The restoration of Montreal's City Hall is one of the largest heritage restoration projects in Quebec. It is the result of an ambitious approach aimed at preserving its exceptional features while promoting contemporary design principles of inclusiveness, transparency and universal accessibility.
When the project began in 2017, most of the building's systems were outdated. Cold air leaked through the walls. Workspaces were uncomfortable and cramped. Through analysis of the building’s original plans, the architects discovered a layout that featured abundant natural light and vast spaces dedicated to civic activities. These key principles will be guidelines all over the design process. The citizen is placed at the heart of the program, where public accesses are redefined. Some walls are opened, partitions removed, allowing natural light to fill the space again.
The interior renewal allows visitors to explore the building’s first three levels on a self-guided tour that will take them through the Hall of Honour and the Council Chamber. The collection of archive vaults is highlighted, and a permanent exhibition accompanies the visitors. On either side of the Council Chamber, openings in the marble walls were carefully created to connect the Hall of Honour to the newly built rooftop pavilion. This new space is supported by a series of brass bays organizing the space, unfolding with lightness and framing views towards the downtown area.
Interior and exterior renovations included the restoration of monumental staircases, ornamental details, and heritage elements such as sandstone, marble, ironworks, brass, woodwork, double sash windows and plaster moldings. Office spaces were also transformed and reorganized in harmony with existing materials and original colors.
This project is a testament to the expertise of a multidisciplinary team that worked for five years to preserve the heritage, implementing traditional techniques and thus enabling the transmission of craftsmanship to future generations.
