18th Century Public Market

Press Release
For immediate release

Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, 2024
Pointe-à-Callière travels back in time for a weekend in New France!

(Montréal, August 13, 2024) – Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, is inviting Montrealers to a unique event where they will get to experience the ambience of market days in Montréal—during the era of New France! The not-to-be-missed 18th Century Public Market will open to crowds on Saturday, August 24, from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sunday, August 25, from 10 am to 6 pm, in Place Royale, in the heart of Old Montréal. A free activity for the whole family!

This one-of-a-kind experience immerses visitors in a life-size setting that recreates the atmosphere of market days in 18th century Montréal. In keeping with tradition, the Public Market features several lively activities, with over a dozen performers and players taking part, dressed in period attire. In Place Royale and on neighbouring streets, come meet these colourful characters, stroll through merchants’ stalls, learn about traditional Indigenous know-how and trades of the past, attend a military march, and enjoy the festive music and dances of the era.

Explore Trades of Yesteryear

Come meet the craftspeople you would see at a market in the 18th century. A stone mason, weaver, cooper, pit sawyer, and wood turner will enthusiastically introduce you to their trades of the past!

Indigenous Traditions and Know-how

In the 18th century, the marketplace was an important site for meetings and trade between Indigenous people and the French. In the Market’s contemporary zone, come meet a new generation of Indigenous craftspeople who are working to carry on their ancestral practices. See demonstrations of traditional music and dance, hear songs and stories, and learn about dreamcatchers. You’ll also learn the secrets of how everyday objects—like baby carriers—were made. A rich and invaluable heritage!

Activities, Games, and Workshops for Young and Old Alike

During the French Regime, noblemen, peasants, musicians, villagers, sailors, soldiers, and even pirates crossed paths at the marketplace. There was also a military encampment on the site. See marches and live-fire exercises, learn about fencing, get ready for your first adventure on a voyageur’s journey, or create your own family coat of arms like the nobility did. Plenty of other activities await you too!

New France Inn and Grocery

Enjoy the ambience as you shop for local products and sample a “Pinte-à-Callière” at the market inn.

Thank You to Our Partners

The 18th Century Public Market is a Pointe-à-Callière event, organized with the financial support of the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit, the SDC du Vieux-Montréal, and Canadian Heritage.

About Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s 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: 514 912-1838 / [email protected]

Clémence Rampillon, Communications Project Manager
T: 514 872-2687 / [email protected]