Claire & Marc Bourgie Pavilion
Provencher Roy + Associés

Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts project involved the conversion of a church, for cultural purposes, to house one of the largest collections of Canadian art in the country.

The organization of the Canadian art collection has been combined with the typology of the project to create a special architectural journey. The new building is connected to the museum complex via a tunnel under Avenue du Musée, as a natural extension of the passage under Sherbrooke Street.


Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes


Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes


Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes

Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes

The new tunnel brings the visitor to the level under the Erskine and American church and the first phase of the exhibition, which continues through five superimposed galleries constructed at the back of the church.

This arrangement makes it possible to present the collection in generally chronological order. At each level, the architecture allows more and more natural light to filter in, while on the uppermost level a glassed-in gallery affords a view of the mountain and city, forging a strong link with the environment.


Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes

Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes

Another aspect of the project was to transform the church into a 444-seats concert hall able to accommodate chamber orchestras as well as cultural and educational events. This particular feature allows the Museum to restore the church's function as a public space.


Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes


Photo © Marc Cramer courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes

Photo © Tom Arban courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes

In addition to making a large collection of stained glass available, the conservation of the church afforded a unique opportunity to create a structure whose great heritage value makes it a legitimate part of the Museum's permanent collection.


Drawing courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés ArchitectesPlan Underground Level


Drawing courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes
Plan Level 1


Drawing courtesy Provencher Roy + Associés Architectes
Plan Level 4