500 Place D'Armes

Visiting 500 Place D’Armes Montreal: Tickets, Hours, and Attractions

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to 500 Place D’Armes and Place d’Armes Square

Situated at the heart of Old Montreal, Place d’Armes and the modernist 500 Place d’Armes building are at the crossroads of the city’s rich history and vibrant contemporary culture. As Montreal’s second oldest public square, Place d’Armes has evolved from its origins in 1693 as a military parade ground to become a civic, financial, and architectural focal point. Visitors to this area are treated to a unique urban tapestry—from the Gothic Revival splendor of the Notre-Dame Basilica to the sleek glass façade of 500 Place d’Armes, completed in 1968. The square is open to the public year-round without admission fees, while 500 Place d’Armes functions primarily as an office building, with lobby access during business hours and occasional architectural tours. The site’s proximity to the Place-d’Armes Metro station and Montreal’s extensive underground city makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s architectural heritage and nearby attractions such as the Bank of Montreal Museum and Bonsecours Market. Whether your interests lie in history, architecture, or simply soaking up Montreal’s lively atmosphere, Place d’Armes and 500 Place d’Armes offer a compelling window into the city’s past and present. For details on visiting hours, accessibility, and events, consult MTL.org and Notre-Dame Basilica.

Discover Place d’Armes and 500 Place d’Armes: A Must-Visit Historical Landmark
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
How to Get There
Historical Highlights and Architectural Wonders
Special Events and Photographic Spots
Monuments and Commemorative Features
Heritage Status and Preservation
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Le 500 Place d’Armes: A Modernist Icon in Historic Montreal
Visitor Experience and Practical Information
Summary and Visitor Tips
References and Further Reading

Discover Place d’Armes and 500 Place d’Armes: A Must-Visit Historical Landmark

Place d’Armes and 500 Place d’Armes offer a dynamic blend of Montreal’s storied past and its modern ambitions. The square is a magnet for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers looking to experience the city’s most emblematic sites.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Place d’Armes: Open to the public 24/7, free of charge.
500 Place d’Armes: No tickets required for lobby access; open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Guided tours are occasionally available; check ahead for schedules.
Accessibility: Both the square and building are wheelchair accessible. The nearby Place-d’Armes Metro station and bus routes make public transit easy and convenient.

How to Get There

Metro: Place-d’Armes station (Orange Line) is steps away.
Bus: Multiple city bus routes stop nearby.
Walking: The area is pedestrian-friendly, close to Notre-Dame Basilica and Bonsecours Market.
Parking: Paid parking lots are available in the vicinity, but walking or public transit is recommended due to limited parking.

Historical Highlights and Architectural Wonders

Early Foundations (17th–18th Centuries)

Established in 1693, Place d’Armes began as Place de la Fabrique, adjacent to Montreal’s first church. Its renaming in 1721 signaled its importance as a military and civic hub.

19th Century: Economic and Civic Growth

The square’s transformation in the 1800s, including the creation of a Victorian garden, reflected Montreal’s emergence as a financial center. The surrounding architecture, such as the Bank of Montreal’s head office (1847) and the New York Life Building (1887), showcases this era of prosperity.

Architectural Evolution

Place d’Armes is a showcase of diverse styles:

Notre-Dame Basilica: Gothic Revival masterpiece completed in 1829.
Aldred Building: Art Deco skyscraper from 1931.
500 Place d’Armes: International Style tower (1968), standing 133 meters tall, representing Montreal’s leap into modernity.

Special Events and Photographic Spots

The square hosts major events, such as the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day parade (June 24), and regular public performances. Photographers will find compelling views of Notre-Dame Basilica, the Paul de Chomedey monument, and contrasting historic and modern façades.

Monuments and Commemorative Features

Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve Monument: Honors Montreal’s founder.
John Young Statue: Celebrates a key historical figure in Montreal’s commercial development.

Heritage Status and Preservation

Place d’Armes and its iconic buildings are protected under heritage laws. Restoration projects ensure the preservation of facades, mosaics, and public art, maintaining the area’s historical character.

Nearby Attractions

Notre-Dame Basilica: Renowned for its architecture and art.
Bank of Montreal Museum: Explore Canada’s banking history.
Bonsecours Market: Historic public market with shops and dining.
Old Montreal Walking Tours: Many tours start at or near Place d’Armes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Place d’Armes?
A: The square is open 24/7 and free to access.

Q: Is there an entrance fee for 500 Place d’Armes?
A: No, lobby access is free during business hours.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, many Old Montreal tours include Place d’Armes; specific architectural tours of 500 Place d’Armes are occasional.

Q: Is the area accessible?
A: Yes, both the square and the building are wheelchair accessible.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Spring to fall offers pleasant weather and frequent events, but the square is attractive year-round.

Le 500 Place d’Armes: A Modernist Icon in Historic Montreal

Completed in 1968, Le 500 Place d’Armes is a prime example of International Style modernism, with its curtain wall and clean lines providing a striking contrast to the historic square. The building rises 132.7 meters with 32 floors and is directly connected to Montreal’s underground city (RÉSO), linking it to shopping centers, hotels, and transit.

Lobby Access: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; weekends limited.
No admission fee for lobby or underground city connections.
Occasional guided tours focus on the building’s architectural significance.

Nearby Highlights:

Notre-Dame Basilica: Across the square.
Bank of Montreal Museum: Steps away.
Old Montreal: Explore boutiques, cafes, and galleries nearby.

Visitor Tips:

Weekdays are liveliest for lobby and underground city activity.
Combine with a walking tour of the square for historical context.
Use the underground city for shelter in extreme weather.

Photography: Public areas permit photography, but respect signage and tenant privacy.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Location and Access

500 Place D’Armes is centrally located and accessible via Metro, bus, and pedestrian walkways. Paid parking is available nearby, though limited.

Hours and Facilities

500 Place D’Armes: Lobby open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Place d’Armes Square: Open 24/7.
Restrooms: Available in nearby cafes, Notre-Dame Basilica, and public facilities.
Wi-Fi: Offered by many local businesses and in some public areas.
Tourist Office: Nearby (Authentik Canada).

Safety, Currency, and Language

The area is safe and well-patrolled.
Credit cards and Canadian dollars are widely accepted.
French and English are both spoken; signage is bilingual.

Weather

July is warm (20°C to 28°C/68°F to 82°F). Dress comfortably and be prepared for possible rain.

Photography and Sightseeing Tips

Best Light: Early morning or late afternoon.
Views: For panoramas, visit nearby rooftop bars or climb the Notre-Dame Basilica tower.
Tours: Several local companies offer historical and architectural walking tours.

Summary and Visitor Tips

Exploring Place d’Armes and 500 Place d’Armes offers a comprehensive understanding of Montreal’s historical and architectural evolution. The area is accessible, vibrant, and filled with photographic opportunities. Take advantage of guided tours, the underground city, and up-to-date resources such as the Audiala app to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or Montreal’s urban culture, this iconic area is an essential stop.