Montreal, known to many as the artistic capital of Canada, is also home to exhibits year round. Today, we’ve rounded up a few must-see Montreal art exhibitions for the fall that not only highlight the cultural and artistic diversity of the city, but that will also provide endless memories for your family, friends, and loved ones in these uncertain times.
Barbie under a new light
A Montrealer favorite and one of Peel Metro’s best (not so) hidden secrets, the Barbie Expo had to make it on the list. For many girls, Barbie was their first and favorite toy. This Expo brings back that childhood magic in a new light. With hundreds of Barbies dressed by our favorite designers including Dior, Versace and Givenchy and others dressed as some of our childhood heroines from Titanic, My Fair Lady, and Grease — there is a Barbie for everyone. The best part? The expo is free to visit, so you can make it a pitstop after shopping or even studying.
Festival du Nouveau Cinema
For film lovers, October is the month of the Festival du Nouveau Cinema. The FNC started in the 70s, as its creators looked to provide an outlet for films that lacked distribution. For many Montrealers, it was thanks to this festival that they discovered now-popular names like Wong Kar-Wai, Alfonso Cuaron, and even Denis Villeneuve. The beauty of a festival like this is that you choose how many films you wish to see, whether one or all of them. In 2020, they also had a special drive-in edition where they screened the famous Mad Max movies. For ticketing and schedules, take a look at their website right here.
Serge Chapleau at the McCord Museum
If you did not get a chance to see the stunning Dior exhibition at McCord, you will be glad to know that there is another one being held until January 2022. Though far off from the beauty and glamour of Dior, this one sheds a light on the eccentric cartoonist Serge Chapleau. His works highlights the comedic side of Québécois society with his hilarious caricatures. The exhibition not only explores the cartoonist’s career, but also gives a glimpse into his childhood and youth. For lovers of Montreal art exhibitions, this one is a must. More info here.
Nostalgia at the MMFA
One of our favorite things about the MBAM is the plethora of exhibitions that are presented throughout the year, making the museum a wonderful place to spend a day. This autumn’s major exhibit is called “How long does it take for one voice to reach another?”. It is meant to highlight the major works and pieces in the museum that have a special meaning and that were especially relevant in the past year. From pre-Columbian pieces to Persian manuscripts, the exhibit also aims to explore the concept of a “voice” — take that as you will and delve into this world, starting now. More info and ticketing here.
Momenta’s ‘Sensing Nature’
For contemporary art lovers in Montreal, MOMENTA must ring a bell. For those who are not familiar with the name, it is a contemporary art event that is focused on the visual side — images, photography, projections. The event features over 50 artists including many Indigenous artists, and has more than 10 exhibits of never seen before installations and art works. This year’s theme, “Sensing Nature”, honours nature and the beauty and resources it provides us. More information here.
