Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal (MAC)

The Basics

MAC displays homegrown Quebec talent, with works from local legends, including Les Automatistes, a group of dissident, Surrealist-inspired artists that emerged in the 1940s in Montreal. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum also hosts popular temporary exhibitions showcasing international and Canadian artists. Examples of previous temporary shows include an exhibition of the work of Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson and another dedicated to the late Montreal native, Leonard Cohen.

Visitors can either pay for admission at the door, or purchase a sightseeing pass, which grants free access to MAC and other top city attractions like the Montreal Tower Observatory, Montreal Biosphere, and McCord Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

MAC is a must-visit for modern art fans and anyone with an interest in Quebec and Canadian art.
A restaurant is located on the museum’s first floor, while a museum shop can be found near the main entrance.
The museum is wheelchair accessible through the entrance at 185 Saint-Catherine, situated next to the main door.

Trip ideas

A Spooky City Guide to Montreal

Take to the streets with Ansia Wilscam-Desjardins from the Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour to find out what's so spooky about this Canadian city.

Things to Do in Montreal This Winter

Haunted Montreal

With more than 375 years of history under its belt, Montreal is among Canada’s oldest cities. Few cities get to this ripe old age without accumulating a few ghosts, and Montreal is no exception. See below to find out more about Montreal’s spookiest sites.

Wine and Beer Tasting in Montreal

How to Spend 3 Days in Montreal

How to Spend 1 Day in Montreal

Quebec City Day Trips From Montreal

Montreal and Quebec City offer two very different experiences: the former is big, vibrant, and diverse, while the provincial capital radiates romance and European charm. Luckily, they’re close enough to each other that you needn’t choose between them. Here are your day trip options.

How to Spend 2 Days in Montreal

Here is how to get the most out of 48 hours in Montreal, Quebec’s cultural capital.

Food Lover's Guide to Montreal

When to Get There

MAC is busiest on weekends; come early to avoid the crowds. One of the best times to visit is during the Nocturnes at the MAC, a series of nighttime events that sees the museum open until well past midnight. During these events, visitors can take part in interactive tours, art workshops, and enjoy drinks and snacks from the bar as well as live music from a DJ.

Where Else to See Art in Montreal

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) focuses on more traditional art, from paintings to furniture and decorative arts, and makes an excellent complement to a visit to MAC. Famous European artists, such as Rembrandt and Picasso, are represented alongside 20th-century Canadian greats like the Group of Seven and Jean-Paul Riopelle.