Monument National

Montréal


Québec's oldest theater still in use, the grand Monument National opened in 1893, and has been showing a wide range of cultural fare ever since. Shows here run the gamut from Molière to Sam Shepard, with acting, directing and technical production performed by graduating students of the National Theatre School.

True to the city's bilingual roots, the theater stages works in both French and English. There are two halls, one with 800 seats, the other with 150. The smaller theater stages about three original works a year by student playwrights. Comedy and modern dance are also part of the repertoire.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Montréal attractions

1. Place Sun-Yat-Sen

0.15 MILES

Dedicated to Sun Yat Sen, the ideological father of modern China, this small square was opened in 1988. The space was later refashioned by eight craftsmen…

2. Chinatown

0.15 MILES

Although this neighborhood, perfectly packed into a few easily navigable streets, has no sites per se, it's a nice area for lunch or for shopping for…

3. Musée d'Art Contemporain

0.21 MILES

This showcase of modern Canadian and international art has eight galleries divided between past greats (since 1939) and exciting current developments. A…

4. Place des Arts

0.22 MILES

Montréal’s performing-arts center is the nexus for artistic and cultural events. Several renowned musical companies call Place des Arts home, including…

5. Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan

0.26 MILES

A key concert venue during the Jazz Festival, this multistory building hosts concerts year-round in the Salle l'Astral. It also has a small gallery with…

6. Palais des Congrès

0.32 MILES

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…

7. Galeries d’Art Contemporain du Belgo

0.32 MILES

More than a decade ago the Belgo building was a run-down haven for struggling artists. It has since earned a reputation as one of Montréal’s most…

8. Université du Québec à Montréal

0.35 MILES

The modern, rather drab buildings of Montréal’s French-language university blend into the cityscape and are linked to the underground city and the Berri…