The museum holds one of the most significant collections of works by the Quebec artist Jean-Paul Riopelle.
It maintains a permanent collection that tracks the evolution of the Automatiste movement, a pivotal period in Quebec's cultural history.
The MAC was founded in 1964 by the Government of Quebec to promote and preserve contemporary art.
Its collection includes over 1,500 works by female artists, reflecting a long-standing commitment to gender parity in acquisitions.
The museum produces its own digital archives and research papers regarding contemporary exhibition techniques.
The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) is the first museum in Canada exclusively dedicated to contemporary art. It maintains an extensive collection of over 8,000 works created since 1939, with a specific focus on Québec artists alongside international contributors. The institution emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, including digital and media arts, installation, and performance. Currently, the museum operates out of its temporary location at Place Ville-Marie while its primary site in the Place des Arts complex undergoes significant multi-year expansion and renovation. The collection features a notable emphasis on the development of contemporary practice in the province since the mid-20th century. Visitors can expect rotating exhibitions that highlight both established figures and emerging voices in the visual arts. The museum provides a critical perspective on modern artistic movements within a Canadian context.
The main lobby of the Place Ville-Marie temporary space, which features a modern, clean architectural aesthetic.
Check the website for the current exhibition program, as the temporary location at Place Ville-Marie offers a more focused selection of works than the original facility.
Plan your visit to coincide with one of the rotating performance art pieces, which are often scheduled throughout the afternoon.
Consult the digital 'MAC Collection' portal online before visiting to identify specific pieces you wish to see.
Do not go to the museum's former primary location at Place des Arts, as it remains closed for construction.
Closed on Mondays. The museum is currently operating in a temporary space due to long-term renovation of its primary home.
Standard museum decorum applies; photography is generally permitted for personal use without flash, but specific exhibits may prohibit it.
