H. Vincent Meredith Residence: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Montreal
Date: 04/07/2025
Introduction
Nestled in Montreal’s prestigious Golden Square Mile, the H. Vincent Meredith Residence—also known as Lady Meredith House or Ardvarna—represents one of the city’s most significant architectural and historical landmarks. Commissioned as a wedding gift by shipping magnate Andrew Allan for his daughter Isabella and her husband Sir Henry Vincent Meredith, then president of the Bank of Montreal, this mansion is an enduring symbol of Montreal’s Gilded Age and the prominence of its anglophone elite (Mont-Royal Official Site; Wikipedia: Vincent Meredith). Designed by Edward and William Sutherland Maxwell, its distinct Romanesque and Queen Anne Revival influences, vibrant red brick façade, and ornate detailing make it a standout within a district known for opulent mansions.
This comprehensive guide explores the origins, evolution, and legacy of the H. Vincent Meredith Residence, while providing detailed, up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, history buff, or a traveler eager to experience Montreal’s rich heritage, this article offers essential insights to enhance your visit (Parks Canada; Montreal Gazette).
Table of Contents
- Historical Background and Construction
- The Meredith Family and Their Legacy
- Architectural Evolution and Heritage Designation
- The Residence’s Social Impact and Adaptive Reuse
- Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
- Highlights and Nearby Attractions
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Sources
Historical Background and Construction
Constructed between 1894 and 1897, the H. Vincent Meredith Residence was envisioned as a grand family home in the heart of the Golden Square Mile, Montreal’s most affluent district at the time. Andrew Allan, owner of the Allan Line Steamships, commissioned the mansion as a wedding gift for his daughter, Isabella Brenda Allan, who married Sir Henry Vincent Meredith (Mont-Royal Official Site; Wikipedia: Vincent Meredith). The chosen site at Pine Avenue and Peel Street placed it among a cluster of stately homes belonging to the city’s financial and industrial titans.
Edward and William Maxwell, renowned Canadian architects, were selected for their expertise in both Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne Revival styles. Their design resulted in a residence marked by an asymmetrical massing, red brick with stone trim, turrets, decorative chimneys, and an irregular roofline—hallmarks of the architectural eclecticism favored by the elite during this period (IMTL.org; Parks Canada).
The Meredith Family and Their Legacy
Sir Henry Vincent Meredith (1850–1929) was a pivotal figure in Canadian finance, serving as president of the Bank of Montreal, and was deeply involved in philanthropic activities, including roles with the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Wikipedia: Vincent Meredith). Lady Meredith, from the influential Allan family, was similarly active in Montreal’s social and cultural scene. The Merediths’ passion for the arts, equestrian pursuits, and community service made their home a cultural nexus for the city’s elite.
Their legacy extended beyond private life: during World War I, Lady Meredith converted part of the residence into a rehabilitation center for returning officers, exemplifying the family’s commitment to public service (Wikipedia: Vincent Meredith).
Architectural Evolution and Heritage Designation
The mansion underwent several expansions and modifications to accommodate the Meredith family’s evolving needs. In 1914, the Maxwells added a west wing, and by 1930, a carriage house and greenhouse were incorporated into the property (Mont-Royal Official Site).
Key architectural features include:
- Asymmetrical Massing and Roofline: A dynamic silhouette with turrets, dormers, and tall chimneys.
- Red Brick and Stone Trim: Contrasting materials typical of Queen Anne Revival architecture.
- Grand Entrance Porch: Steps and an open porch mark the main entrance.
- Eclectic Ornamentation: Romanesque arches, classical details, and decorative brickwork.
In 1990, Lady Meredith House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, recognizing its architectural and historical significance (Parks Canada). It is also protected as part of Montreal’s Mount Royal Heritage Site and the Exceptional Heritage Value Sector (fr.wikipedia).
The Residence’s Social Impact and Adaptive Reuse
After Sir Vincent’s death, Lady Meredith resided in the mansion until 1941, at which point she bequeathed it to the Royal Victoria Hospital for use as a nurses’ residence (Parks Canada). In 1975, McGill University acquired the property, and it now houses the McGill Centre for Medicine, Ethics, and Law (Wikiwand).
A major fire in 1990 caused extensive interior damage, prompting a careful restoration to preserve the mansion’s original character (Wikiwand). Today, the residence continues to serve the community through academic and public service functions, embodying the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in Montreal.
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Visiting Hours
- The H. Vincent Meredith Residence is not open for regular public tours. However, it occasionally welcomes visitors during special events such as Montreal’s Journées de la culture or Doors Open Montreal. Event-specific visiting hours are announced through official channels (Journées de la culture).
- For up-to-date information, check the McGill University Centre for Medicine, Ethics, and Law or the Mont-Royal Official Site.
Tickets and Admission
- No general admission fee; tickets may be required for special events. Advance booking is strongly recommended for these occasions.
Accessibility
- The building is equipped with ramps and elevators for wheelchair users during public events. Some interior areas may have limited accessibility due to the historic structure. Contact event organizers ahead of your visit for specific accommodations.
Location and Getting There
- Address: 1110 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC (corner of Peel Street)
- Transit: Accessible by public transportation, with nearby metro stations (Peel, McGill) and bus routes. Walking is recommended due to limited parking (STM Montreal).
Highlights and Nearby Attractions
- Golden Square Mile: Stroll among Montreal’s most impressive mansions and historic institutions.
- McGill University Campus: Adjacent to the residence, offering additional heritage buildings and museums.
- Mount Royal Park: A short walk away, ideal for combining heritage visits with outdoor recreation (Mount Royal Park).
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Nearby, for art and architecture enthusiasts.
FAQs
Q: What are the H. Vincent Meredith Residence visiting hours?
A: The residence is not open for regular public tours. It opens during special cultural events, with hours announced by event organizers.
Q: Are tickets required?
A: Tickets may be required for special events and are typically available online in advance.
Q: Is the residence wheelchair accessible?
A: Partial accessibility is available during public events; check with organizers for details.
Q: Can I photograph the building?
A: Exterior photography is permitted. Interior rules vary by event; always follow posted guidelines.
Q: What is the architectural style of the residence?
A: The mansion blends Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne Revival styles, with later expansions adding to its eclectic character.
Conclusion
The H. Vincent Meredith Residence is a cornerstone of Montreal’s architectural and social history, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s Gilded Age and the lives of its prominent families. While interior access is limited to special events, the mansion’s impressive exterior and its setting in the Golden Square Mile make it a rewarding destination year-round.
To stay informed about visiting opportunities, special events, and updates on heritage programs, consult official resources and consider downloading the Audiala app for curated audio guides and exclusive content. Lady Meredith House continues to inspire and educate, preserving the legacy of Montreal’s vibrant historical landscape.
