Montreal turns 380 years old today
Posted May 17, 2022 6:00 am.
Last Updated May 17, 2022 3:29 pm.
Montreal celebrates turning 380 years young today! It was founded on May 17, 1642.
The name “Montreal” was first meant to designate the mountain, then the island, and finally the city itself.
In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier made his second voyage to New France, and claimed it for the French crown – naming it “Mont Royal.”
More than 100 years later, in 1642, Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve founded Montreal under the name “Ville-Marie” – a religious honour for the Virgin Mary. The name “Ville-Marie” fell out of use in about 1665.
Pointe-à-Callière museum
Pointe-à-Callière museum is also celebrating an anniversary – 30 years old – and to honour its birthday and Montreal’s, it’s welcoming the public free of charge all day long – with some surprises on site and online.
On May 17, “Pay as you like”: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission to the Museum is free, and visitors are invited to make a donation of their choice to enjoy Pointe-à-Callière’s permanent and temporary exhibitions. Donations will go to the Pointe-à-Callière Foundation to support the Museum’s mission and projects.
#WATCH: A little music to help celebrate Montreal’s 380th anniversary. Founded on May 17, 1642. This was Socalled at Pointe-à-Callière museum – who are also celebrating a birthday, 30 years young. https://t.co/oAykSA1fWL
Video: Matt Tornabene, CityNews (@PointeaCalliere) pic.twitter.com/6m7StiNs8Z
— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) May 17, 2022
Between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., two internationally renowned mystery artists from Montreal will give unique musical performances at the public piano in Place Royale. Just a few steps away is the museum’s Wish Tree, a participatory art installation on which visitors can hang a small note, wish, message of love, or even ideas for the future of the Montreal.
The party continues online with the “Happy Birthday Montréal!” quiz. Between May 17 and 23, test your knowledge of the city’s recent history and get a chance to win Pointe-à-Callière’s anniversary grand prize!
