Montreal’s “Nuit Blanche” (sleepless night) is this Saturday, March 3rd, and there are tons of activities to do all night! Even the metro will exceptionally stay open all night!
Although many of the celebrations will be more adult-oriented party events, there’s a ton of stuff you can do with the whole family:
Source: STM
Artwork in the “Réso”
Montreal’s metro and the attached underground network downtown are teeming with interesting art. Most of the metro stations are works of art in themselves, because each was designed by a different architect. Many also contain art created specifically for them.
For example, the photo above is of a stained glass piece by Marcelle Ferron inaugurated in 1968, and can be visited day and night at Champ-de-Mars station.
The underground shopping tunnels downtown, known collectively as the “Réso”, also contain lots of art. Visiting as many as possible is a fun way to get to know the city, and will likely occupy most of your evening! Best of all, it’s completely free! You’ll just need a fare (the overnight STM fare is $5.00).
The STM, and other sites like Art public Montréal and metrodemontreal.com have useful resources on where to find the most interesting pieces!
Source: Illuminart
Illuminart
Illuminart is back this year with tons of cool things to see, like the TILT project pictured above, where artists point giant “toy flashlights” at various things. In total, there are 13 installations, each a different and original way of creating art with light; it’s the perfect thing for Nuit blanche!
Get more details on experienceilluminart.com.
Napoleon at the MMFA
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is hosting a spectacular and ambitious exposition on Napoleon Bonaparte’s life, from his coronation in 1804 to his exile in 1815. They’ve recreated the Emperor’s court as it was, and included over 400 objects and works of art.
The MMFA is exceptionally open between 5:00 pm and midnight this Saturday (usual closing time is 5:00 pm). Tickets for NAPOLEON: ART AND COURT LIFE IN THE IMPERIAL PALACE are also half price, $11.50 instead of the usual $23.00.
There are also many other activities going on at MMFA for Nuit Blanche, including musical performances, group workshops, tea (and beer) tasting and much more. Click here for the full list.
Source: Montréal en lumière
“Olympic” Zone
If the Pyeongchang Games captured your imagination, this is the perfect chance to learn more about some of the sports that were presented and hone your own skills! “As if you were actually at the Games!”
Free admission; located at Place des Festivals.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything
Exceptionally, the MAC’s Leonard Cohen expo, A Crack in Everything, will be open from Saturday night until 2:00 am Sunday. The highly-acclaimed exposition has been described as an essential stop for all Leonard Cohen fans, and is only open until April 9.
The MAC is located at 185, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest (corner Jeanne-Mance).
Source: Montréal en lumière
Milk Urban Slide
Among the amazing outdoor activities happening at Place des Arts, the Urban Slide is coming back this year! A favourite among young and old, the 110-metre slide is sure to be one of the top attractions.