May 2024
Summer on the Pointe 2024
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
SUMMER ON THE POINTE!
Pointe-à-Callière presents its summer programming
Until September 3, 2024
Summer at its most fun, with free family and cultural activities all season long
Montréal, May 22, 2024 – Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s archaeology and history complex, awaits you this summer, with a whole range of exciting programming in store! In addition to its four temporary exhibitions, including the fascinating Olmecs and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico, the Museum has scheduled a ton of free and festive activities in an urban oasis, comfortably furnished in a pedestrianized area outdoors. An ideal spot to take advantage of summer in Montréal.
Programming
This year, Summer on the Pointe is proposing a plentiful program of activities, mainly inspired by the temporary exhibition Olmecs and the Civilisations of the Gulf of Mexico, developed in collaboration with Montréal community and arts organizations. The Block Party (June 15) will kick off the summer programming, which continues with the flagship Musical Middays events (Thursdays, from July 4 to August 15) and Family Sundays (July 7 to August 18).
The very popular 18th Century Public Market will also be back (August 24 and 25). A journey back in time to market day in New France. It’s quite the program!
To our visitors’ great delight, certain streets will be closed to traffic for the summer season, from Friday, May 3 to Tuesday, September 3, 2024. They are: Place D’Youville, between Saint-François-Xavier Street and Place Royale East, as well as Place Royale West, between De la Capitale Street and Place D’Youville.
A warm and friendly space has been set up around the complex for the public to enjoy. Street furniture in summer colours will provide visitors, neighbourhood residents, and local professionals with a relaxing environment that is also conducive to discovery.
Detailed Programming
BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 2 pm to 10 pm
✨Outdoors / Free
A neighbourhood highlight, this event kicks off the Museum’s summer program. Pointe-à-Callière invites neighbours and culture-lovers to come join the party! Held in collaboration with the Corridor Culturel, this entertainingly creative afternoon and evening features artistic, musical, and dance performances for everyone to enjoy.
On this special, friendly, and accessible day for one and all, the exhibition Olmecs and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico will exceptionally remain open from 5 pm to 8 pm ($).
MUSICAL MIDDAYS
Every Thursday, July 4 through August 15, 2024, from noon to 1 pm
✨Outdoors / Free
Every Thursday at noon, come enjoy musical performances by emerging Montréal artists, presented in collaboration with Pop Montréal. Bring your lunch and feel free to use our summer space, outfitted with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.
FAMILY SUNDAYS
Every Sunday, July 7 through August 18, 2024, from 1 pm to 4 pm
✨Outdoors / Free
In the heart of Old Montréal, enjoy a range of free and family-friendly activities inspired by the exhibition Olmecs and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico. Music, dancing, storytelling, discussions, and participatory workshops are on the program, showcasing Mexican artistic and cultural traditions. The Museum is also presenting performances and workshops in collaboration with the Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival and will host the Canadian Stone Carving Festival. With the support of Québecor, major family activities partner.
PUBLIC MARKET
Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 10 am to 6 pm
✨Outdoors / Free
Old Montréal’s big event of the summer, the Public Market, is returning for its 31st edition. This not-to-be-missed gathering recreates the ambience of market days in 18th century Montréal, featuring music, trades and crafts, ancestral traditions, and major figures who livened up the city’s streets under the French regime. An event both entertaining and educational, to experience with family or friends!
4 Temporary Exhibitions to Explore this Summer
OLMECS AND THE CIVILIZATIONS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO
April 18 to September 15, 2024
Delve into the fascinating world of the Olmecs at Pointe-à-Callière! An exhibition that lifts the veil on Mesoamerica’s earliest known civilization, featuring close to 300 masterpieces and authentic objects in an exclusive Canadian presentation. A colossal basalt stone head, jaguar-man statues, jade figures, age-old stelae and sculptures… explore the cultural riches of the Olmec civilization in an immersive setting that will further your knowledge of their ways of life, their beliefs and traditions, and their major influence on other civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico.
THE HEART AND SOUL OF SAINT-HENRI
February 8, 2024 to May 11, 2025
Explore the history of Saint-Henri. Village, town, then neighbourhood—The Heart and Soul of Saint-Henri exhibition takes you on a journey down through the years, following the pace of the area’s economic development and the daily lives of its people. A collection of objects and historical documents showcase 350 years of history and passion for this unique neighbourhood.
THE MONTRÉAL EXPOS – 1994: AN INCREDIBLE SEASON (DISPLAY CASE)
April 23 to September 2, 2024
Re-experience Montréal’s passion for baseball! The first Canadian team in Major League Baseball (MLB), the Montréal Expos left their mark on the history of the sport and won the city’s heart. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the legendary 1994 season, this display case traces the evolution of Nos amours and recalls highlights of their journey through collectible objects, videos, and archival photos, evoking the ambience of the stadium!
MONTRÉAL CAPITAL CITY
June 24 to September 3, 2024
✨Free
Delve into history at the exceptional archaeological site of St. Anne’s Market and the Parliament of the Province of Canada. Just a few steps from Pointe-à-Callière, in old Fire Station No. 1 on Place D’Youville, artifacts discovered on the archaeological site will transport you back to the mid-19th century, a time when Montréal became the country’s capital! To complement your visit, also see the outdoor exhibition A Parliament Under Your Feet, where you can stroll right over the market’s remains. Our guides are on site to answer your questions.
Thank you to our partners
Free summer programming is made possible through the support of Québecor, the Société de développement du Vieux-Montréal, and the Ville-Marie borough.
About Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex
Inaugurated in 1992, on the city’s 350th anniversary, Pointe-à-Callière is today the largest archaeology museum in Canada and the busiest history museum in Montréal. Rising above a concentrated number of historic and archaeological sites of national significance—including the birthplace of Montréal—, the Museum has a mission to preserve its collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and fostering an appreciation for Montréal’s archaeological and historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various activities focused on conservation, research, presentation, education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives benefiting both Montrealers and visitors to the city. Pointe-à-Callière, proud partner of the City of Montréal.
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Source: pointe-à-callière, montréal archaeology and history complex
Katia Bouchard, Communications and Marketing Director
T: 514 872-9124 / [email protected]
Clémence Rampillon, Communications Project Manager
T: 514 872-2687 / [email protected]