Architecture: A blend of the old and the new

Montréal harmoniously melds the cachet of its historical district with the flare of modern buildings of glass and steel. The diversity of its architectural styles is a reflection of the heritage of the two peoples that successfully colonized this area: first the French and then the English.

Montréal was the industrial and financial hub of Canada for more than 150 years, and the extensive variety of its buildings includes factories, warehouses and refineries. Today, these buildings bear witness to a fascinating historical and architectural heritage. In fact, many of the buildings in Old Montréal have preserved their original architecture.

Among others, Place d'Armes – the historic square in Old Montréal that is located a stone's throw from the Palais des congrès, where WCIT 2012 will take place – is surrounded by buildings that represent some of the major architectural periods in Montréal: neo-Gothic (Notre-Dame Basilica), the first skyscraper (New York Life Building), the Pantheon style (Bank of Montréal Head Office – Canada's first bank), Art déco (Aldred Building), and finally, international style (the prestigious 500 Place D'Armes).

To learn more about the history of modern architecture in Montréal, click here.