Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Top Attractions in Montreal
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
The Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles stands as a testament to the rich Francophone heritage and contemporary artistic vibrancy of Montreal’s eastern boroughs. Located in Pointe-aux-Trembles—one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, founded in 1674—this dynamic cultural institution connects past and present through multidisciplinary programming, accessible facilities, and deep community engagement. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor seeking to explore Montreal’s historic and artistic landscape, the Maison offers a welcoming gateway to discover, learn, and participate in the city’s cultural life (Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles; Montreal.ca; MaCommunaute.ca).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Context and Establishment
- Architecture and Facilities
- Year-Round Programming and Events
- Community Engagement and Social Impact
- Eco-Responsibility and Sustainability
- Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets & Access
- Accessibility
- Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Visual Highlights
- Conclusion and Travel Recommendations
- References
Historical Context and Establishment
The Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles is part of Montreal’s network of Maisons de la culture—municipal centers established in the early 1980s to democratize access to the arts. The center was founded to serve the growing cultural needs of the borough, reflecting a strong local identity and a commitment to community-driven artistic expression. Its roots are intertwined with the history of Pointe-aux-Trembles, one of Montreal’s earliest settlements, and the Maison continues to honor its legacy by blending heritage preservation with contemporary creativity (Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles).
Architecture and Facilities
While not a heritage building in itself, the Maison is thoughtfully designed to support a variety of cultural activities. Its facilities include:
- 200-seat auditorium: Renowned for its acoustics, hosting theatre, music, dance, and film.
- Maurice-Domingue Exhibition Hall: Rotating contemporary and heritage art exhibitions.
- Historic Maison Antoine-Beaudry: A mid-18th-century structure, used for heritage and community programming.
- Library: A resource-rich public library adjacent to the Maison.
- Café: A welcoming spot for refreshments and social interaction.
- Outdoor spaces: Riverfront parkland for summer concerts and festivals.
- Technological amenities: State-of-the-art sound, lighting, and projection systems support varied programming.
- Eco-responsible features: Energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and green event certification (evenementecoresponsable.com).
Year-Round Programming and Events
The Maison offers a diverse schedule of cultural activities for all ages and interests:
- Theatre: Regular productions featuring local and touring companies.
- Music: Concerts ranging from classical to contemporary, spotlighting both established and emerging artists.
- Dance: Performances reflecting local traditions and global influences.
- Visual Arts: Rotating exhibitions in both the contemporary hall and the historic Maison Beaudry.
- Film: Screenings and festivals celebrating Quebec and international cinema.
- Heritage & Science Exhibits: Showcasing local history, Indigenous roots, and scientific innovation.
- Workshops and family activities: Including storytelling, creative workshops, and hands-on learning during school breaks and festivals (MaCommunaute.ca; journalmetro.com).
Notable annual events:
- Art Souterrain Festival: Contemporary art installations and performances (Art Souterrain).
- Journées de la culture: Free workshops and interactive activities each fall.
- Holiday programming: Family concerts, crafts, and seasonal exhibitions.
- Summer series: Outdoor performances and community events.
Community Engagement and Social Impact
The Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles is deeply woven into the borough’s social fabric. It offers:
- Inclusive programming: Free or low-cost events reduce barriers to participation.
- Support for local artists: Opportunities for both emerging and established creators.
- Educational initiatives: School partnerships, internships, and lifelong learning workshops.
- Volunteer opportunities: Community members can contribute and gain experience in arts administration.
The Maison’s programming encourages intergenerational connections and supports newcomers, reflecting the diversity and vitality of the borough (estmediamontreal.com).
Eco-Responsibility and Sustainability
Recognized with the “Scène Écoresponsable – Niveau Or” accreditation, the Maison leads in sustainable event management. Green initiatives include:
- Responsible waste management and recycling.
- Sustainable procurement for events.
- Staff training in eco-responsibility, led by experts Sophie-Laurence H. Lauzon and Caroline Larocque (evenementecoresponsable.com).
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets & Access
Address:
12025, rue Notre-Dame Est, Montréal, QC H1B 1B4
Public Transit:
STM bus routes 39 and 439; accessible from Honoré-Beaugrand metro (Green Line).
Parking:
Ample free on-site and street parking, including accessible spaces.
Visiting Hours
School Season (September–June):
- Tuesday to Sunday: Open 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (select evenings), otherwise 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Summer (July–August):
- Friday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Note: Hours may vary by event—always confirm on the official website.
Tickets and Admission
- Exhibitions: Free
- Performances: Free or minimal charge (under $10 for special events/workshops)
- Reservations: Recommended for popular events; available online or at the box office
- Borough Residents: Priority access with valid ID (MaCommunaute.ca)
Accessibility
- Barrier-free entrances with automatic doors
- Elevators serving all public floors
- Accessible restrooms and reserved seating
- Assistive listening devices available on request
- Accessible parking adjacent to the venue (Keroul)
Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips
- Parc de la Pointe-aux-Prairies: Green space for outdoor activities and river views
- Historic sites: Explore other heritage landmarks and public art circuits in the borough
- Local cafés and shops: Enjoy the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere
Travel Tips:
- Most programming is in French; some events offer bilingual materials
- Guided tours are occasionally available—contact ahead to book
- Plan ahead for major festivals or school breaks for family programming
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles visiting hours?
A: Hours vary seasonally; see above or check the official website for current schedules.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Most events and exhibitions are free; some special events may require a small fee.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially during special exhibitions—contact the Maison for details.
Q: Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, including parking, entrances, restrooms, and seating.
Q: How can I stay updated on events and programming?
A: Subscribe to the Maison’s newsletter or follow them on social media.
Visual Highlights
- Exterior view of Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles, featuring historic Maison Beaudry (alt: “Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles historic Maison Beaudry facade”)
- Interior of Maurice-Domingue Exhibition Hall with contemporary art (alt: “Contemporary art exhibition at Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles”)
- Live theatre performance in the auditorium (alt: “Live theatre performance at Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles”)
Explore more images and a virtual tour on the official website.
Conclusion and Travel Recommendations
The Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles is a cornerstone of Montreal’s cultural landscape—celebrating local heritage, promoting artistic innovation, and championing accessibility and sustainability. Its multidisciplinary programming, inclusive approach, and community partnerships make it an inspiring destination for anyone interested in the arts or the history of Montreal.
Before visiting, check the latest schedules and event listings on the official website or MaCommunaute.ca. For personalized recommendations and updates, download the Audiala app and follow the Maison on social media.
References
- Maison de la culture de Pointe-aux-Trembles
- Evenement Eco Responsable
- Journal Metro
- Montreal.ca
- MaCommunaute.ca
- Keroul