How often do you get to tell the history of a city on the very spot it was born?
Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, just happens to be built on the exact location where on May 17, 1642, a mass was held to celebrate the founding of Montréal. In fact, the museum rises above evidence of more than 1,000 years of human activity, affording it the opportunity to house remarkable archaeological remains, displayed in situ.
Created by gsmprjctº média, the Montréal, Tales of a City installation has been showing at the museum on an ongoing basis since 1992, with an updated version created in 2000. Presented in a unique theatre overlooking the archaeological crypt in the museum’s lower level, the presentation employs dynamic scenography and state-of-the-art technology to create a true multi-sensory experience. Through filmed sequences and illustrations projected on a giant screen, working in unison with virtual historical figures made to appear in real sets, the history of Montréal and its people — from the Ice Age to the present day — is brought to life.
One of several permanent exhibitions at Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal, Tales of a City delves into the past and encourages visitors to reflect on the future.