Are you passionate about culture and technology? If the answer is yes, a stop at the Phi Centre on 407 St. Pierre Street in Old Montreal is a must!
This “multi-disciplinary cultural and artistic hub of Montreal”, as the team likes to call it, was founded in 2012 by Phoebe Greenberg. It’s there for you to learn more!
A Multifunctional Space Driven by a Creative Vision.
The story of the birth of the Phi Centre is that of an entrepreneur but above all of an artist wanting to create a place where culture and technology could meet. Pheobe Greenberg, who also designed the Foundation for Contemporary Art, a museum located on Saint-Jean Street, lived on St Pierre Street when the building was put on sale. Intrigued by its modern and original look, she bought the place and transformed it into an immersive experience that we know today as the Phi Centre.
“Why Phi Centre? For its Greek reference to the golden ratio, the perfect number.”
Four years later, the centre is a must for anyone who is passionate about technology and has an insatiable thirst to learn and discover original initiatives. A truly unique place in Montreal.
A One-of-a-Kind Cultural Centre in Montreal
The mission of the Phi Centre is to have out of the ordinary experiences and unexpected encounters for visitors. This is undoubtedly what explains the diversity of programming: exhibitions, conferences, shows, and more. The place, which lends itself to a multitude of projects, aims to combine and reconcile technology and culture. The ultimate goal: to inspire visitors and get them out of their comfort zones. There’s something for everyone at the Phi Centre.
WHAT TO SEE THIS SPRING AND SUMMER AT THE PHI CENTRE
Dive into Another World with the Virtual Reality Garden
For a little over a year, the Phi Centre has featured a virtual reality garden installation. We tried it, and frankly, we loved it! You’re truly thrust into another reality with the help of Oculus Drift helmets. As soon as you put on the helmet, which covers your eyes completely, you’re transplanted into another reality. For the duration of the short film you actually forget where you are and your own reality and are projected elsewhere.
This spring, you can watch four short virtual reality films made by the New York Times Magazine which bring you to New York (Walking New York), to nations affected by war (The displaced), and even to space (Take flight). Finally, if you have ever considered becoming a rock star, the story on music group The Internet will allow you to live your dream for 7 minutes.
We sincerely recommend you watch Walking New York. The helicopter tour is really impressive! We won’t say anymore, experience it yourself … The different programs offered in the virtual reality garden are changed up several times a year. A good reason to go back and enjoy the calm and inspiring scenery.
Philosophize with Paul Lavoie
Until May 11th Phi Centre was showing the first exhibition by Paul Lavoie, co-founder of Taxi, one of the most well-known advertising agencies in Canada. He wanted, through fifteen amazing works, to bring the viewer to reflect on the impact of social media on art and plagiarism. The tableaus were not only surprising but funny and stunning. We detected some dark humor and an ounce of cynicism. Also be aware that the exposed paintings have traveled quite far! If the typeface was designed in Montreal, the canvasses were first created in Shanghai and then finalized in Peterborough. Lavoie himself did not create the works. He has instead overseen the creation, which may explain the unexpected effect of the works.
A Renowned Chef
Last month, the Phi Centre hosted the famous Massimo Bottura, a world-renowned Italian chef. The menu: conferences and meals designed by leading international chefs. In the same context, you can visit Theater of Life, a photo and video exhibition on the homeless created by Massimo Bottura; a touching exhibition. Open May 25th to 28th.
The Phi Centre is a place with so much to offer, including varied programming and one-of-a-kind experiences. An activity for weekends or after work, the Phi Centre invites you to come and discover.
Stay up to date on the Phi Centre’s programming by consulting their website: https://phi-centre.com
407, Saint-Pierre Street
Old Montreal
Sources: Pheobe Greenberg
