Montréal’s museum boutiques
Get artsy and find some of the city’s most unique gifts or souvenirs at Montréal’s museum boutiques. They’re packed with everything from precious, one-of-a-kind jewelry to unique fashion, objects, coffee-table books and more.
Montréal Museum of Fine Arts
The Boutique and Bookstore at Montréal’s main museum, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, is a logical place to start any shopping spree. The u-shaped jewelry counter is drool-worthy, stocked with goods from renowned Québec creators including Scaro’s stunning insect-shaped silver brooches, rings and earrings. You’ll also find candles by Montréal brand Les Citadines as well as goodies in keeping with the exhibitions on at the moment, like bags by Montréal designers New Régime and t-shirts by Markantoine.
McCord Stewart Museum
Always a great source of local history and colour, the McCord Stewart Museum and its beautiful boutique are packed with made-in-Montréal goods. Yours to purchase are funny t-shirts emblazoned with the word “poutine” or “dépanneur”, essential oils by First Nations brand Tipika, soaps inspired by Montréal neighbourhoods, stunning soap sculptures, moccasins, kids’ toys and a wide selection of posters and postcards featuring the beautiful black and white historic photography of William Notman.
Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex
Located on the very spot where Montréal was founded, the Boutique of Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex serves up among the widest varieties of local crafts you’ll find. The objects of desirability range from the super cute blueberry-themed range of jewelry by Bleuet d’art, recycled fur hats and accessories by Montréal designer Harricana par Mariouche, and both posters and greeting cards by Nunamar. The publications include all its exhibition catalogues plus books in theme with the temporary shows, like pastry cookbooks inspired by the exhibition À table.
Canadian Centre for Architecture
Hands-down the best-stocked art and architecture book selection in Montréal awaits at the Canadian Centre for Architecture bookstore, so large it’s divided into themes from philosophy to architectural history to curatorial theory – there are even children’s books, like one illustrating the different parts of a house. You can also make an appointment to study millions of reference books and archival material at the Study Room, for free.
Phi Centre
We can count on the Phi Centre to break the mould of the usual museum boutique! The Phi Boutique – previously Le Rhinocéros – is now serving as the site of a regularly changing pop-up space, inhabited by a variety of temporary retailers for two- to three-month stints. Some will be inspired by exhibitions at the centre, some will not – all are sure to provide a selection of homewares, wearables and collectibles well worth a perusal.
Isa Tousignant
Isa Tousignant is a Montréal-based editor and storyteller with a curiosity that runs deeper than most. She has chatted life philosophies with celebrity chefs, gemologists, arena rockers and furries. (All were transformative.) Her free time is spent designing jewellery and laughing at her husband’s jokes.