This summer is an excellent time to visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which presents an extensive summer program of exhibitions, performances and family-friendly activities. The museum is open daily, and from July 8 to Aug. 26 it will welcome visitors on Mondays as well. Admission is free for people aged 20 and under, and every Wednesday from 5–9 p.m. general admission is half price.
The centerpiece of the season is the major fashion retrospective “Thierry Mugler: Couturissime,” featuring approximately 150 garments alongside photographs, documents and sketches from the designer and photographer. The presentation is complemented by “Montreal Couture,” an exhibit that highlights Quebec’s fashion scene and the local designers shaping it. Outdoor concerts and performances tied to the Mugler exhibition bring an extra layer of energy to the museum grounds.
Visitors interested in contemporary African art can explore “Omar Ba: Shared Dream,” a focused monographic exhibition that examines resilience and the human spirit in the face of political and social pressures. Another gallery pays tribute to filmmaker and artist Alanis Obomsawin, showcasing her lesser-known printmaking work alongside contextual material that illuminates her creative practice.
The museum also offers a range of programs for teens and traveling families. New multi-day creative workshops target 15- to 20-year-olds and run for three to four days, making them easy to schedule during a week-long stay in the city. Workshop themes include photography, experimental DIY art mediums, still life composition and the design of miniature public art installations—each designed to stimulate artistic thinking and hands-on skill development.
With its mix of blockbuster fashion, contemporary art, film-related works and participatory experiences, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts provides something for every interest. Whether you come for a single exhibition or build several museum visits into your summer itinerary, the season’s programming offers diverse ways to engage with art, culture and creativity.