With roots stretching back to 1860, the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal or Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is more than an art institution—it’s a cultural cornerstone, seamlessly blending the visual arts with history, science, and a sense of community. The MMFA’s vast collection of 47,000 works moves from Quebec and Indigenous heritage to Renaissance paintings and multimedia installations, all with a distinctly progressive lens.
Located in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, this museum doesn’t just exhibit art; it fosters dialogue, art therapy, and educational initiatives. Five interconnected pavilions house everything from European masterpieces to striking sculptures, while a concert hall and outdoor installations extend its creative reach. Inclusive and unafraid to innovate, the MMFA shapes an art experience that’s as transformative as it is welcoming, inviting everyone to engage with art’s ever-evolving narrative.
Mentioned in
Art, history, oddities, curiosities: The best museums in Montreal
Together, the best museums in Montreal make up an eclectic scene that tells the city’s stories with living, breathing spaces. From botany and art to avant-garde architecture and archeology, expect a mix of high culture and grit that challenges you to rethink what a museum can be.
Buy-right. Shop local. Support small business. Choose from a hand-picked selection of prints from local photographers, makers and artisans.
Want to know what’s happening in Montreal?
We curate local content into a weekly news bulletin so you can find out what’s going on around town in one place. Sign up to stay informed.