Montreal has a long history with creative endeavors, as institutions like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the rotating exhibits of Arsenal Contemporary Art will demonstrate. Whether you're planning an event to showcase your own art or simply looking for exhibition space full of colorful and interesting pieces as an event backdrop, the art galleries of Montreal will deliver.
The art exhibit spaces in Montreal available on the Giggster app range from modern to vintage and rustic to industrial, so whatever vibes you need, we've got it. Find a great space that can be a blank canvas to display exciting new paintings and sculptures. Or, host a lovely cocktail party or a birthday bash among the artworks of an established creator like those who've received grants from the McLean Foundation or the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art.
An essential part of a successful art exhibit is the perfect space, and Giggster has those in spades. Artists, party hosts, and art lovers will all find a location that meets their specific needs in the app in no time at all!
Wherever you need an art exhibit space, it's easy to find a suitable spot from the many locations in Montreal. A gallery with outdoor views of the Saint Joseph Oratory and Mount Royal? No problem. A trendy space in Old Montreal? Also, check. In addition to top locations, Giggster has a lot to offer.
Picture bright white walls showcasing interesting and colorful artworks, ideal as conversation pieces. Art galleries in Montreal can be great for mingling events where people can discuss the art to break the ice. Multiple different rooms create distinct event spaces as well.
For work presentations or things like wedding receptions and birthday parties, rent a larger warehouse or loft space where you can set up chairs and even tables for dining. The tall ceilings and natural light will highlight the art beautifully.
Photo and film studios naturally make for lovely art exhibit spaces in the city. You'll get blank walls to display everything and even some equipment to film the festivities if that's of interest.
Looking for trendier urban vibes? Rent a space with playful murals or a photo AGO wall reminiscent of the famous Ontario art gallery.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: There are 277 incredible spaces for your next exhibition in Montreal, Canada. It's easy to have the art as the main focus or turn the event into an exciting party with a DJ, food, and good conversation. Every Giggster location is vetted to ensure it's accurately represented and useful to event hosts.
Hassle-Free Booking: The Giggster app is super-intuitive and easy to navigate. Search and filter results by keywords and categories to get the most pertinent results. See the prices clearly, which start at just $30/hour, the location's availability, and its features on one page. You can also message the property hosts directly with any venue-related questions.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We understand that things can change instantly when planning an event or any creative project, which is why we offer free cancellations for bookings canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: When you rent Bright Meeting Room or any of our locations, it's easy to add extra coverage for things like damage, liability, or last-minute disruptions for your peace of mind.
You may think that art exhibition spaces are only good for just that—art exhibits. But these spots are actually quite versatile and can suit a number of different events:
Cocktail Parties – An Elegant Soirée. Have your guests gather in the presence of amazing art to be inspired or simply have something to talk about. Visitors might awaken their own creativity as they sip wine and explore the creations.
Classes and Workshops – Display Space Included. Plan your next painting class, clay workshop, or sculpture-making class in an existing gallery space. Find an empty area to display everyone's creations. And while they may not rival the famous Time Machine Series of the AGO, the mini exhibition will make the class members feel special.
New Year's Eve Parties – Plenty of Room to Dance. Book your DJ, buy your champagne, and fill a studio or warehouse with art for purchase. You can combine a New Year's countdown on the existing big-screen TV with an art showcase, dancing, and whatever else the evening may bring.
Networking Events – Conversation Pieces Galore. If you want to bring like-minded people together in Montreal, an art gallery or vibrant exhibition space will automatically give them something to talk about and to connect with.
Art Exhibitions – Launch a New Career. We know this one is obvious, but Montreal's art exhibit spaces are perfect for exposing an emerging artist to the masses. Prepare snacks in the attached kitchen, have guests mingle inside and out, and take advantage of expert lighting to display everything beautifully.
Not every art exhibit space has the same amenities, so it's important to decide which are must-haves and which you can leave behind.
Is there enough space to display the art properly? You want the art to have enough room to breathe, so to speak, and not feel too crammed in. Search for venues with fresh-looking white walls and plenty of room to display both small and large pieces.
Will there be other entertainment? Other than the art, are you planning something like live music, a DJ, or talks with artists themselves? Make sure there is space to set up the band and DJ equipment and room to dance, because people won't be able to resist!
Is parking available? If you think visitors are likely to drive to the event, make sure there is enough parking, either private or a lot nearby. If parking isn't possible, check if there are transport hubs close by to ensure they have a way to get to the venue and back. Otherwise, the number of people who actually visit the event might be disappointing.
Whether you're deciding on art exhibit spaces around the world, in Canada, or in Montreal, it's good to consider the location from every angle.
Advantages
Montreal is full of inspiring features, from downtown rooftops to the cobblestone streets in the old part of town. When you play your cards right, you can get all this character in an art exhibit space, too.
The city has plenty of artsy districts, like Golden Square Mile, where, if you choose a street-facing venue, you can count on lots of foot traffic.
Feel free to choose a venue almost anywhere in the city because the Montreal public transportation system is great. You, the artists, and patrons can all rely on the metro, buses, and bike lanes to journey around easily.
Disadvantages
The Montreal winters are what most non-Canadians think of when they think of Canada. Snow, ice, and wind are all common, and organizing a winter exhibit may be challenging. People may not show up because they don't want to deal with the bad weather.
Your venue ideas might focus solely on charming places like Old Montreal, but be warned that it's hard to find parking here, which will affect everyone from security staff to artists to art lovers.
The gallery venues in Montreal often have strict guidelines on what you can do in the space. Look out for mounting and lighting change restrictions and whether or not food and drink are even permitted in the space.
Yes, the art itself is essential, but a lot more than that goes into a successful event:
Put the Art First – Always choose a venue that complements the artwork and showcases it to the fullest. The art should be the star of the show, whether the event is in a trendy Griffintown loft or a Mile End warehouse.
Then, Move on to Everything Else – While the art is the centerpiece of the event, you still want to create a special experience. Think about all the senses and plan the lighting and layout. Also consider the music and other entertainment. Maybe you'll have a book signing by a local author, a live art installation, or whatever else you can dream up.
Capture it All – Hire a local photographer/videographer to capture the event. It will be a great marketing tool and a fabulous way for anyone who can't attend to still feel like part of the action.
Think About Refreshments – To keep the art as the main attraction, pairing down the food is often a solid choice. Offer circulating appetizers, wine or champagne, and bite-sized desserts to keep people mingling while grabbing a snack.
Your art exhibition or party can be a success without spending your life savings with these tips:
Does the event need to be at night?
Weekend nights tend to be the most expensive times to rent any type of venue, and art exhibit spaces are no exception. There are benefits to daytime events other than the budget benefits. You get more natural light and likely a better selection of available venues, caterers, and entertainers.
Do you need an actual art gallery?
Of course, Giggster features art galleries and art-themed spaces, but other types of locations may be cheaper. Consider choosing a site that has its own interest, like a trendy shopping boutique, a fun restaurant, or another spot that will have lighting and wall areas for art. Be flexible, and you can likely save some cash, especially with our locations starting at only $30/hour!
Can you hire up-and-comers for discounted rates?
If you plan to add musicians and other entertainers to the mix, which often helps to draw a wider audience, scour social media for rising local talent. You get to support the development of a new career and will get discounted rates or even freebies if the musician can post the content to their platforms and portfolios.
Whatever type of event you're planning, a Montreal art exhibit space will add a touch of class and culture to the overall experience. The Giggster app is your partner for access to all the city's best spots to impress your friends, make art sales, and generally just have a really great time!
