Montreal City Hall

Montreal City Hall, Second Empire style

The Montreal audio-guided tour leads you to Place Vauquelin, framed by two large administrative buildings: on the left the old courthouse, on the right the city hall. Both are the work of the architect Henri-Maurice Perrault.

A building inspired by France

The city hall is built in the Second Empire style, born in France at the end of the nineteenth century under Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. As an aside, it was from the balcony of this city hall that General de Gaulle, then president of France, launched in 1967 his famous Vive le Québec libre, which lastingly marked the relations between France and Quebec.

What there is to see

The city hall impresses with its monumental façade, its mansard roofs and its typically Second Empire appearance. Located in the heart of the traditional administrative sector of Old Montreal, it forms with the old courthouse and Place Vauquelin a fine historic ensemble. It is one of the most emblematic public buildings in the city.

Practical information

Montreal City Hall is on Place Vauquelin, in the heart of Old Montreal, Ville-Marie borough. An administrative building, it opens to the public during the hours of the municipal services; the façade and the square can be contemplated freely at all hours.

What is the style of the city hall?

It is in the Second Empire style, born in France at the end of the nineteenth century under Napoleon III. It is the work of the architect Henri-Maurice Perrault.

What famous event took place there?

In 1967, it was from the balcony of the city hall that General de Gaulle launched his famous Vive le Québec libre.