Montreal City Hall

275 Notre Dame Street East, Montreal

A magnificent restored historic building filled with treasures to discover

Located in Old Montreal, at the top of Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal City Hall is home to the mayor’s office, the city council and various municipal service departments. This majestic building also houses municipal archives, numerous works of art and a permanent exhibition.

Built between 1872 and 1878, Montreal City Hall was designed by architects Henri-Maurice Perrault and Alexander Cowper Hutchison. The Second Empire style of this five-storey edifice is evident in its steep metal-clad mansard roofs, extensive use of dormers and typically symmetrical façade.

The public areas inside—the hall of honour and council chambers in particular—are richly decorated with marble floors and walls, French Art Deco lamps, hand-carved ceilings and thematic stained-glass windows (religion, industry, commerce, etc.).

 In 1922, the building suffered a devastating fire. Under the direction of architect Louis Parant, the interiors were restored, the fifth storey was added and the central tower was redesigned. In 1932, a new wing was built at the rear. Further renovations have taken place between 2019 and 2024.

Montreal City Hall is also known for a speech delivered by General de Gaulle from its balcony, which the French President concluded with a shout of “Vive le Québec libre !” Words that still echo today…