The newly renovated Montreal City Hall has been unveiled to the media, showcasing the meticulous and costly restoration work that has transformed the historic building. The restoration project, which cost $211 million, aimed to preserve the heritage of the building while making it more accessible and energy-efficient.
The restoration revealed hidden treasures within City Hall, such as a vault containing the glasses of former mayor Jean Drapeau and a restored room where French President Charles de Gaulle famously declared “Vive le Québec libre” during a visit in 1967. The building, closed for renovations since 2019, is now open to the public, with an open house scheduled for Saturday.
The ground floor of City Hall features a historical exhibition with artifacts and a brief history of the city, including biographies of all the mayors. The first floor showcases the Hall d’honneur, often hosting art or historical exhibitions, and offers views of the council chambers and a terrace with stunning views of Mount Royal.
The renovation project involved restoring 105 wooden doors, reinforcing 169 wooden windows, installing 80 new windows, and restoring murals, paintings, and glassworks. The building’s heating and cooling systems were converted to electric power, making it 75% more energy-efficient and aiming to achieve carbon neutrality.
The restoration work required 750,000 hours of labor, with specialized artisans like plaster workers and blacksmiths involved in the delicate restoration process. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic halting work, the project successfully transformed City Hall into a modern, accessible, and sustainable space for citizens to enjoy.
The unveiling of the newly renovated Montreal City Hall marks a significant milestone in preserving the city’s heritage and making it a welcoming space for all. The open house on Saturday will give citizens a chance to explore the historic building and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into its restoration.