Bank of Montreal

Old Montréal


Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the grand colonnaded edifice of Canada’s oldest chartered bank, built in 1847, dominates the north side of Place d’Armes and is still a working bank. The imposing interior has 32 marble columns and a coffered 20m ceiling in Italian Renaissance style over a long row of tellers behind glass partitions. The helmeted marble lady is Patria, representing a minor Roman goddess of patriotism to honor the war dead.

A snoozy money museum (admission free) inside the bank has a replica of a cashier’s window, old banknotes and an account of early banking in Canada.

Transportation

  • metro: Place-d'Armes

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Old Montréal attractions

1. Place d'Armes

0.04 MILES

This open square is framed by some of the finest buildings in Old Montréal, including its oldest bank, first skyscraper and Basilique Notre-Dame. The…

3. Vieux Séminaire de St-Sulpice

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The seminary by the Basilique Notre-Dame and its grounds are closed to the public, but you can look at them through the gate. The Catholic order of…

4. Basilique Notre-Dame

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Montréal's famous landmark, Notre Dame Basilica, is a 19th-century Gothic Revival masterpiece with spectacular craftsmanship – a visually pleasing, if…

5. Palais des Congrès

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Entering the hall of this convention center with its facade of popsicle-colored panes is akin to strolling through a kaleidoscope. Day brings out the…

6. Guardian Trust Building

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One of several grand buildings along Rue St-Jacques, the 1902 Guardian Trust Building has helmeted women's heads guarding the entrance while those of…

7. Rue de l’Hôpital & Around

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Named for a hospice set up by nuns in the 17th century, the Rue de l’Hôpital and adjoining streets are full of architectural quirks and highlights. On the…

8. Cours Le Royer

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Montréal’s first hospital was founded on this narrow lane by Jeanne Mance in 1644. Later a huge commercial complex was built here, leaving several…

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