free is it? Every Wednesday night and the first Sunday of the month are free.
Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
The MAC is a spectacular building inside and out, situated on the Place des Festivals in the Quartier des spectacles. It was Canada’s first contemporary art museum when it opened in 1964. It features a variety of permanent and temporary modern exhibits and artistic expression, from digital and video installations to more conventional paintings and sculptures.
- How free is it? Free for citizens of Quebec on the first Sunday of every month and discounted on Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
Canadian Centre for Architecture
Don’t overlook the CCA if you have an interest in architecture. The goal of the worldwide research center is to raise public awareness of the function that architecture plays in modern society. Expect a wide selection of exciting exhibits and activities, such as photography, plans, and more. Everything curated here is a wonderful discovery and a very educational introduction to many civilizations.
- How free is it? Free on the first Sunday of every month and every Thursday after 5:30 p.m.
Montreal Holocaust Museum
Through the testimonies and relics of Montreal survivors, the Montreal Holocaust Museum takes visitors through the raw account of the Jewish community during World War II. It’s a deeply affecting experience that you’ll remember for a very long time. Please take note that this museum is not appropriate for children under the age of eight due to the subject matter.
- How free is it? Free for everyone, including journalists, Holocaust survivors, social assistance recipients, and taxi drivers.
La Guilde
Spend the afternoon admiring a variety of mixed-media works created by Inuit and First Nations artists over the last century, such as ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and traditional clothing. The modest gallery is conveniently situated across the street from the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and is always free to enter.
- How free is it? This museum in Montreal is always free.
Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum
The Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum transports visitors to the seventeenth century, the time period in which Marguerite Bourgeoys, the first teacher in Montreal and the creator of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, resided. Visitors visiting the crypt below the city can learn about the history of the chapel and the growth of Montreal’s first settlement by entering the 300-year-old chapel.
- How much is it free? Entry to Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is always free, but not to the larger museum.
2. What are Montreal’s top museums?
A visit to one of Montreal’s great museums ought to be at the top of your to-do list. Whether you’re traveling to the city for the first time or returning to a favorite piece of art. One of the most well-liked family activities in Montreal is visiting a museum, which is one of the greatest places to experience the rich culture of the city. With 7 museums on the list, Montreal essentially has one for every interest.
