Centre d'Histoire de Montréal

Description:

• Built in 1903 as Montréal's Central Fire Station, this red-brick-and-sandstone building is now the Montréal History Center, which traces the development of the city from its first residents, the Amerindians, to the European settlers who arrived in 1642, to the present day. Throughout its 14 rooms, carefully conceived presentations chart the contributions of the city fathers and mothers and subsequent generations. Imaginative exhibits, videos, and slide shows trace the development of the railroad, Métro, and related infrastructure. On the second floor, reached by a spiral staircase, is memorabilia from the early 20th century. A recent exhibit re-created the trial of a woman accused of setting the massive fire that destroyed much of Vieux-Montréal in April 1734. Allow about an hour for a visit.

• © Frommer's 2013