Review: Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal

Take us inside the museum.
Founded in 1964, the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (MACM)—also known as "the MAC" or "le MAC" by locals—moved into its current digs in 1992. Today, the 163,000-square-foot location anchors the massive Place des Arts cultural complex downtown.

That sounds like a lot of space for a lot of art.
The MAC is devoted to all media and disciplines of Quebec, Canadian, and international contemporary art.

What about rotating exhibits?
The MAC presents temporary exhibitions devoted to current artists from Canada and abroad, as well as exhibitions drawn from the museum’s permanent collection of some 8,000 pieces: digital, sound, and video works, installations, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and paper artifacts. There are also artistic performances and special events, including Nocturne evenings, late-night fêtes featuring tours, DJs, and drinks.

Who will be most satisfied by the collection here?
Although it's popular with the obvious crowd—lovers of contemporary art—the MAC works hard to expand its audience. A recent Leonard Cohen exhibition, which paid tribute to the musician and Montreal native, was a blockbuster that drew art-lovers from around the world, including U2 frontman Bono.

On the practical tip, how were facilities?
The MAC is large and spacious, with plenty of benches.

Any guided tours worth trying?
Contemporary art lovers will especially enjoy the MAC's tours with exhibition curators and artists.

If we want to take home a souvenir, what will we find in the gift shop?
The MAC Boutique is filled with items made in Québec and around the world, including home accessories, jewelry, children’s toys, and art-related products.

And for a pit stop?
The Restaurant du MAC serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, and light dinners. The menu changes monthly and is inspired by whatever's on display.

How long will the whole thing take?
A 60-minute visit is totally doable.