Hôtel de Ville: A Historical Landmark in Montreal

Overview

Hôtel de Ville, located in the heart of Montreal, is an iconic city hall celebrated for its breathtaking architecture and rich history. Originally designed by renowned architects, this magnificent structure showcases the elegance of the Second Empire style, with construction commencing in the 19th century. After a devastating fire in 1922, it was rebuilt within its original facade, drawing inspiration from the city hall in Tours, France. Notable renovations in 1932 enhanced its Beaux-Arts features, culminating in a stunning copper roof that replaced the original slate tiles. The city hall is beautifully illuminated at night, accentuating its architectural brilliance. Visitors can explore the Hall of Honor, which hosts diverse exhibitions, and take advantage of guided tours to dive deeper into its historical significance. A short stroll from the city hall reveals remnants of the past, with visible traces of Montreal's fortified town, making it a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Photo of Hôtel de Ville
Photo of Hôtel de Ville
Photo of Hôtel de Ville
Contact Info
  • Address275 Rue Notre Dame E, Montréal, QC H2Y 4B7, Canada
  • Phone+1 514-872-0311

Reviews

Lucas Moreau
Canada
5
The Montréal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Montréal) is an iconic and scenic building in the city. It serves as the center of local government and is bustling with political and administrative activity. The building is definitely worth the walk!
Beatrice
Canada
4
Montreal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Montréal) serves as the main office of the city government, showcasing beautiful Second Empire architecture, having been built in 1872. This historical treasure is easy to spot from afar and is a must-see for visitors.
Elena Dupont
Canada
4
This architecturally interesting building can be viewed on a walk around Old Montreal.
Sophie Deschamps
Canada
3
From this balcony, French President General de Gaulle famously declared "Vive le Québec libre!" during a controversial moment in history. Designed by Perrault, the City Hall, built between 1872 and 1878, has a complex history but is spectacular at dusk when illuminated.
Celine Martin
Canada
5
I was fascinated by Montreal’s City Hall and its nearby Nelson’s Column. The second empire architecture is intriguing and it stands out as one of the unique buildings in Old Montreal.