Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal
Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal
4.5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The MMFA is one of Canada’s most visited museums and the eighth-most visited museum in North America, boasting more than 1.3 million visitors. The MMFA's original temporary exhibitions combine various artistic disciplines – fine arts, music, film, fashion and design – and are exported around the world. Its rich encyclopedic collection, distributed among five pavilions, includes international art, world cultures, decorative arts and design, and Quebec and Canadian art. The Museum has seen exceptional growth in recent years with the addition of two new pavilions: the Claire and Marc Bourgie Pavilion, in 2011, and the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace, in 2016. The MMFA complex includes Bourgie Hall, a 460-seat concert hall. The Museum also houses the Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy, the largest educational complex in a North American art museum, enabling the MMFA to offer innovative educational, wellness and art therapy programmes
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Ville-Marie
How to get there
- Peel • 5 min walk
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- baywandererSan Francisco, California331 contributionsVery mixed experienceVery mixed experience. If you go before January be sure to check out the excellent Morisal exhibit. It is outstanding with free tours in English on Wednesday and Saturday. The main collection is a mixed bag with some first rate piece and a good many second tier works. The Canadian wing was a major disappointment. The pieces were mostly mediocre.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- FoodangeManchester, United Kingdom4,751 contributionsGreat Art and SculpturesA lot of just the kind of art that we love, with paintings and sculptures from all the great artists. Pop Art was a bit lame and too many of the galleries were closed for no particular reason, but still a real wow! Don’t forget your hiking boots as you’ll need them.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 December 2023
- Nico Samneil Sy SaladoNewport, Vermont2,001 contributionsMontreal museum of fine artsClean and well organized museum. They have a coat counter with an attendant. Has a cafeteria. They accept credit/debit card. Stroller friendly stairs but also has a elevator. This activity is worth a day to spend easily to fully enjoy and engulfed the informations. The main building is closed as of now March 2024 for renovations but the two buildings are opened which all three are just connected by an underground passage.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 March 2024
- Francois AFranklin, Tennessee463 contributionsA fine art walk through timeA beautiful museum great location with easy access. The galleries are very presented and the different theme well define and organized. Take the time to explore (2-3 hours) Easy to walk around the museum cover both side of the street with underground tunnels.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 March 2024
- Sydney WNew York City, New York87 contributionsFantastic art museum!Such a great art museum! During our visit, we saw all four floors of the Pavilion for Peace and the Georgia O’Keefe and Henry Moore exhibit. Everything was arranged really well with legible and interesting signage and descriptions. There were plenty of places to stop and take a seat throughout the Pavilion of Peace, which was much appreciated. The cafe was small but what I had (chicken salad sandwich) was solid for museum food! I am definitely hoping to return before the end of our trip.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- Dale WTbilisi, Georgia202 contributionsFantasticOutstanding museum! A wide collection of art well presented. Recommend you plan for several hours to take it all in. Multiple floors spread across several buildings all accessible through connecting walk ways.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2024
- RonL40Utica, New York3,720 contributionsComprehensive range of fine art. Fine collection of Egypt, Inuit, Greek art.Well-curated, easily managed museum with a wide range of art styles and periods. Especially interesting collections of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, modernism and Inuit art. The collection is in four adjacent buildings, definitely a full day if you want the full experience. Very easy to wayfind through the different spaces. Easy to make choices about the various styles if you want to experience just one of the collections or if you want to go to a special exhibit.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 May 2024
- operalover939Toronto, Canada2,946 contributionsGreat exhibition of Flemish ArtThe exhibition was of mostly Southern Netherlandish art, somewhat misleadingly described as Flemish art, largely drawn from the Phoenix collection in Antwerp. Among the works that caught my eye, several of many fine paintings, were a Virgin and Child by Jan Gossaert, a triptych by Pieter Coecke van Aelst, a portrait of Prince William II of Orange as a child by Anthony van Dyck, a portrait of two children by Michaelina Wautier, a flower piece by Daniel Seghers and a still life by Clara Peeters. Very much worth seeing.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 16 June 2024
- DelirioHotelSACartagena, Colombia21 contributionsMusée des Beaux-Arts de Montreal.Impressive collection of various art periods. The exhibition on Pop Art was very interesting with works by Lichtenstein, Warhol and others. I liked the combination of classic and modern buildings as well as the display of sculptures around the buildings on public spaces!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 June 2024
- Ryo ZLas Vegas, Nevada1,840 contributionsNice art museum with so much to seeIt’s a rainy day in Montreal and I’m on vacation and thought I should do something that was indoors and I love museums. I’m happy I was able to get out of the rain but look at some fabulous art. There’s about 4 floors, so I started from the top and worked my way down. Great place for families with kids. They have an interactive space for both the parents and children. On the 2nd floor there a small cafe with grab and go beverages and snacks. Large bags and backpack will need to go to the coat check, good news it’s free! There were a lot of great art pieces to see here, it’s worth the visit and keeps one out of the rain.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 1 July 2024
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4.5
4,601 reviews
Excellent
2,960
Very good
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Average
270
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60
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25
Ransol
Montreal, Canada59 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
I had been there with my children between the age of 9 and 15, it was free entrance during Christmas vacation. it was quite interesting place , the staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a place where you can put your jackets in till you finish. We started from the fourth floor where there are antiques from different civilizations then we went down to the first floor for the paintings and that was the magnificent part of the museum, we enjoyed the most, then we went to the Egyptian mummies place ( you to pay 30$ for an adult to accompany children under 18), it is small department but well organized. The children loved the experience.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina R
16 contributions
Jan 2020
If you don't have the time (or energy) to explore the whole thing, would recommend starting with the Quebec/Canada pavilion. Although they do have a collection of international art, the Canadian art is where this museum really shines. The contemporary art and design collections, particularly the section on glass in all forms, is also very good.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dutch Brother
Germantown, MD571 contributions
Mar 2022
I gave the MMFA a five star review when I last visited, but this time I had enough time to see the entire museum (that was open) as well as the gift shop, so I am in a better position to review it. It still deserves five stars, but just barely.
For such a large museum (five buildings), the collection is not as impressive as the size would indicate. For example, it does not come anywhere close to the Boston MFA or the Washington National Gallery of Art, both of which I have lived near and seen dozens of times. But by Canadian standards, it is a five star art museum (I'm both Canadian and US, so I'm not trying to favor one country's museums, but be objective and helpful to readers of my reviews).
The building with the Canadian collection does a nice job of providing an overview of Canadian painting. The collection of Inuit and Native American art is also a good overview, but after having seen the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, it looks like a sideshow. Nonetheless, I was still happy to see what I did.
I'm mainly interested in European and North American painting from 1500-1900, and the museum has a good collection, but concentrated in a few areas. There are two rooms of 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting, about 30 paintings. There is a very good Rembrandt portrait from 1668 and Jacob Ruisdael's "Bleaching Fields of Haarlem", two standout paintings. It's a fine collection, a highlight in my opinion. There is an enchanting small enclosed space with curiosities which is delightful, a mixture of paintings and small craft objects. There is a floor with an exhibit devoted to Napoleon. Given that France had lost most of its Canadian territory by this point, I'm not sure why the MMFA would have this exhibit, but it was interesting. There is also an extensive collection of early Renaissance religious paintings that is quite good.
The gift shop is good sized and has quite a few books. The staff were helpful in finding me a book at a very good price. My wife and daughter both bought scarves, so the shop has a lot to offer.
The museum is not inexpensive ($24 Canadian), but worth it if you have the time to explore the entire museum. It is also free to everyone 20 and under, so family friendly prices. I noticed a lot of teenagers while I was there, and that might be why. The museum was not crowded, even on a Sunday, but it was winter and cold outside, so that might be why. Unfortunately, the decorative arts part of the museum was closed, so you might want to call ahead to make sure the parts you want to see are open.
For such a large museum (five buildings), the collection is not as impressive as the size would indicate. For example, it does not come anywhere close to the Boston MFA or the Washington National Gallery of Art, both of which I have lived near and seen dozens of times. But by Canadian standards, it is a five star art museum (I'm both Canadian and US, so I'm not trying to favor one country's museums, but be objective and helpful to readers of my reviews).
The building with the Canadian collection does a nice job of providing an overview of Canadian painting. The collection of Inuit and Native American art is also a good overview, but after having seen the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, it looks like a sideshow. Nonetheless, I was still happy to see what I did.
I'm mainly interested in European and North American painting from 1500-1900, and the museum has a good collection, but concentrated in a few areas. There are two rooms of 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting, about 30 paintings. There is a very good Rembrandt portrait from 1668 and Jacob Ruisdael's "Bleaching Fields of Haarlem", two standout paintings. It's a fine collection, a highlight in my opinion. There is an enchanting small enclosed space with curiosities which is delightful, a mixture of paintings and small craft objects. There is a floor with an exhibit devoted to Napoleon. Given that France had lost most of its Canadian territory by this point, I'm not sure why the MMFA would have this exhibit, but it was interesting. There is also an extensive collection of early Renaissance religious paintings that is quite good.
The gift shop is good sized and has quite a few books. The staff were helpful in finding me a book at a very good price. My wife and daughter both bought scarves, so the shop has a lot to offer.
The museum is not inexpensive ($24 Canadian), but worth it if you have the time to explore the entire museum. It is also free to everyone 20 and under, so family friendly prices. I noticed a lot of teenagers while I was there, and that might be why. The museum was not crowded, even on a Sunday, but it was winter and cold outside, so that might be why. Unfortunately, the decorative arts part of the museum was closed, so you might want to call ahead to make sure the parts you want to see are open.
Written 16 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank Sories
San Francisco, CA224 contributions
Dec 2019
I came to see the exhibit "Egyptian Mummies: Exploring Ancient Lives" I was surprised at their pricing policy; I saw it online but wanted to double check because I couldn't believe that there were no discounts for students or seniors. The discounts are given to visitors under 30, who might well have lucrative careers. Yes, it's nice to encourage millennials to put down their phones for a couple of hours to engage with art. However, there are students in that same age group who more than likely don't have much disposable income. I just don't get it. Seniors who have been paying to visit or be members of museums their entire lives seem to be victims of age discrimination. Very few museums offer NOTHING to seniors, but this one does and seems to be quite proud of it. When I asked the woman at the admissions desk whether there were any discounts for seniors, who said "No" in a very surly tone. I asked about discounts for students and I got the same answer and the same tone. I felt that I was being discounted.
I would have felt totally ripped off had I not found out the next day that they had, on that very day, returned to an old policy of allowing visitors to view the permanent collection for free. I only knew this because I called to ask whether paying the fee one day entitled a guest to return the next day without paying again. (The Met in NYC offers three days admission for one fee.) Since I'd seen the special exhibit the day before, I was happy to be able to see more without having to pay again.
The mummy exhibit included a large number of artifacts in addition to the mummies themselves. It was very interesting and well curated. I also got to see the entire contemporary art collection on the lower level, as well as two levels of the decorative arts collection, up to the jewelry section. The permanent collection consists primarily of local Quebec artists, so it's not really a world-class museum, but it's still an interesting place to spend a day. Hopefully museum management will rethink their indulgence of millennials who should have some motivation to expand their horizons without misguided "incentives." The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are working to expand their outreach to younger museum goers by mounting exhibitions that will be particularly appealing to them, such as the recent Ed Hardy exhibition, and to infrequent museum goers via free admission on Saturdays. These might be better strategies in that they won't alienate senior visitors.
I would have felt totally ripped off had I not found out the next day that they had, on that very day, returned to an old policy of allowing visitors to view the permanent collection for free. I only knew this because I called to ask whether paying the fee one day entitled a guest to return the next day without paying again. (The Met in NYC offers three days admission for one fee.) Since I'd seen the special exhibit the day before, I was happy to be able to see more without having to pay again.
The mummy exhibit included a large number of artifacts in addition to the mummies themselves. It was very interesting and well curated. I also got to see the entire contemporary art collection on the lower level, as well as two levels of the decorative arts collection, up to the jewelry section. The permanent collection consists primarily of local Quebec artists, so it's not really a world-class museum, but it's still an interesting place to spend a day. Hopefully museum management will rethink their indulgence of millennials who should have some motivation to expand their horizons without misguided "incentives." The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are working to expand their outreach to younger museum goers by mounting exhibitions that will be particularly appealing to them, such as the recent Ed Hardy exhibition, and to infrequent museum goers via free admission on Saturdays. These might be better strategies in that they won't alienate senior visitors.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Azza H
New York City, NY13 contributions
Jul 2021
First time I visited this museum was on a Wednesday after 5 p.m. which is when the reduced fare is. Many sections of the museum were closed off then and I was left very disappointed at how little there was to see! On a second visit, I arrived earlier so I was able to visit many more areas of the museum and I was pleasantly surprised. Paintings and sculptures by Canadian artists, and a floor dedicated to first nations art. The museum is small but worth a visit.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andypandaNashville
Nashville, TN2,002 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I spend half of a day in this Museum and the Staff were Helpful related to Me being in an Electric Wheelchair. A few Ramps were scary going Up and down but only one, but some of the Elevator doors were Very narrow as well as the Bathroom Doors. Fortunately for the Kindness of Strangers helped Me. I enjoyed the Variety of Art and things in this Museum. The cost of getting in was the most beside The Boston Museum except any Museums have free or cheap for Seniors or Handicapped Patrons. Enjoyed My Day at the Museum.
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada8,870 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
We spent a lot of time here as it goes through a few buildings in the same area. Our favourites included the furniture displays and the Nicolas Party exhibition. Many displays are permanent but they have a large area for the Party art that is there until mid October and the artist came to Montreal and helped design the space.
The closest metro station is Guy Concordia but Lucien-L'Allier isn't too far away either. The cost varies depending on age and is free for 20 and under, 16 for 21 to 30 and 24 for everyone else. This is a great way to stay indoors for rainy or hot Montreal weather.
I don't know if it is the best place for children but there is an area near the furniture exhibit that has a Nicolas Party craft and there are some interactive components in the rooms though not too many.
Some of the bathrooms here needed maintenance and I hope they can be fixed soon. The area outside is very walkable and there are some pieces outside including a street mural which can be viewed from the fourth floor.
The closest metro station is Guy Concordia but Lucien-L'Allier isn't too far away either. The cost varies depending on age and is free for 20 and under, 16 for 21 to 30 and 24 for everyone else. This is a great way to stay indoors for rainy or hot Montreal weather.
I don't know if it is the best place for children but there is an area near the furniture exhibit that has a Nicolas Party craft and there are some interactive components in the rooms though not too many.
Some of the bathrooms here needed maintenance and I hope they can be fixed soon. The area outside is very walkable and there are some pieces outside including a street mural which can be viewed from the fourth floor.
Written 19 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MomRocco
Chicago, IL546 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Very disappointing visit as more than half of museum buildings/galleries were off view/closed and what remained was disjointed and poorly curated. It felt like whoever was in charge felt it was good enough to give a disclaimer saying that things were a mess, make what you would of the exhibit, and move along. The entry price was not insignificant and we had to use Uber both ways to visit, so it was not inexpensive. I am an admirer of the Group of Seven painters and the museum was supposed to have a fine collection, which it did not. I think there may have been 5 or 6 paintings, but certainly not the best or a good representation. Until this museum has more of its works on view, I would definitely not recommend spending your time and money here.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael
Los Angeles, CA4 contributions
Sept 2019
Musée des beaux-arts de Montreal is what museums should be: interesting, vibrant, funny, filled with curiosities and anedoctes, as well as History!
It has too many visitors, but it's easy not to feel too crowded.
We stopped there after our tour with Throwback Tours in a nice vintage convertible Cadillac from the 60's. It was so cool ! It was quite an entry at the musée !
It has too many visitors, but it's easy not to feel too crowded.
We stopped there after our tour with Throwback Tours in a nice vintage convertible Cadillac from the 60's. It was so cool ! It was quite an entry at the musée !
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sharronc413
Findlay, OH298 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This is a great place to spend a few hours
One Rembrandt
A room full of impressionists
Inuit and Canadian art
A nice exhibit of Egyptian art
Two places to eat. One cafeteria like. One is sit down. As expected. A very nice gift shop
Well maintained. Nice.
One Rembrandt
A room full of impressionists
Inuit and Canadian art
A nice exhibit of Egyptian art
Two places to eat. One cafeteria like. One is sit down. As expected. A very nice gift shop
Well maintained. Nice.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I see the Wednesday night ticket is $12, but the permanent collections are not open to the public in that night. So is it worthy to visit ? can anyone recently come in Wednesday night provide me some feedback?
And what is the most worthy/ must-see exhibition currently if I have limit time ?
Written 28 April 2022
Hi,
How does Musee Des Beaux-arts De Montreal reprimand it's staff members when they're racially profiling customers?
Written 24 November 2019
@fclg u don't get to tell me what's appropriate or not, or which forum to go on. I posted this question because I wanted to know if others experienced this type harassment from this museum. If u don't agree with the question, fine, but it is better to hold those types of opinions to yourself.
Written 26 November 2019
The entrance fee to the entire permanent collection is free. The only extra charge is if you wish to view whatever special exhibition would be currently on when you are visiting Montreal.
Written 5 October 2018
No. There's a Calder exhibition until the end of February. Well worth the visit.
Written 6 February 2019
Are you sure the Leonard Cohen exhibit reviewed by Michel S is listed for the correct museum? I went to the Museum of Fine Arts to see the exhibit, and was told it is taking place at the Museum of Contemporary Art. However, by this time, I no longer had time to travel up the correct Museum which is several metro stops away. Please have this corrected so someone else doesn’t make the same mistake, thank you
Written 22 November 2017
About how long would you need to tour the Revolution exhibit and a few others? I only have one day to visit Montreal. Which exhibits are the most descriptive of the culture at Montreal? Which exhibits are worth really going to?
Written 9 August 2017
Hello Felicia,
The Revolution exhibit based on the 60's would appeal to a "60 something" person as it would prove nostalgic. There are 700 exhibits so it would take you about 90 min hours in my opinion. The cost is $ 12. The rest of the museum with its various pavilions would take you about 3 hours and cost a further $15. Local culture is not a main feature here, but worldwide fine art is. If you are short of time, the outstanding Redpath Museum on McGill campus would be my choice. 3 floors would take you a max of 90 min.
Written 9 August 2017
How much is the ticket for the museum only?
Written 20 July 2017
Around $15 or $20 Canadian dollars of course depends what and how much you want to see...but it worth it
Written 20 July 2017
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