The story of Montréal, told one object at a time…

Pointe-à-Callière shines a spotlight on Montréal life with this moving exhibition featuring 400 “favourite” objects selected from among the thousands the Museum keeps preserved. Set against a theatrical backdrop, furniture, clothing, jewelry, toys, tools, books, maps, posters, and iconography have literally been taken out of the storehouse to tell you the story of the city and its inhabitants. Fall under this spell of this unique city all over again… one object at a time!

Discover the Montréal of yesterday and today

Ever wonder what makes Montréal so different from other cities around the world?

The economy, navigation, sports, arts and culture… See the city’s many facets come to life in impressive tableaus made up of a wide variety of objects.

Relive key events in the city’s history, like Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympic Games, which left behind a few emblems that have become part of its legacy. See the city develop along the St. Lawrence and watch its means of transportation evolve from the horse to the REM. The windows of Dupuis Frères are brought back to life on Sainte-Catherine Street! Department stores, general stores, and dépanneurs… explore the Montréal of workers and merchants. Finally, immerse yourself in its cultural and festive effervescence, from cinemas to boîtes à chanson.

Touching profiles of our co-citizens—along with testimonials by archaeologists, historians, and other specialists—complete this multi-dimensional living mosaic with contemporary points of view to complement your visit.

Test your knowledge! A quiz and interactive games encourage young and old alike to have some fun by diving into the city’s history. An unusual “box of curiosities” contains sometimes surprising objects from the not-so-distant past… Can you guess how they were used?

An entertaining and moving exhibition that’s sure to awaken more than a few memories… and a true sense of wonder!

What secrets are hidden within the museum storehouse at the Montréal Archaeology and History Complex?

Did you know that Pointe-à-Callière houses an ethnohistorical collection consisting of 8,600 objects, 1,729 photographs, 1,067 rare books, 135 works of art, and close to 30,000 posters, prints, and post cards… in addition to preserving thousands of artefacts? Acquired over the past thirty years, the objects in the collection bear witness to how Montréal and its inhabitants’ lifestyle have evolved.

With Favourites! Our Collections on Display, Pointe-à-Callière is revealing—for the very first time—the richness and documentary scope of this collection… a vital legacy for future generations. Perhaps you’ll dig up a few favourites of your own…

Pointe-à-Callière, 30 years of history

This exhibition was launched on the occasion of Pointe-à-Callière's 30th anniversary and Montréal's 380th!