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The Sixties and Seventies were an interesting period of time for Montreal. In the race to become a modern metropolis, the city's skyline became a massive jumble of cranes and concrete. Back then, an ambitious man named Jean Drapeau was mayor of the city. Today, he is often designated as a visionary, as it was under his 29-year rule that many of the city's biggest projects happened, such as 1967 World Fair (best known as Expo 67) and the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Via these two events, Montreal attracted the world's attention and became the city that it is today, a booming cultural metropolis.
The modernization process was aggressive and many neighborhoods and historic buildings were destroyed in order to make place for the new infrastructures that were required to host both happenings. This engendered much protesting at the time and ongoing criticism in the following decades, regarding costs and what to do with the buildings once the events were over.
However, today the tumult has calmed a bit and these buildings are usually seen as quirky and retro. Along the way, they have become integral parts of Montreal's eclectic panorama.
In this first installment of a series about the quirky buildings of Montreal, we will talk about 3 buildings that were created for Expo 67 and how they are being used today.
Expo 67 was the World Fair held in Montreal in 1967. Some of Expo 67's pavilions have since become popular, quirky sights like the Biosphere or Habitat 67. How about Mother's Day Brunch at the Montreal Casino? Pavillon 67 will be hosting Mother's Day Brunch from 10 am for only $30 per person. If you prefer the buffet option, that is $38 per person starting at 4:30 pm. Treat your mother to viennoiseries, pastries, fresh fruit, waffles, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, and more. Pavillon 67 buffet gourmand. Take your time to savour every bite of a carefully concocted buffet in a warm and relaxed ambiance. Whether for lunch or dinner, the show isn't just on your plate but all.
Expo 67 was held from April to October 1967. It is estimated that 50 million people made the trip to Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame to visit the Fair, which hosted the pavilions of 62 nations. Each of these countries had their own designated area and many of them hired prominent architects to create elaborate, audacious buildings for them. Most of these installations have disappeared over the years but a few have remained standing.
Here are the most remarkable ones that are still in use:
Quirky building #1
The Biosphere (United States pavilion, Ile Sainte-Hélène)
The United States pavilion is one of the most distinctive installations built on the grounds of Expo 67. Its shape, in the form of a geodesic dome, is directly related to the signature style of its creator, noted inventor and futurist Richard Buckminster Fuller.
Inside, an exhibit showcased hundreds of objects recounting a typical vision of American culture (like spaceships, baseball bats, Raggedy Ann dolls and Andy Warhol paintings).
Once the Expo was over, the building served various purposes such as hosting private events or being used as a bird sanctuary. In 1976 however, a massive fire destroyed the external (translucent acrylic) skin. Regardless of this, the structure remained intact and in 1990, an environmental museum was installed inside.
Recently, it was announced that the museum would be closing in late 2013. So far it is not known what will become of the Biosphere.
Quirky building #2
Casino (France Pavilion and Quebec Pavilion, Ile Notre-Dame)
France's pavilion was one of the largest buildings at the Expo 67. The massive 9 story construction was designed by architects Jean Faugeron and André Blouin. When the gates of the Fair closed, it was turned into the Palais De la Civilization, a historical and sociological museum. In 1993, the Montreal Casino took up the space and has been there ever since. A few years later, Quebec's pavilion (seen at the right hand side of the last picture) was also annexed into the leisure complex.
Quirky building #3
Habitat 67 (Cité du Havre):
Aside from the country pavilions, Expo 67 also had theme pavilions like: Man the creator, Man the producer or Man the explorer. Habitat 67 was one of these. Designed by eminent architect Moshe Safdie, Habitat was supposed to represent the housing complex of the future.
Casino Montreal Buffet Pavillon 67th
During the Expo, visitors could explore a prototype apartment and witness firsthand the architect's idea of affordable, modern urban living.
Safdie, then a young Mcgill University student, initially hoped to expand the residential complex throughout the surrounding area and even wanted to include boutiques, restaurants and a school but was forced to review his plans due to a lack of funds.
The full structure that was finally constructed consists of 354 individual, identical concrete blocks that are assembled to form 3 interconnected pyramids, 12 floors and 146 independent units (each made up of 1 to 5 blocks). Windows are oriented on three sides and each unit has a sizable outdoor terrace.
After the Expo, most of the apartments were put up for rent and upkeep of the building was partly neglected. However, starting in the 80s, Habitat 67 became prime real-estate in Montreal. In 2009 the building was classified as a historic monument by the Quebec government. This means that the outer shell, the public spaces and two units (1011 & 1012) are protected by law. The inner area is no longer accessible to visitors but it is possible to walk around the outdoor premises, as long as you stay respectful.
Today, as we walk through the subway doors, setting foot on Ile Sainte-Hélène, we are constantly reminded of the Expo and how much of an impact it has had on the city of Montreal. In fact, most of this island, as well as Ile Notre-Dame, were created for the 1967 World Fair. The grounds have since been turned into a large park and now hold the name of Parc Jean-Drapeau, after the former mayor.
For more pictures taken during the Fair, check out this video which also features the official anthem of Expo 67:
This is the first part in a series about The Quirky Buildings of Montreal. Get in touch with the author @ModStoryteller and read her blog.
Become
An Insider
SIGN UP NOWGIFT IT An icon of the city's skyline for 50 years, the Casino de Montréal is not only the biggest casino in Canada but also the perfect host location for meetings and events. The Casino de Montréal offers more than just a chance to roll the dice but thrills millions of guests each year with top tier performances, star-studded shows and world-class dining. From cocktail events and receptions to exhibitions and galas, there's a venue to suit every need.
The Cabaret du Casino
The crown jewel of the Casino's special events spaces, the Cabaret is a great spot for anything from a gala dinner to a major stage performance. A multi-functional hall with exceptional acoustics, it's the first hall in Québec installed with 3D sound that guarantees a mutl-sensoral experience. The room is also kitted out with a bar and there's a multitude of seating options offering seating space for 312 to 869 attendees.
Maximum capacity: 869
The Dame de Cœur, Roi de Pique and Valet de Carreau bars
Right in the heart of the action, the Casino's trio of bars are also well-suited for events for up to 200 people. Large multimedia options are available for use, and the Casino's eye-popping architecture adds a unique element of wow. The Valet de Carreau space also includes a stage and dance floor perfect for cutting a rug after the presentation, and all offer a customizable menu of mouth-watering bites and the Casino's expert mixologists on hand.
Maximum capacity for the Dame and Roi: 200
Maximum capacity for the Valet de Carreau: 80 at the bar, 140 on the dance floor
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
During his celebrated lifetime, master chef Joël Robuchon's 12 restaurants around the world were awarded 32 Michelin stars, the most received by any chef in history. His L'Atelier at the Casino de Montréal is on the must-eat list of many an international gourmet and available for private events. A full reservation can include the entire restaurant and terrace, and you're sure to thrill the taste buds of up to 60 guests with an evening they won't soon forget.
Maximum capacity: 60
Available for private events
Le Montréal
A dream date for locavores, Le Montréal serves up market-fresh products with a flair for seafood and Québec cuisine with a contemporary twist. Both the private salon and main dining room offer stunning views of downtown and Old Montréal. The open kitchen concept is a big hit. Your guests will love the chance to watch their meal prepared before their eyes.
Casino Montreal Buffet Pavillon 675
Maximum capacity of the dining room: 180
Maximum capacity of the private room: 40
Available for private events
Pavillon 67
Casino Montreal Buffet Pavillon 6700
Celebrating the building's history back to the Montréal World's Fair, Pavillon 67 offers a fresh and tasty buffet with a full range of dishes and dessert options that will leave your attendees wanting to try every one. Who doesn't love the wealth of choices in a gourmet buffet?
Maximum capacity: 140
Casino Montreal Buffet Pavillon 670
The Sixties and Seventies were an interesting period of time for Montreal. In the race to become a modern metropolis, the city's skyline became a massive jumble of cranes and concrete. Back then, an ambitious man named Jean Drapeau was mayor of the city. Today, he is often designated as a visionary, as it was under his 29-year rule that many of the city's biggest projects happened, such as 1967 World Fair (best known as Expo 67) and the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Via these two events, Montreal attracted the world's attention and became the city that it is today, a booming cultural metropolis.
The modernization process was aggressive and many neighborhoods and historic buildings were destroyed in order to make place for the new infrastructures that were required to host both happenings. This engendered much protesting at the time and ongoing criticism in the following decades, regarding costs and what to do with the buildings once the events were over.
However, today the tumult has calmed a bit and these buildings are usually seen as quirky and retro. Along the way, they have become integral parts of Montreal's eclectic panorama.
In this first installment of a series about the quirky buildings of Montreal, we will talk about 3 buildings that were created for Expo 67 and how they are being used today.
Expo 67 was the World Fair held in Montreal in 1967. Some of Expo 67's pavilions have since become popular, quirky sights like the Biosphere or Habitat 67. How about Mother's Day Brunch at the Montreal Casino? Pavillon 67 will be hosting Mother's Day Brunch from 10 am for only $30 per person. If you prefer the buffet option, that is $38 per person starting at 4:30 pm. Treat your mother to viennoiseries, pastries, fresh fruit, waffles, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, and more. Pavillon 67 buffet gourmand. Take your time to savour every bite of a carefully concocted buffet in a warm and relaxed ambiance. Whether for lunch or dinner, the show isn't just on your plate but all.
Expo 67 was held from April to October 1967. It is estimated that 50 million people made the trip to Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame to visit the Fair, which hosted the pavilions of 62 nations. Each of these countries had their own designated area and many of them hired prominent architects to create elaborate, audacious buildings for them. Most of these installations have disappeared over the years but a few have remained standing.
Here are the most remarkable ones that are still in use:
Quirky building #1
The Biosphere (United States pavilion, Ile Sainte-Hélène)
The United States pavilion is one of the most distinctive installations built on the grounds of Expo 67. Its shape, in the form of a geodesic dome, is directly related to the signature style of its creator, noted inventor and futurist Richard Buckminster Fuller.
Inside, an exhibit showcased hundreds of objects recounting a typical vision of American culture (like spaceships, baseball bats, Raggedy Ann dolls and Andy Warhol paintings).
Once the Expo was over, the building served various purposes such as hosting private events or being used as a bird sanctuary. In 1976 however, a massive fire destroyed the external (translucent acrylic) skin. Regardless of this, the structure remained intact and in 1990, an environmental museum was installed inside.
Recently, it was announced that the museum would be closing in late 2013. So far it is not known what will become of the Biosphere.
Quirky building #2
Casino (France Pavilion and Quebec Pavilion, Ile Notre-Dame)
France's pavilion was one of the largest buildings at the Expo 67. The massive 9 story construction was designed by architects Jean Faugeron and André Blouin. When the gates of the Fair closed, it was turned into the Palais De la Civilization, a historical and sociological museum. In 1993, the Montreal Casino took up the space and has been there ever since. A few years later, Quebec's pavilion (seen at the right hand side of the last picture) was also annexed into the leisure complex.
Quirky building #3
Habitat 67 (Cité du Havre):
Aside from the country pavilions, Expo 67 also had theme pavilions like: Man the creator, Man the producer or Man the explorer. Habitat 67 was one of these. Designed by eminent architect Moshe Safdie, Habitat was supposed to represent the housing complex of the future.
Casino Montreal Buffet Pavillon 67th
During the Expo, visitors could explore a prototype apartment and witness firsthand the architect's idea of affordable, modern urban living.
Safdie, then a young Mcgill University student, initially hoped to expand the residential complex throughout the surrounding area and even wanted to include boutiques, restaurants and a school but was forced to review his plans due to a lack of funds.
The full structure that was finally constructed consists of 354 individual, identical concrete blocks that are assembled to form 3 interconnected pyramids, 12 floors and 146 independent units (each made up of 1 to 5 blocks). Windows are oriented on three sides and each unit has a sizable outdoor terrace.
After the Expo, most of the apartments were put up for rent and upkeep of the building was partly neglected. However, starting in the 80s, Habitat 67 became prime real-estate in Montreal. In 2009 the building was classified as a historic monument by the Quebec government. This means that the outer shell, the public spaces and two units (1011 & 1012) are protected by law. The inner area is no longer accessible to visitors but it is possible to walk around the outdoor premises, as long as you stay respectful.
Today, as we walk through the subway doors, setting foot on Ile Sainte-Hélène, we are constantly reminded of the Expo and how much of an impact it has had on the city of Montreal. In fact, most of this island, as well as Ile Notre-Dame, were created for the 1967 World Fair. The grounds have since been turned into a large park and now hold the name of Parc Jean-Drapeau, after the former mayor.
For more pictures taken during the Fair, check out this video which also features the official anthem of Expo 67:
This is the first part in a series about The Quirky Buildings of Montreal. Get in touch with the author @ModStoryteller and read her blog.
Become
An Insider
SIGN UP NOWGIFT IT An icon of the city's skyline for 50 years, the Casino de Montréal is not only the biggest casino in Canada but also the perfect host location for meetings and events. The Casino de Montréal offers more than just a chance to roll the dice but thrills millions of guests each year with top tier performances, star-studded shows and world-class dining. From cocktail events and receptions to exhibitions and galas, there's a venue to suit every need.
The Cabaret du Casino
The crown jewel of the Casino's special events spaces, the Cabaret is a great spot for anything from a gala dinner to a major stage performance. A multi-functional hall with exceptional acoustics, it's the first hall in Québec installed with 3D sound that guarantees a mutl-sensoral experience. The room is also kitted out with a bar and there's a multitude of seating options offering seating space for 312 to 869 attendees.
Maximum capacity: 869
The Dame de Cœur, Roi de Pique and Valet de Carreau bars
Right in the heart of the action, the Casino's trio of bars are also well-suited for events for up to 200 people. Large multimedia options are available for use, and the Casino's eye-popping architecture adds a unique element of wow. The Valet de Carreau space also includes a stage and dance floor perfect for cutting a rug after the presentation, and all offer a customizable menu of mouth-watering bites and the Casino's expert mixologists on hand.
Maximum capacity for the Dame and Roi: 200
Maximum capacity for the Valet de Carreau: 80 at the bar, 140 on the dance floor
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
During his celebrated lifetime, master chef Joël Robuchon's 12 restaurants around the world were awarded 32 Michelin stars, the most received by any chef in history. His L'Atelier at the Casino de Montréal is on the must-eat list of many an international gourmet and available for private events. A full reservation can include the entire restaurant and terrace, and you're sure to thrill the taste buds of up to 60 guests with an evening they won't soon forget.
Maximum capacity: 60
Available for private events
Le Montréal
A dream date for locavores, Le Montréal serves up market-fresh products with a flair for seafood and Québec cuisine with a contemporary twist. Both the private salon and main dining room offer stunning views of downtown and Old Montréal. The open kitchen concept is a big hit. Your guests will love the chance to watch their meal prepared before their eyes.
Casino Montreal Buffet Pavillon 675
Maximum capacity of the dining room: 180
Maximum capacity of the private room: 40
Available for private events
Pavillon 67
Casino Montreal Buffet Pavillon 6700
Celebrating the building's history back to the Montréal World's Fair, Pavillon 67 offers a fresh and tasty buffet with a full range of dishes and dessert options that will leave your attendees wanting to try every one. Who doesn't love the wealth of choices in a gourmet buffet?
Maximum capacity: 140
Casino Montreal Buffet Pavillon 670
Bar-Terrasse Le Jardin
Bring your event outdoors to this stylish terrace, an ideal spot for a summer night. Gather groups for a cocktail event or presentation followed by mingling and enjoy the night air in an altogether special ambiance unlike anywhere else.
Maximum capacity: 150 with tables and chairs, 300 cocktail style
Available for private events
A world of entertainment at your fingertips
Keep your attendees entertained and talking to the folks back home by treating them to the lively schedule of shows and performances, create your own spectacle or bring in your own entertainers. The Montréal Casino offers 3,000 slot machines and over 100 table games. Private gaming is also available in the Zone with experienced croupiers with gaming available in demo mode or with real money wagers by our professional croupiers. Your guests will be doing their best James Bond impressions in no time.
Read this next: 11 entertainment providers for your next Montréal event
