The Pointe-à-Callière Museum is no longer a secret for many Montrealers, many of whom probably, at one time or another, visited this Montreal Museum of Archeology and History. It opened May 17, 1992 as part of the celebrations for Montreal’s 350th anniversary. The museum is located on the same spot where the city was founded, and even today, is still a major attraction in Old Montreal. Classified a national archaeological and historic site, the museum highlights some of the tangible traces of the city’s past and is accessible to all, including the basement of the museum where you’ll find all kinds of “remnants”.
“The Pointe-à-Callière museum is located on the same spot where the city was founded, and even today, is still a major attraction in Old Montreal.”
L’Arrivage, the museum’s best kept secret
Nevertheless, in addition to being a historical site that takes us back to the 16th century and featuring a variety of exhibits, all more interesting than the last, we particularly remember the exhibition entitled: The Beatles in Montreal, held from March 2013 to March 2014. However, the Pointe-à-Callière museum’s best kept secret is, of course: the restaurant. Indeed, while most people don’t notice it (it’s neither advertised nor displayed), the 2nd floor of the museum features L’Arrivage Restaurant.
With a huge terrace directly overlooking the Port of Montreal, this restaurant is truly a gem in the neighborhood. If you’re not aware of its existence you can very easily pass by without noticing it. You can access the restaurant through the museum’s main entrance and then take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Of course you can stop off for a tour of the museum, but if you feel like just eating in Old Montreal and enjoying the view without fighting for a table or standing in line for brunch, L’Arrivage is the place to go.
“With a huge terrace directly overlooking the Port of Montreal, this restaurant is truly a gem in the neighborhood.”
A mid-day table d’hôte and brunch on weekends
The restaurant is open for lunch on weekdays and for brunch on weekends, and is open every day of the week. The museum is closed on Mondays, but the restaurant is open! A great option for neighborhood workers and residents: the table d’hôte lunch is offered from $11.95 and includes a starter, main course and dessert.
Brunch is particularly tasty although the options are limited. On the Sunday we passed by, almost all the tables were occupied by families and groups of friends who are all in on the secret. The atmosphere is casual and the room bright. Sitting in the spacious dining room, you feel a real difference, as if you were transported to a private area reserved for real connoisseurs. For brunch, the “brioche” French toast comes with a berry yogurt coulis, real maple syrup and caramel sauce. For foodies, the duck confit omelette soufflée is a great option. The menu changes often, but the French toast is a classic brunch item.
“For foodies, the duck confit omelette soufflée is a great option.”
Happening now, at the museum…
Since December 8th, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum presents the Traces of Agatha Christie exhibition featuring the woman whose works are an important part of world literature. The exhibit offers you the chance to discover Agatha Christie through her work, her imagination and her universe, including that of archeology.
This exhibit is one of many major international events held worldwide to mark the famous author’s (she was born on September 15th, 1890) 125th birthday. Also, we like the fact that STM OPUS card holders get a discount on admission to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, a great opportunity to try the restaurant’s brunch … if we can manage to find it once we’re there!
Pointe-à-Callière Museum
350, place Royale (corner de la Commune)
Old Montreal
