Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal: the leading edge of art
The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) brilliantly attests to the enduring importance of contemporary art in our society, boasting a collection of over 8,000 works of art from all over the globe. The first institution in Canada to be entirely devoted to contemporary art, the MAC has been a must-see for aesthetes of their own era for over fifty years now.
Decade after decade, the MAC has been driven by a mission to support, promote and conserve contemporary local and international art. The site of unexpected and moving experiences, the museum showcases today’s art of all forms through the work of over 1,800 artists. It’s the best place in Montreal to understand the world through the most creative perspectives of our era.
Major exhibitions and works
There’s always something fabulous to not just see, but also do and learn at the MAC. Beyond their stunning temporary exhibitions and rich permanent collection, the museum hosts creative workshops for people of all ages and opportunities to meet emerging and renowned artists.
Leonard Cohen – A Crack in Everything
Until February 2024, Leonard Cohen devotees can enjoy the virtual exhibition A Crack in Everything (available in Canada only). The online-only exhibition lets you to take in the MAC’s visually and sonically immersive experience of the same name from 2017, even if you missed it the first time. The addition of fifty-some works from the MAC’s permanent collection explores Cohen’s ties to contemporary art and offers plenty new to view as you delve into Cohen’s universal themes.
Leonard Cohen © Lorca Cohen
Nelson Henricks – New Works
Montreal artist Nelson Henricks presents two new works made specifically for this not-to-be-missed exhibition, which runs until April 2023. Heads Will Roll is a four-channel video installation, while Don’t You Like the Green of A? offers a surrealist interpretation of abstract painter Joan Mitchell’s beloved works.
Nelson Henricks, Heads Will Roll (drum)
Andy Warhol – Screen Tests
As part of his New Works exhibition, Nelson Henricks has carefully curated a program of 15 of Warhol’s Screen Tests, produced between 1964 and 1966. The selection brings the two artists’ work into conversation, revealing not just their avant-garde visions, but also the notions of queerness and community echoing between their practices.
Andy Warhol, Donyale Luna [ST195], 1965. 16mm film, black-and-white, silent, 4.5 minutes at 16 frames per second. © The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, PA, a museum of Carnegie Institute. All rights reserved. Courtesy The Andy Warhol Museum
The Fondation du Mac raises more $1 million with its annual ball
More than 950 public figures walked the red carpet for the 2022 MAC Ball. After a two-year hiatus, the event raised a record-breaking million dollars. The funds will be used to promote contemporary Quebecois, Canadian and international art, enrich the museum’s collection and produce exceptional exhibitions and educational programs.
This year’s theme, Idylle, brought together the crème de la crème of artists and businesspeople to celebrate contemporary art in the remarkable Salada Market at the Royalmount. Beyond the divine meal and cocktails, guests were treated to immersive experiences and could participate in a silent auction featuring works by such greats as Marc Séguin, Caroline Monnet, Kim Dorland and Janet Werner.
Keeping it contemporary
In line with its mission, the cutting-edge museum is undergoing its own transformation in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. Until the renovations are completed in 2025, you can find it just a few steps away at Place Ville-Marie. Its temporary location promises new programming for art lovers, surrounded by Montreal’s best shopping and fine dining.
Writer: Alexandra Pastena
