Montreal is a city that breathes art. From massive murals covering downtown streets to world-renowned museums and underground art spaces, the city has something for every kind of art lover. Whether you’re into classical paintings, immersive digital experiences, or cutting-edge contemporary works, Montreal’s art scene is thriving and accessible. Even better? Many of these galleries and museums offer free or discounted access for students!

If you’re looking for inspiration, a cultural outing, or a cool place to explore on a weekend, here’s your guide to the best art spots in Montreal.

The Best Art Galleries in Montreal

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) | Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal

📍 Location: 1380 Sherbrooke St W
🎟️ Student Discount Available

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is one of Canada's most prestigious and prominent museums. It features an extensive collection of classical, modern, and contemporary works from Canadian and international artists. Students can enjoy discounts on tickets, and some exhibitions offer free access on the first Sunday of the month. This is a must-visit if you’re a fan of Picasso, Monet, or contemporary Indigenous artists.

Phi Centre

📍 Location: 315 Saint-Paul St W
🎟️ Affordable entry & free exhibitions available

For those who love immersive and experimental art, the Phi Centre is a dream. This venue blends art, technology, and music, often showcasing virtual reality exhibits, interactive installations, and digital storytelling. It’s a place where art meets the future, and many of its exhibitions are free!

DHC/ART Foundation for Contemporary Art

📍 Location: 451 & 465 Saint-Jean Street
🎟️ Free admission

DHC/ART is a contemporary art lover’s paradise. This gallery is known for hosting influential, thought-provoking exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists like Yoko Ono and Ai Weiwei. The best part? Admission is always free, making it a perfect student-friendly spot.

Galerie de l’UQAM

📍 Location: 1400 Berri St
🎟️ Free admission

Located at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), this gallery is a hotspot for contemporary art. It frequently showcases work from up-and-coming Canadian and international artists and experimental and socially engaged pieces.

Belgo Building – Montreal’s Hidden Art Hub

📍 Location: 372 Sainte-Catherine St W
🎟️ Free entry to most galleries

The Belgo Building is a hidden gem if you love independent art galleries. This old industrial building houses multiple contemporary art galleries under one roof. You can spend an entire afternoon wandering from one space to another, discovering everything from avant-garde photography to multimedia installations.

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Top Museums for Art Lovers in Montreal

Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC)

📍 Location: 1 Place Ville Marie
🎟️ Student discounts available

MAC is Montreal’s go-to museum for contemporary and experimental art. It hosts works by Canadian and international artists and often features multimedia and interactive pieces. MAC is a must-visit if you’re into modern art that challenges ideas and sparks conversation.

Pointe-à-Callière Museum

📍 Location: 350 Place Royale
🎟️ Discounted student tickets

While primarily an archaeology museum, Pointe-à-Callière often features stunning art exhibitions that explore Montreal’s cultural and artistic history. It’s an excellent spot for those interested in the intersection of history and art.

McCord Stewart Museum

📍 Location: 690 Sherbrooke St W
🎟️ Free entry for students every Wednesday after 5 PM

This museum blends history, fashion, and art, focusing on photography and Indigenous artistry. It frequently hosts exhibits on social justice, gender, and cultural identity—topics that resonate with today’s generation.

Biosphere – Where Art Meets Science

📍 Location: 160 Chemin du Tour de l’Isle, Parc Jean-Drapeau
🎟️ Discounted student rates

The Biosphere isn’t a traditional art museum but features eco-conscious art installations that make you rethink the relationship between humans and nature. If you love environmental activism and artistic expression, this is your place.

Affordable and Free Art Spots in Montreal

If you’re on a student budget, don’t worry—Montreal has plenty of free and affordable art experiences!

• Free Museum Days: Many museums, including MMFA and MAC, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
• Never Apart: This unique gallery space offers free exhibitions and showcases LGBTQ+ and underrepresented artists.
• Pop-up Art Exhibitions: Keep an eye on local universities and cultural centers, which often host free art shows.

Upcoming Art Events and Festivals

Montreal is known for its incredible art festivals. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:

• Nuit Blanche (February/March) – A city-wide nighttime art festival featuring installations, performances, and interactive exhibits.
• MURAL Festival (June) – Montreal’s famous street art festival where artists create massive murals in real time.
• Art Matters (March) – The largest student-run art festival in Canada, showcasing emerging talent from Concordia University.

Final Thoughts: Dive into Montreal’s Art Scene!

Montreal’s art scene is diverse, inspiring, and—best of all—accessible to students. Whether wandering through a contemporary gallery, enjoying a free museum day, or attending an outdoor art festival, the city has something for every art enthusiast.

So grab a friend, explore these creative spaces, and immerse yourself in Montreal’s artistic energy. You never know—you might just discover your new favourite artist!

Want to stay updated on Montreal’s art events?

You can follow your favourite galleries and museums on Instagram or check out MTL Blog and Tourisme Montréal for event updates.

Enjoy exploring Montreal’s creative side!