Concert halls Montreal

Let's start with a bit of history: yes, Le Bordel did set up its stage in a former brothel. A raw, straightforward encounter between a stage, a microphone and a dense, overexcited audience. Different types of shows are presented, such as the famous Comédie Club (five comedians whose names are revealed on site) or the Open-Mic (comedians come to test new acts). In April 2022, Le Bordel opened a second venue just a stone's throw away (330 Ontario Street East), doubling the fun!

Who would have thought that a band of Quebec acrobats playing stilts in Baie-Saint-Paul would end up creating the Cirque du Soleil in Montreal, revolutionizing the codes of the traditional circus? From success to success, from colourful acrobatics to technical prowess, the troupe is today one of the oldest representatives of the modern circus. While its creations, ever more beautiful and crazy, enchant audiences all over the world, the Cirque has not forgotten its origins and presents at least one show in the city every year.

The all-wooden hall can accommodate more than 2,000 spectators on several levels of balconies. Since 2021, the talented Venezuelan conductor Rafael Payare has taken over the musical direction, he offers a rich repertoire with multiple influences. Several concerts are also broadcast digitally, a low-cost alternative. The orchestra also organizes events outside of its walls, and when the weather is fine, it doesn't hesitate to take over different places in the city.

The National Monument is Canada's oldest performing arts venue. The building is now owned by the National Theatre School of Canada and hosts part of the NTS festival. The site has several performance halls (Salle Ludger-Duvernay, Studio Hydro-Québec...) and multiple spaces (the Salon rouge, the café...) for various events ranging from theatre to music, humour and dance. An exhibition space is dedicated to the presentation of photography, painting, drawing and print media practices in contemporary art.

Located in the heart of Old Montreal, in the magnificent historic building of what was the first Stock Exchange in Canada, the Centaur Theatre has been presenting plays in English since 1969. In addition to its regular annual programming, it also hosts the Wildside Festival and children's series, among others. Classical or more contemporary plays, with a large place reserved for Quebec creations and emerging artists, Centaur Theatre entertains with a selection of innovative and contemporary works.

Founded in 1957, Les Grands Ballets has never ceased to open up new territories for dance lovers from near and far. The artistic direction of the company is oriented towards a classical repertoire with iconic and timeless shows such as The Nutcracker or Carmen, but also superb modern creations. The place also has studios where à la carte dance classes are given for all levels.

Ideally located in the heart of the Village, on lively rue Sainte-Catherine, the Olympia is a superb concert venue housed in a former 1920s theater. Daniel Bélanger, Isabelle Boulay, Ariane Moffatt, Alain Souchon, Feist, Eminem and Chilly Gonzales (to name but a few!) have performed in this multi-purpose venue with its warm acoustics, hosting performances in all styles, from comedy to music to theater. Contemporary shows in a historic venue that has retained all its character.

La Maison Théâtre is the only theatre in Montreal that specializes in shows for young audiences (children and teenagers). The works presented are classified by age group, to facilitate the selection of those that will suit a particular audience. Created in 1984, the Maison Théâtre brings together an association of nearly 30 theatre companies from all over Quebec, and keeps a watchful eye on the development of theatre for young people. It also offers other activities (parent-child workshops, meetings, etc.).

With its pleasant atmosphere, charm and enviable geographical location, Quai des Brumes has become one of the most popular entertainment bars in French-speaking Montreal. Open on the sidewalk of Saint-Denis Street, it is impossible to miss the urban wildlife that sits there without interruption. You will find a great diversity in the choice of groups coming to perform there. We are sure we will never be alone. You will also be able to enjoy excellent visual, literary, poetic or musical performances (complete online programming).

Created in 1979, this puppet theater has a long history of artistic creation behind it. The performances, mainly for young audiences, are exceptionally inventive. The creative studio is a haven for artists and independent companies who present their art in this intimate venue. Each year, a show is created that takes into account every detail of the staging.

The Agora is an important place for creators, spectators, students, teachers and presenters of contemporary dance, and likes to accompany choreographers on a long-term basis. National and international performances, some of which are aimed at young audiences, are presented in a hall with a variable configuration. Now housed in the Wilder building in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, it shares space with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal and Tangente, making it a major centre in the world of choreography.

Flash back to the 1960s: the flashing neon lights on the facade of this neighbourhood cinema, as well as the small ticket booth, instantly transport us into Happy Days. Winner of the 2004 Jutra Award for Best Exhibitor in Quebec for its support of Quebec cinema, Cinéma Beaubien screens French-language auteur films from here and abroad. Several events are organised throughout the year, such as the "Les Aventuriers voyageurs" programme, travel films followed by a conference.

Restaurant, bar and terrace. On two floors, this bar-disco will delight salsa lovers. Several schools send their students. It is not uncommon to see shows improvise. From Wednesday to Saturday, Brazilian evenings, salsa and cha.

A relaxed but relaxed atmosphere where jazz vibrates, explore new territories. Very popular during the Jazz Festival. Excellent restaurant restaurant on site.

The Gesù has several halls, one of them in a church recognized as a "Classified Heritage Building" since 2012, as well as a 425-seat amphitheatre famous for its exceptional acoustics. Several exhibition spaces or meeting rooms are also available. A place for creation and dissemination, the Gesù offers a dynamic and rich program, visual art exhibitions and numerous shows of all kinds.

The Cinéma du Parc is a venue for the screening of foreign films with subtitles, independent films, repertory films and retrospectives. It actively participates in numerous film and documentary festivals. With tickets at very affordable prices, parking at a very low cost for spectators (only $3 CAN for 3 hours upon presentation of the ticket coupon), press clippings on all films shown, the place is very satisfying. Other theatres managed by the group: Cinéma Beaubien and Cinéma du Musée.

After an 8-year absence and several renovations, the 2,000-seat amphitheater finally reopened in 2022, more majestic than ever. Set on the lake in Parc de La Fontaine, the stage brings to life a varied program centred around four disciplines: dance, music, cinema and theater. Managed by the town's cultural department, all Théâtre de Verdure activities are free of charge. However, there are no reservations, so depending on the popularity of the shows, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a seat.

Life on stage, in all its nudity, defined but above all redefined, through the eyes of today's authors. Since 1968, the texts that have burned the stage of this former cinema in Carré Saint-Louis have been drawn exclusively from French-speaking Quebec and Canadian drama, whether they are creations or revivals of the repertoire. To encourage the next generation, artists in residence are also welcomed to give them the opportunity to assert their style.

In the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, this stage is a must in Montreal's cultural life, a must for young Quebec, Canadian and international groups. Lisa Leblanc, Coeur de Pirate, Oasis, Ben Harper, Amy Winehouse and Rufus Wainwright have played at Club Soda. Musical shows, comedy evenings, improv games and special events share the stage of this multi-purpose hall, whose sophisticated sound and lighting systems allow it to adapt to different moods.

Comfortably installed for over 75 years in the lively Plateau district, it was the country's first professional French-language theater. Antonine Maillet, Michel Tremblay, Gratien Gélinas, Marie-Claire Blais and many other great names have made their mark on this stage. The Théâtre du Rideau Vert has enjoyed some of the finest moments in its history, and continues to attract large audiences with its classic repertoire and contemporary programming.

This theatre invites the audience to discover new textual and scenic experiences. It gives a voice to contemporary authors from here and elsewhere, while revisiting some classics, all in a studio theatre with a variable configuration. Since its founding in 1979, under the name Théâtre Expérimental des Femmes, the company has been firmly committed to valuing the contribution of women to the adventure of theatre. The theatre also hosts some shows during the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival, among others.

The chimney of this former Raymond jam factory bears witness to the history of this industrial district. In this concrete universe, dancers walk around on a stage where the bleachers are configurable. Sometimes the seats face each other, sometimes they take on an Italian air. This multidisciplinary creation and performance space has established its reputation thanks to the creation company Carbone 14. Theatre, opera, artistic performance, dance, shows by foreign companies and special events come to liven up the place.

With its two halls, the St-Denis is one of the most beautiful and popular theatres in the city. It hosts a number of comedians, musical artists from here and abroad and musicals. This hundred-year-old theatre is a historical pearl of the Latin Quarter; it would be a shame to attend a performance without taking the opportunity to discover or rediscover one of the good restaurants in the surrounding area or to linger in one of the many bars on the way out, just to discuss the show over a good drink.

The Cinémathèque québécoise houses more than 70,000 film and television archive titles, as well as experimental multimedia novelties, not to mention books, posters, photos, scripts and production documents, etc., for a total collection of nearly 480,000 documents. Many tributes, retrospectives and various festivals are organized in this place dedicated to film and television heritage. It should be noted that exhibitions are also presented here and are accessible free of charge.

Seventeen screens showing European, Quebec and American films (mainly in the original French or VF version, although some foreign films are subtitled). Theatres are medium-sized with curved screens, low-frequency speakers and comfortable seating. A must-see cinema in the Latin Quarter, close to many bars and restaurants to discuss the film after the screening. Food counters are also available on site.

Located in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, La Vitrine culturelle is more than just an online box office: it presents the diversity of the cultural offer in the Greater Montreal area with an exhaustive calendar. Its website allows you to find out in a few clicks about the entire offer, both paid and free, and to buy your tickets online. An advanced search engine will allow you to filter the offers that are most suitable for you. Good plan: take advantage of special offers and pre-sales.

Art Deco style of the 1930s, red velvet curtains and wooden furniture: the Golden Lion is one of the oldest cabarets in Montreal. It hosts shows based on a variety of Quebec programming (comedy, theatre, jazz, French song...), as well as special evenings, for a projection or a launch, becoming a television set... At the back of the hall, a bar allows you to sip a drink while listening to the music. Le Lion d'Or also has its own restaurant, the Petit Extra, which offers French-inspired cuisine.

The late Artgang, now Ausgang Plaza! A hot spot for local culture, this space has been renovated and reopened with a new team, putting more emphasis on creation (even more so if it's from Montreal or the surrounding area). A pop-up gallery event features a different artist each month. The space also has an exhibition room and a performance hall. Screenings, markets, concerts, DJ nights, festivals: there's always something interesting going on in this space that aims to be inclusive and unifying.

In 1985, Lamine Touré had the bright idea of conquering a small part of La Main with tropical rhythms. Club Balattou was thus the very first tropical discotheque in the country, and soon became a pioneer of world music, as well as being at the origin of the Nuits d'Afrique festival. Today, it's safe to say it's a Montreal cult venue, and has been for almost 40 years. Balattou is all about cultural diversity through music, the enchantment of discoveries and the abolition of borders. in short, "Around the world in one evening".