What are the opening times of the Belgo building?
The Belgo building itself is open from 6 am until 9 pm. However, the galleries in the building have their own opening times. Most galleries open their doors from 12 noon until 5 pm from Wednesday until Saturday. A few galleries are open on Tuesdays, and some open at 11 am. Sundays and Mondays all galleries are closed.
Every gallery displays its opening hours on its website (check our gallery list here). Galleries will also sometimes allow visits by appointment outside of their opening hours.
Does it cost anything to visit the galleries in the Belgo building?
No, entrance to the galleries is free of charge.
What is the history of the Belgo building?
The Belgo building was built in 1912 and was one of Montreal’s first department stores. Under the banner of “Scroggies,” it sold everything from furs to children’s corsets. Later on, the floors were taken over by the rag trade, with hundreds of sewing machines on every floor producing garments of all kinds. In the 1980s the first galleries moved in, and today the Belgo building houses over 20 contemporary art galleries, dance studios, architect studios, and artist studios.
For more information, listen to these Belgo Report podcasts:
The Belgo Report Episode 1
https://nomoreradio.com/thebelgoreport/belgo0001
The Belgo Report Episode 6
https://nomoreradio.com/thebelgoreport/belgo0006
I want to rent a gallery/studio space. Can you help me?
For all inquiries regarding rental in the Belgo building, please get in touch with the building manager at 514.861.0305 or belgomtl@gmail.com.
Is there parking near the Belgo building?
There is plenty of street parking around the Belgo building, especially on St-Alexandre, City Councillors, and President-Kennedy. Public Parking lots are located on Bleury, just below Sherbrooke Street, and on Jeanne-Mance, just below Ste-Catherine. However, keep in mind that during the summer months Ste-Catherine street is closed at Place-des-arts due to our many summer festivals. Also, as of spring of 2018 construction has started on Ste-Catherine, all along the downtown core, causing unexpected detours and closures.
My advice: take the metro! The closest stop is Place-des-arts.
Other tips for visiting the Belgo building
In winter, the heat is on. And I mean Dante’s Inferno ON. Wear layers, so you’re not stuck in a thick sweater getting a heat stroke.
Gallery openings (also called vernissages) usually take place on Thursday or Friday evenings, or on Saturday afternoons. There typically is free wine (!) and a chance to meet the artist. You may want to get on the mailing list of your favourite galleries to stay in the loop.
Talk to the gallerists. They know everything there is to know about the artwork on show and can guide you through the exhibition. You’ll get much more out of your visit.
