As
one of Canada’s historic industrial centres, Montreal has been a far busier
place than the international focus on Vancouver and Toronto might have you
believe.
From the early French attempts to establish a fur trading post and
British colonial rule (yes, British!), to Montreal’s establishment as the economic capital of Canada
in the late 1800s and beyond, Montreal certainly has an interesting history.
There
are several interesting museums in Montreal but for the best crash course of
the city’s history, especially if your visit will be brief, I suggest focusing
on the development of the city and the people that chose to call it home. These
are the two Montreal museums that I recommend everyone should visit.
Centre
d’Histoire de Montreal
If
you’re the type of person that likes to start at the very beginning, the Centre
d’Histoire de Montreal will suit you perfectly. The museum explains the history
of Montreal, from the indigenous people to the initial establishment of the
city, the effect of immigration and development to the modern city of today.
Displays
include interesting historic photos, maps, a range of media formats such as
newspapers and magazines, and other artefacts. Interactive panels enable visitors
to explore specific moments in the development of the city, and its culture, in
more detail.
Changing
exhibits that focus on specific periods or occasions within Montreal’s history
are also housed at the museum, as well as separate exhibitions.
 |
| Centre d'Histoire, Montreal, Canada |
Chateau
Ramezay
Both
a historic site (built in 1705) and now also functioning as a museum, Chateau
Ramezay visitors can explore a historic house, while viewing the exhibition of
historic artefacts and paintings.
Visitors
can learn about the lives of the inhabitants of the city at various periods by
listening to interactive recordings as they progress through the exhibition.
From
artefacts belonging to indigenous tribes to items owned by the British and
French people that came to Montreal later, the museum is full of interesting
items all providing an insight into life in Montreal through the years.
Chateau
Ramezay is more than just a museum though because the museum contents are
displayed in what was once a prestigious residence, now one of Montreal’s oldest
buildings, so visitors can admire the ‘New France’ period architecture up
close. Some rooms have been restored to reflect how they once were enabling
visitors to effectively step into history.
 |
| Beaver and indigenous artefacts, Chateau Ramezay Museum, Montreal, Canada |
Have
you been to Montreal?
Which
museums would you recommend?
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