If these 25 buildings don't convince you that Montreal architecture is world-class, I don't know what will. Take a look at these photos of some iconic Montreal buildings that have helped shape our city's skyline. We're looking at historic and contemporary buildings as well as art deco masterpieces and, of course, a handful of awe-inspiring churches. 👇 Visit MTLBlog for more headlines. A couple weeks ago, we presented you with an article that proved the Montreal metro is an architectural wonder. Which, of course, got me thinking about how the entirety of Montreal architecture is a world wonder, a living museum, with buildings spanning back nearly 400 years and fresh new building projects starting all the time. So, we decided it was time to take a look at some of Montreal's most iconic buildings, and maybe some buildings you aren't familiar with, to appreciate how they add to the iconic Montreal skyline. I decided to breakdown the buildings on this list into four loose categories. I'm no architecture historian but I felt it was safe to lump some of these buildings together based on their most noticeable features. Which means if you're looking for a great date idea or just an interesting walk, there are four awesome options here that will throw you into the world of Montreal architecture. The four categories are Early 20th Century buildings, Historic buildings, Contemporary buildings, and Churches (because a list of Montreal architecture would not be complete without a couple churches). There is a reason that Montreal has been mentioned again and again in Architectural Digest — our city is teeming with daring, classic, and downright iconic design. So take a look at these 25 iconic Montreal buildings that are 100% architectural masterpieces. Opulent Early 20th Century The early 20th century is well-represented in Montreal. From the iconic Université de Montréal main building located on Mount Royal to the buildings around Place d'Armes, Vieux-Montreal's historic square — the era of opulent architecture was good to our city. Consider this little tour if you're looking to feel what it was like to walk through Montreal throughout the 1900s, as it grew to be the cultural and economic hub in Canada. Château Dufresne View this post on Instagram I visited the Château Dufresne the other day in Montreal! I had never heard of it before and so I basically did tourism in my own city lol. This is a beautiful house that belonged to the Dufresne Family. It was built in the 10s! It’s just next to the Olympic Stadium Photo by ©️Virginie Pronovost . . . #beautifulhouse #richpeoplehouse #vintage #vintagehouse #vintagearchitecture #1910s #1910sarchitecture #castle #châteaudufresne #chateaudufresne #montreal #montrealarchitecture #montrealhouse #reyesfilter #historicalhouse A post shared by Virginie Pronovost (@ginnie_sp) on Apr 1, 2019 at 8:53am PDT View this post on Instagram Château Dufresne, Montreal #chateaudufresne #museum #historicmontreal #teampixel #yul A post shared by Don (@lusignan7) on Oct 13, 2019 at 10:29am PDT Where: 2929 avenue Jeanne-d'Arc Why: This historic building was erected by two French Canadian brothers whose corporate empire throughout the war helped build the economy of the area and allowed them to create this tandem mansion, with each brother owning and designing his half of the residence. Find out more here. The Aldred & New York Life Insurance Building View this post on Instagram Aldred Building Montreal's first sky scraper 1888 A post shared by David A. King Photography (@davida.kingphotography) on Oct 20, 2019 at 5:48pm PDT View this post on Instagram Bright sunny winter days in #Montreal when you can almost smell spring in the air. This is one of my favourite spots in #OldMontreal 🕰🏢⛪️ #willtravelforfood #mtlmoments • • • • • #mtl #igersmtl #foodandtravel #architecture #vieuxmontreal #architecturephotography #architecturelover #urbanphotography #mytinyatlas #quebec #quebecoriginal #explorecanada #canada #cntraveler #passionpassport #seemycity #culturetrip #guardiantravelsnaps #pursuepretty #tlpicks #montrealjetaime #beautifuldestinations @levieuxmontreal @vieuxportmtl #vieuxmontreal #vieuxportmtl A post shared by Will Travel for Food (@mayssamaha) on Feb 19, 2018 at 3:11pm PST Where: 511 and 507 Place D'Armes Why: Where would Square Saint-Paul be without these two iconic buildings, some of Montreal's first high-rise skyscrapers. The red building, the New York Life Insurance Building, was the tallest commercial building in Montreal at the time of its completion. The white building, The Aldred Building, is designed with setbacks after the style that was popularized due to New York City zonings laws that required them beginning in 1916. Find out more here. Roger Gaudry Pavilion View this post on Instagram Le pavillon Roger-Gaudry de l’Université de Montréal.🏛 #udem #montreal #universitedemontreal #drone #automne A post shared by Drone-moi ça! (@dronemoica) on Oct 12, 2019 at 10:14am PDT View this post on Instagram Studying abroad this weekend 🥯 A post shared by Daniel Dickson (@dunnull) on Oct 20, 2019 at 7:30pm PDT Where: 2900 boul. Edouard Montpetit Why: This iconic building is an immovable part of the Montreal skyline, and was designed by Ernest Cormier, who also designed the Supreme Court of Canada. Find out more here. Écomusée du fier monde View this post on Instagram Musée A post shared by @ mtl_sortie on Aug 28, 2019 at 7:40am PDT View this post on Instagram je voulais me baigner, mais il y avait des chaises dans la piscine, bout de viarge! A post shared by florent (@florentdelforge) on Nov 3, 2018 at 10:56am PDT Where: 2050 rue Atateken Why: Previously the Bain Généreux, this building shares features from the Art Deco and Beaux-Arts eras and is now the Écomusée du fier monde, a cultural hub in the south end of the Plateau. Find out more here. Marché Saint-Jacques View this post on Instagram Sunshine on Rue Amherst #mtl #montreal A post shared by Michelle (@littlemissteef) on Apr 27, 2015 at 6:12pm PDT View this post on Instagram #montreal #canada #ig_northamerica #igworldclub #igersmontreal #worldunion #wu_northamerica #gf_canada #gang_family #gf_daily #royalsnappingartists #infamous_family A post shared by Tony Cheese (@machofromage) on Sep 9, 2013 at 11:37am PDT Where: 2035 rue Atateken, corner of rue Ontario Why: Just across from the Écomusée is the Marché Saint-Jacques, a longstanding farmer's market that is part of a public square that has existed in that space since 1912. Find out more here. Sun Life Building View this post on Instagram Operation Fish #summer #day82 A post shared by Peter Bohacs (@peterbohacs) on Aug 20, 2019 at 11:00pm PDT View this post on Instagram This architectural beauty!! #goodmorning #MTL #Quebec #downtown #architecture #skyscraper A post shared by Laura (@lalabarto19) on Jan 30, 2017 at 6:30am PST Where: 1155 rue Metcalfe Why: Another iconic part of the Montreal skyline, and a building that provides an art deco alternative to the more contemporary skyscrapers in the area. The building was designed by Buffalo architect Richard Waite and construction was completed by Scottish architect Robert Findlay in 1931. Find out more here. Historic Many historical buildings in Vieux-Montreal are still standing in their original form, even if they're now being used as something other than what they were built for — or turned into a museum. Consider this little tour if you're looking to feel as if you've stepped back in time... or, Europe, at least. Hotel Place d'Armes View this post on Instagram The Beauty in Architecture • • • #montreal A post shared by 𝒦. (@mrs_kery1) on Sep 2, 2018 at 7:59am PDT View this post on Instagram Visitors always compare Old Montreal to Paris. They’re not totally wrong . . . . . #montrealjetaime #mtlmoments #mydomainetravels #letsgosomewhere #arianesvatina A post shared by ARIANE (@by.ariane) on Sep 20, 2018 at 3:11pm PDT Where: 701 Cote de la Place d’Armes Why: This breathtaking boutique hotel in Montreal was originally built in 1870 by architects Marchand & Haskell and declared a historic site by the province in 1975, along with the four connected heritage buildings in the Place d'Armes square that serve up some of the best neoclassical design in the city. Find out more here. Saint Sulpice Seminary View this post on Instagram Be a tourist in your own city...🕍 #ilovemtl . . . . . . . . . . A post shared by momo (@uniquelymomo) on Jun 29, 2018 at 11:54pm PDT View this post on Instagram La Compagnie des Prêtres de Saint-Sulpice a construit cet édifice de 1684 à 1687. Votre #IGer invitée : @fleurde.lys #vieuxmontreal #oldmontreal #vieuxseminaire #histoire A post shared by Le Vieux-Montréal (@levieuxmontreal) on Jun 26, 2016 at 5:13pm PDT Where: 116 rue Notre-Dame Ouest Why: This National Historic Site of Canada is the oldest standing building in Montreal with construction starting in 1684. The gardens attached are also the oldest historical gardens in North America. The clock was installed in 1701, making one of the oldest of its kind in North America, and the dial was created and engraved in Paris. Find out more here. Magasin-Entrepôt Dominion-Block View this post on Instagram on sunny day of march #oldportmtl A post shared by yvesh hache (@yveshache) on Mar 6, 2019 at 6:22am PST View this post on Instagram Overcast weather sucks for life but it sure does make for easy pics of gorgeous Old Montreal architecture #oldport #oldmontreal #vieuxmontreal #montreal #architecture A post shared by Norwegian Wood (@norwegianwoodonline) on Jun 11, 2015 at 6:49am PDT Where: 400 rue McGill Why: Built in 1867, the Magasin-Entrepôt Dominion-Block was a functioning warehouse and sales shop that was designated a Heritage Site in 1964. Now there's a place to get your hair done! Nice. Find out more here. Bank of Montreal View this post on Instagram J’ai juste un mot “magnifique” @bmocanada @levieuxmontreal 😍😍😍😍 #mtl #levieuxmontreal #dailyhivemtl #montreall #narcityquebec #narcitycanada #mtlblog #mtlprodigies #madeinmtl #mtlmoments #mtlshot #mtlstop A post shared by Alex - MTL Connoisseur (@a.l.e.x_r.e.e.d) on Oct 21, 2019 at 12:55pm PDT View this post on Instagram The beautiful @bmocanada building and the Maisonneuve Monument in Montréal, on a winter November day. #ahintofheavenphotography #montreal #quebec #oldmontreal #visitmontreal #tourismemontreal #exploremontreal #explorequebec #bankofmontreal #canada #raw_canada #igersquebec #streetphotography #travel #travelphotography #roadtrip #explore #bmo #wander #wanderlust #englishpug #tour #nikon #livelovecanada #statues #igerscanada #imagesofcanada #nikon #traveler #explorecanada A post shared by AHintOfHeaven Photography (@ahintofheavenphotography) on Jul 28, 2019 at 3:04pm PDT Where: 119 rue Saint-Jacques Why: The Pantheon-like head office for the Bank of Montreal, Canada's first bank, was designed by the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, who also built New York City's Pennsylvania Station and the Boston Public Library. Find out more here. Montreal City Hall View this post on Instagram Beautiful looking building. #montreal #architecture #cityhall #mtlblog #mtlmoments #oldport #vieuxportmtl #canada #travelphotography #buildingphotography A post shared by Kassem (@alkemaestro) on Oct 9, 2019 at 2:17am PDT View this post on Instagram Autumn. Montreal City Hall A post shared by Carolina Thwaites (@carolinathwaites) on Oct 16, 2019 at 4:32pm PDT Where: 275 rue Notre-Dame Est Why: Open for guided tours this epic Montreal building was erected between 1872 and 1878 and is "one of the few spots in Montreal where you can still see physical evidence of the fortified town of yesteryear," according to Tourisme Montréal. Find out more here. Hôtel William Gray View this post on Instagram Montréal A post shared by Mark Lupul (@mloopyloops) on Apr 14, 2018 at 12:16pm PDT View this post on Instagram Petite escapade dans le vieux-port💫 #oldportmtl #hotelwilliamgray A post shared by Catherine Guimond (@catherineguimond) on Oct 18, 2018 at 10:47am PDT Where: 421 rue Saint Vincent Why: Not only has Hôtel William Gray been beautifully preserved, it has also been beautifully re-imagined by local firm Béïque Legault Thuot Architectes to add an urban and functional feel to the original historic building. Find out more here. READ ALSO: 24 Photos That Prove The Montreal Metro Is An Architectural Wonder Contemporary As Montreal moved past the Art Deco phase, Brutalism soon took over... but there are Brutalist buildings to love! Plus, many other, more recent projects in the city prove that Montreal is an architectural hub with designers that don't waste the chance to turn a cultural physical site into a cultural landmark. Consider this little tour if you're looking to see some great art and feel on the cutting edge of our city. Habitat '67 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gaëtan Hénault (@gaetanhenault) on Oct 26, 2019 at 3:54pm PDT View this post on Instagram 67 A post shared by Ξлисавета (@teledrugies) on Oct 28, 2019 at 9:54am PDT Where: 2600 ave. Pierre-Dupuy Why: Designed for Expo '67 by Montreal architect Moshe Safdie, Habitat 67 is an architectural success, but an affordable home failure. The community on the St. Lawrence was created as a model for the future of urban dwelling with suburban comforts in mind, but due to the high demand, the properties quickly moved past affordable, as they were intended to be. Find out more here. Montreal Casino View this post on Instagram Faites vos jeux, rien ne va plus 🎲🎲 🌿 #parcjeandrapeau #casinomontreal #casinodemontreal #lotoquebec #ilenotredame #igersmontreal #streetsof514 A post shared by Ray Pel (@raypel40) on Oct 28, 2019 at 6:48am PDT View this post on Instagram This architecture 👌🏾😍. . . . . . . #mtl #mtlmoments #mtllifestyle #mtlphotographer #mtlblogger #mtlnightlife #mtlblog #montreal #514 #mtlview #montrealjetaime #iphoneonly #parisienne #architecture #building #casino #design #architecturephotography #designboom A post shared by Cindy (@deedeedabee) on Oct 24, 2019 at 8:38am PDT Where: 1 avenue du Casino Why: Originally built as the France Pavillion for the World Expo, the Montreal Casino became the largest casino in Canada when it was re-purposed and re-opened in 1994, with modernization continuing into 2013 by architecture firm Provencher Roy. Find out more here. Esplanade de la Place des Arts View this post on Instagram ☁️ Grey midday. #PlaceDesArts #PDA #Esplanade #Montreal #Canada #SoftLight #BestLight #Photography #Photo #UrbanPhotography #Architecture A post shared by Alexandre Lamarre (@alx_igram) on Oct 18, 2019 at 2:03pm PDT View this post on Instagram Place des Arts, Montréal. #PlaceDesArts #PDA #Montreal #Canada #Photography #UrbanPhotography #Photo #Architecture A post shared by Alexandre Lamarre (@alx_igram) on Oct 18, 2019 at 2:09pm PDT Where: 175 rue Saint-Catherine Ouest Why: This massive public outdoor space, which plays host to events like the Festival international de Jazz de Montréal, Just for Laughs, and Montréal en lumière was designed by Montreal architecture firm Provencher Roy and is currently undergoing two $34 million renovation projects. Find out more here. Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal View this post on Instagram When They Said Grand, They Weren’t Lying #art #museum #montrealmuseum #montreal #quebec #montreal #montrealquebec #montrealcanada #montrealtourism #oldportmontreal #ferriswheel #water #river #bridge #nature A post shared by 🇬🇭🇬🇧 (@calm_and_collective_) on Oct 22, 2019 at 4:12am PDT View this post on Instagram Beautiful light, beautiful day getting lost in the city. #macmuseum #montreal #expatlife #light A post shared by LaTribu.shop (@latribu.shop) on Oct 9, 2019 at 6:15am PDT Where: 185 rue Sainte-Catherine O. Why: The MAC moved from Cité du Havre to its current place in Place des Arts in 1992, where it currently serves as Canada's "premier museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art." As with Montreal's other big museum, the architects Jodoin Lamarre Pratte responded to the public design contest and won, inaugurating the building in Montreal's 350th year. Find out more here. Le Complexe environnemental de Saint-Michel View this post on Instagram 🛰 | Vaisseau de verre et de bois massif sur Papineau A post shared by Alexandre Rochette (@rochettea) on Sep 29, 2019 at 5:48pm PDT View this post on Instagram septembre, arrête de faire ton novembre A post shared by mademoiselle montréal (@mademoiselle_montreal) on Sep 7, 2019 at 1:50pm PDT Where: 2235 rue Michel-Jurdant Why: Le Complexe environnemental de Saint-Michel is made up of the TOHU, Stade de Soccer and the massive Parc Fréderick-Back, amongst other aspects that are unfolding as part of a plan scheduled by the city through 2026. Find out more here. Complexe Sportif Saint-Laurent View this post on Instagram Complexe Sportif Saint-Laurent, winning in our 2017 Architectural Design/Recreational Architecture category pulls together the local green band and a nearby park through the sculptural nature of the project. Dark and light play together in the angular design of the two principal volumes, both of which appear to float in the landscape, as though pushed upwards by the kinetic energies generated within the building. • • • • • #architettura #architectural #archidaily #architecturelover #archdaily #architecture_hunter #arquitectura #architecture #building #architecturedesign #architecturelovers #archilovers #architecturephoto #design #architectureporn #architecturephotography #architect #architecturestudent #architectures #recreation #recreationalarchitecture #darkandlight #dark #light #sculpturalarchitecture #floating #sportif #complexesportif A post shared by Architecture MasterPrize (@architecturemasterprize) on May 21, 2018 at 2:52am PDT View this post on Instagram Belle audace architecturale, enfin! A post shared by Cath.V (@catherine_vamos) on Nov 25, 2018 at 1:54pm PST Where: 2385 boulevard Thimens Why: Designed by local architects Saucier + Perrotte in 2017, the Complexe Sportif Saint-Laurent has already won awards for architectural design as it pulls together the two buildings and the surrounding space. Find out more here. Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace View this post on Instagram MTL 2 • • • #spotted #ateliertag #montrealarchitecture A post shared by Nickadelic (@nicholas.k.glover) on Jun 30, 2019 at 12:44pm PDT View this post on Instagram Pavillon pour la Paix Michal et Renata Hornstein du Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal (2016) © Olivier Blouin (avec Atelier TAG) A post shared by Jodoin Lamarre Pratte arch. (@jodoinlamarrepratte.arch) on Aug 14, 2019 at 7:07pm PDT Where: 2085 rue Bishop Why: Opened in 2017 to celebrate Montreal's 375th anniversary, the Pavillion Pour Paix now houses over 750 works of art from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period over six floors. Designed by Atelier TAG and Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes. Find out more here. Churches Montreal is known as the "la ville aux cent clochers" (the city of a hundred belltowers), so this list would not be complete without a couple nods to the best belltowers in the city. If you're looking for a nice architecture tour, consider this the Twain Tour, as he once famously said about Montreal, "This is the first time I was ever in a city where you couldn't throw a brick without breaking a church window." Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal View this post on Instagram #Montreal #basiliquenotredamedemontréal #iphone11pro #nightmode A post shared by Luke (@luke27) on Oct 29, 2019 at 8:19am PDT View this post on Instagram What you see when you turn your gaze upward. #newperspectives Lift your eyes for strength. The average weight of a human head is 10lbs!!! Hold it up! Stretch your neck forth! The world might start to look differently! TRY IT! (More inspired beauty from the Notre Dame Basilica!) A post shared by Kimberly Hébert (@youfoundkimberly) on Aug 30, 2019 at 7:17pm PDT Where: 110 rue Notre-Dame Ouest Why: Perhaps one of the most famous and prominent churches in Montreal, the Gothic Revival of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal is a breathtaking centrepiece to the Place d'Armes square that was built between 1824 and 1829 and is quite reminiscent of its namesake in Paris. Find out more here. Basilique Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde View this post on Instagram #Montreal 🖤📍 A post shared by Shamim Nakhaei (@shamim_nakhaei) on Oct 25, 2019 at 10:26am PDT View this post on Instagram En sortant du Centre Bell #montreal #hiver A post shared by Sébastien Benoit (@sebbenoit72) on Feb 4, 2018 at 12:46pm PST Where: 1085 rue de la Cathédrale Why: Another classic church from Montreal's downtown core, Mary, Queen of the World Basilica was build in the late 1800s and renamed in 1955 by Pope Benedict XV. Find out more here. St. James United Church View this post on Instagram 🌿Amazing weather 🤩 #naturallight #summerlight #oldchurch #mtl #mtlmoments #mymontreal #montrealisthebestplaceintheworld • • • • • #prettycity #design #urbabism #architecture #greencity #montrealer #montrealcity #montreallife #livemtl #summercolors #canada #canadianlife #mycanada #explorecanada #sunrays #snapshot_canada #lovemontreal #ilovemontreal #photography #montrealohotography #travelphotography #urbanphotography #amazingsummer A post shared by Larisa🦋 (@larisalara1111) on Aug 2, 2019 at 3:40pm PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Quan (@quaninreallife) on Oct 8, 2019 at 7:33pm PDT Where: 463 rue Sainte-Catherine O. Why: Erected in 1889, the church is a heritage building that also includes the exterior square onto rue Sainte-Catherine and the ground that wraps around to rue Mayor. It is now often used as a multi-purpose venue for cultural, social, and artistic groups. Find out more here. L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph View this post on Instagram Montreal, QC A post shared by Travis Predmore (@trav_ish_) on Oct 28, 2019 at 7:36pm PDT View this post on Instagram Through the leaves, a path 🍂🍃 . . . #fallcolors #autumnvibes #foliage #creativetones #moodmagic #exploretocreate #getoutside #justgoshoot #raw_mobile #hello_worldpics #montreal #montroyal #mtl #514shots #montreal_gallery #eristik #mtroyalmoment #stjosephsoratory #bestofquebec A post shared by Andrea (@dea_baja) on Oct 26, 2019 at 8:05pm PDT Where: 3800 chemin Queen-Mary Why: Located in Côte-des-Neiges, right atop the Mount Royal, Saint Joseph's Oratory is one of Canada's largest churches and a National Historic Site of Canada. Construction was completed in 1966 and its dome is the third-largest of its kind, only after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Côte d’Ivoire and Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Find out more here. Saint Patrick's Basilica View this post on Instagram Bon vendredi! #montreal A post shared by Jamie (@jlairdmtl) on Aug 16, 2019 at 4:49pm PDT View this post on Instagram Saint Patrick's basilica, in Montréal . . . . #Canada #Quebec #VisitQuebec #Montreal #travel #interior #architecture A post shared by José V. (@riguaconqueso) on Oct 11, 2019 at 2:02am PDT Where: 460 boulevard René Lévesque Why: This Irish Catholic church was opened in 1847 and its spire can be spotted throughout the city, a mark of its Gothic Revival style. Pope John Paul II raised the status of this church to a Basilica in 1989 "because of its historical importance as the mother church of the English-speaking Catholics of greater Montreal." Find out more here. Musée Marguerite-Bourgeoys et Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maxim Bérubé (@maximberube) on Mar 12, 2015 at 4:43pm PDT View this post on Instagram Marguerite. Montreal, Canada. April, 2018. A post shared by G E R V 📸 C A S H (@gerrrrv) on Apr 18, 2018 at 8:55am PDT Where: 400 rue Saint-Paul Est Why: Synonymous with the Old Port skyline, this museum and chapel work together to share a piece of Montreal history with all who visit. Apparently, when Leonard Cohen sings, "And the sun pours down like honey of our Lady of the Harbour," in his song Suzanne, he's singing about the female statue overlooking the chapel. Find out more here. I hope you enjoyed this jaunt through Montreal's most iconic buildings as much as I did. If you think we've missed an important building, let us know! Find us on Instagram and Twitter!
