All summer and until the fall, there will be a multitude of activities in Montreal to mark the city’s 375th anniversary. Among the many events taking place, LUXE has selected ten that are not to be missed under any circumstance.
1. Montréal Avudo
From May 17 to September 2, 2017 – King Edward Quay, Old Port of Montreal
Montréal Avudo, a production by the renowned Compagnia Finzi Pasca, is one of the finest shows presented as part of Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebrations. It features a magnificent performance honouring the St. Lawrence River in the Old Port. Immense projections inspired by elements of the city’s history will take audience members on a journey through time. The show is free, but tickets must be reserved ahead of time.
© Jimmy Hamelin
2. AURA
Until December 31, 2017 – Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
This show guides audience members to the heart of Notre-Dame by progressively immersing them in an environment filled with captivating sounds and images. Orchestral music and grandiose architecture then combine to create a three-act multimedia show. Designed by Moment Factory, this show will take you to a world that is full of surprises, all in the most sublime setting: the Notre-Dame Basilica.
3. Montreal International Jazz Festival
June 28 to July 8, 2017- Place des Festivals, Montréal
For the 38th edition of the Jazz Fest, hundreds of thousands of people will once again enjoy an extensive program that is an ambitious mix of jazz, blues, rock, reggae, world, and electronic music. This year will feature over 500 concerts, two thirds of which are free.
4. Festival d’été de Québec
July 6 to July 16, 2017 – Plaines d’Abraham and Place d’Youville, Québec City
This year, Metallica, Muse, Kendrick Lamar, The Who, Gorillaz, The Backstreet Boys, P!NK, Lady Antebellum, and many other big names will appear at the festival!
© André- Olivier Lyra
5. The OSM’s Symphony for Montreal
May 31 to June 2, 2017- OSM
From May 31 to June 2, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal will present the Symphony for Montreal, the result of the collaboration between the young Montreal composer and conductor Samy Moussa and Moment Factory. This unique work was specially created for Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebrations and will be presented at the close of conductor Kent Nagano’s 11th season.
© Antoine Saito
6. The Shape of Things to Come
June 1 to August 13, 2017 – Centre de design de l’UQAM
This exhibition pays tribute to the revolutionary residential complex designed by the architect Moshe Safdie. The exhibition also traces the agency’s journey up to the present day through a number of projects directly inspired by Habitat 67.
7. Fashioning Expo 67
March 17 to October 1, 2017- McCord Museum
Expo 67 provided an extraordinary opportunity to showcase Montreal fashion designers. 50 years later, the McCord Museum is displaying its extensive collection of clothing and accessories, as well as its Expo archives.
8. La balade pour la paix, An Open-Air Museum
May 29 to October 27, 2017 – Sherbrooke Street
From May 29 to October 27, 2017, a major exhibition of Canadian and foreign public art will be held over one kilometre of Sherbrooke Street. La Balade pour la Paix, An Open-Air Museum, designed by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, will also highlight the 50th anniversary of Expo 67.
© Jimmy Hamelin
9. Cité Mémoire
All summer
The Cité Mémoire circuit in Old Montreal, created by Victor Pilon and Michel Lemieux last summer, will bring to life characters from Montreal’s history through 23 tableaux (including four new tableaux) projected on buildings or monuments. Simply download the free application to live this unique experience.
© Jean-François Lemire, Shootstudio.ca
10. Leonard Cohen – A Crack in Everything
November 9, 2017 to April 1, 2018 – Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
The Musée d’art contemporain will pay tribute to Montreal singer Leonard Cohen, who passed away a few months ago. The exhibition will feature original works designed by local and international artists. The pieces have been specially commissioned for the event and will be inspired by the recurring themes and aesthetic sensibility of the great master’s work.
© Old Ideas, LLC
Cover: © Frédérique Ménard-Aubin