PAC 2025: Sherlock Holmes

SHERLOCK HOLMES: CRACKING THE CASE

Delve into the mysterious domain of the world’s most famous detective and his author!

November 27, 2025 - March 8, 2026

The Montreal’s Pointe-à-Callière, the Archaeology and History Complex, presents a new exhibion Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case The visitors will discover writer Arthur Conan Doyle and his legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes. At the same time it reveals a surprising connection to Montréal and the early days of police investigation.

Embarking on an immersive historical journey, visitors will make their way to the late-19th century London, the author’s source of inspiration. It was an era marked by scientific progress and the development of investigative techniques. The exhibition also features personal items that belonged to Conan Doyle, some of which are being presented exclusively in North America.

Anne Élisabeth Thibault, the Executive Director, Pointe-à-Callière, stated:

“We are delighted to present this major international exhibition dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. It immerses visitors in every aspect of Conan Doyle’s work and allows us to draw a parallel with a little-known chapter in the city’s history: the creation of the Montréal Detective Bureau. Among the items on display are authentic manuscripts, Arthur Conan Doyle’s actual desk, which has just been restored, his quill, his inkwell, as well as unique objects from the author’s time in Montréal.”

ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE AND 19th CENTURY LONDON

A physician, writer, and traveler, Arthur Conan Doyle drew on his personal experiences to fuel his imagination. He was also inspired by his era—the Victorian golden age—thaytwas marked by industrial, cultural, and scientific transformations (ballistics, telecommunications, photography, botany, etc.). This rich context allowed him to shape the world of Sherlock Holmes, a detective “of his time” with an atypical personality and vast general knowledge that enabled him to make connections between various disciplines. The character is renowned for his unique investigative methods, using the methodical analysis of clues and scientific experimentation to solve crimes—at a time when the police were still hesitant to adopt these forensic approaches.

With four novels, 56 short stories, and countless adaptations for the stage and screen over more than a century, Sherlock Holmes has become the archetype of the detective, an iconic character recognized throughout the world and rooted in the collective imagination.

A STOP IN MONTRÉAL: THE BIRTH OF INVESTIGATIVE POLICING

In this exhibition, Pointe-à-Callière is also taking a unique look at Montréal police at the turn of the 20th century as they faced increased activity in organized crime, the red-light district, and the opium trade. Following London’s lead, Montréal was increasingly influenced by the exciting advancements in European police investigation, with its law enforcement agencies becoming more institutionalized and professional. The era of Sherlock Holmes coincided with the beginnings of investigative policing, the creation of the Montréal Detective Bureau, and the establishment of the first forensic science laboratory in North America. This is an opportunity to learn more about Detective Silas Carpenter, a true Sherlock Holmes from Québec!

AN EXHIBITION THAT MAKES YOU THE DETECTIVE!

Strolling through immersive, life-size settings, the visitors will get to follow in Sherlock Holmes’ footsteps to solve a unique criminal case! Every clue means something! Observation, evidence, analysis… visitors will have to put their detective skills to the test to unravel the mystery. A fun and captivating experience, with a focus on Holmes’ reasoning and ingenuity.

COMPLEMENTING THE EXHIBITION

Cultural Activities
Explore the astonishing world of Sherlock Holmes and extend your exhibition visit:
-Holidays on the Pointe (December 27 to 30, 2025 and January 2 to 3, 2026)
-Nuit blanche (February 28, 2026)
-Spring Break on the Pointe: Little Sherlocks (February 28 to March 6, 2026)

Lectures
The Museum is holding a series of lectures relating to the exhibition:
-Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes (Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 7 pm)
-Silas Carpenter, Montréal’s Sherlock Holmes (Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7 pm)

Exhibition Booklet
Designed to help you crack the case, booklets are available free of charge at the reception counter:
-Youth Booklet (ages 6 and under)
-Booklet for all audiences

All photos in this article @ Nadia Slejskova

For more information visit the Pointe-à-Callière museum website.

www.pacmusee.qc.ca

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case is an exhibition presented by Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, in collaboration with the Conan Doyle Estate Limited, developed from an original concept by Exhibits Development Group and Geoffrey M. Curley + Associates. The Museum thanks its sponsors: Air Canada Cargo, YUL-Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Tourisme Montréal, Hotel Saint-Sulpice, and La Presse. The Museum sincerely thanks its lenders, sponsors, and partners.

ABOUT POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE, MONTRÉAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY COMPLEX

Inaugurated in 1992, on the city’s 350th anniversary, Pointe-à-Callière is today the largest archaeology museum in Canada and the busiest history museum in Montréal. Rising above a concentrated number of historic and archaeological sites of national significance—including the birthplace of Montréal—, the Museum has a mission to preserve its collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and fostering an appreciation for Montréal’s archaeological and historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various activities focused on conservation, research, presentation, education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives benefiting both the Montrealers and the visitors to the city. Pointe-à-Callière, proud partner of the City of Montréal.

McCord 2025: On the Menu–Montreal

On the Menu – Montreal: A Restaurant Story

November 26, 2025 - October 18, 2026

The Montreal's McCord Stewart Museum has set the table for a journey through the city’s culinary history. This original exhibition—based on an idea by Lesley Chesterman—celebrates Montreal’s extraordinarily diverse and inventive food scene from the 1960s till today. Featuring a wealth of audiovisual testimonials, photographs, archives and objects displayed in an evocative setting, On the Menu highlights the evolution of Montreal restaurants, be they delis or fine dining establishments, and their crucial role in shaping the identity of both the city and the province. The exhibition also offers a voyage back in time: visitors will look back on iconic Montreal restaurants that have closed over the years and will recall their own experiences of family celebrations, good times with friends, and romantic dates. The restaurants featured evokes not only culinary tastes, but also shared memories.

Presented by the OVI Fund – Ionescu Family Foundation, the exhibition was made possible with the support of Lightspeed, Innovation Collaborator; the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), Institutional Partner; and Power Corporation of Canada, Premier Partner – Montreal Stories.

Anne Eschapasse, the Museum’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated:

“The rise of Montreal’s dynamic, welcoming culinary scene since the 1960s has made the province, and the city in particular, a world-class foodie destination. With the help of approximately 400 objects, either from our collections or lent for the occasion, the exhibition recounts the stories of the people who built this industry and those who are helping it thrive today. The incredible enthusiasm and generosity of myriad contributors—individuals, corporations and institutions—during the planning of this project speak not only to the deep connection we all feel for our local restaurants, but also to the pride that our food scene inspires: Montrealers are simply passionate about their restaurants.”

Guislaine Lemay, Curator, Material Culture and curator of the exhibition, explained:

“The French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin famously said, ‘Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.’ And this is exactly what we have tried to do: demonstrate how, through its restaurants, Montreal has built an identity and continues to evolve.”

The reflection of an evolving city

Thanks to successive waves of immigration in the city’s history and the influence of the Expo 67, Montreal is home to restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world. This has created an open, inventive food scene, where a taste for the extraordinary has even inspired the décor of immersive restaurants that use projections, elaborate themed designs, and sensory details to create an all-encompassing dining experience that goes beyond the food. In On the Menu, the iconic signs—from high-end gourmet establishments to popular eateries—illustrate how the city’s wide variety of restaurants reflected its evolution as well as its cultural and social diversity. The exhibition also looks at how restaurants have affected the urban landscape, contributing to the development of certain districts.

Cooking with local products to celebrate one’s identity

Any discussion of Montreal’s culinary identity has to acknowledge the contributions of the Indigenous cultures who originally shared their knowledge about local resources. Although this knowledge was long ignored in favour of European tastes and traditions, the exhibition focusses on the renewed interest in this culinary culture rooted in local products as well as international influences from subsequent waves of immigration. The development of this distinctive culinary identity, which began in the 1950s, picked up speed with the 1968 founding of the ITHQ and the training of a new generation of chefs. A celebration of Montreal restaurants is also an opportunity to celebrate those who keep them going, despite the challenges inherent in the profession and recent economic instability.

Restaurant reviews: From pioneering women to social media

The exhibition also examines the evolution of restaurant reviews in Montreal, which were initially written by women. Long dominated by pioneering women like Helen Rochester, Françoise Kayler and Renée Rowan, restaurant reviews have moved from traditional media to social media, where influencers continue to promote the city’s flavours and experiences.

Lesley Chesterman, author, restaurant critic and exhibition spokesperson, elaborated:

“My first discussions with the Museum about doing an exhibition on Montreal’s restaurants took place ten years ago. I’m very excited to finally see this exhibition open. I’m sure foodies will eat up the fascinating history of restaurants in Montreal and Quebec. The timing couldn’t be better to spotlight the generation that transformed the city’s food scene in the 1960s and 1970s, while also celebrating emerging talent and the enduring success of beloved restaurants.” 

Montreal On the Menu contest: A year of restaurants to savour!

From November 26, 2025, to October 18, 2026, the “Montreal On the Menu” contest offers participants the chance to win one of eleven prizes awarded monthly—a meal for two in one of the city’s top eleven restaurants—as well as one grand prize: a year of fine dining, in other words, twelve experiences in twelve different establishments. Details and regulations can be found on the Museum’s website.

An appetizing visit for the whole family

Families visiting the exhibition can embark on a fun culinary adventure: interesting facts about Montreal restaurants, a treasure hunt for items in the galleries, and a variety of creative activities. A bonus challenge is to find Corkscrew, the little pig hidden throughout the exhibition. An activity booklet is available free of charge at the Museum ticket counter.

All photos in this article @ Nadia Slejskova

The dedicated internets address of this article or click on the title above the first photo at the top. 

For more information about current exhibitions and special evens associated with this exhibition, visit the McCord Stewart Museum website.

artch festival 2025

The artch Festival kicked off today!

Workshops, meetings, and performances
focused on artistic collaboration

October 15 – 19, 2025
12 p.m to 7 p.m.

Lobby, 1 PVM
1, Place Ville Marie, Montréal, QC

The artch festival kicks off today in the lobby of 1 PVM at Place Ville Marie, inviting the public to discover its 8th edition, centered on cooperation and creating together. Until October 19, from 12 PM to 7 PM, visitors can explore 150 works by 18 emerging artists, take part in workshops and critical discussions, and engage in creative activities focused on new forms of artistic collaboration.

artch stands out for its emphasis on artistic collaboration and collective innovation, questioning the ways in which artists organize themselves and interact with other stakeholders beyond the traditional art circle. In a context where the sustainability of artistic practices is more important than ever, this festival offers a fresh perspective on the role of artists in society.

Sarah Kitzy Gineau-Delyon, Executive and Artistic Director of artch stated:

"This program particularly reflects our mission: to support emerging artists in their professional development while creating spaces for dialogue and collective reflection. Each workshop and each meeting has been designed to offer concrete tools to artists, but also to question our ways of working and collaborating."

Highlights of the week

• October 15–19 → Continuous performances by Madison Strizic

• October 15, 4 PM → Workshop Organizing an Artist Collective: Building, Structuring, and Funding Your Project

• October 16, 1:30–4:30 PM → Performance by Amara Barner

• October 17, 4:30 PM → Bilingual Panel Archiving Self-Managed Art Centers: Remembering Centers Across Canada

• October 18 → Creative workshops focused on recycling and material reuse

• October 19, 1 PM → Participatory Workshop Tie Alteration with Fannie 

Additional opportunities for discovery

True to its mission of democratizing contemporary art, artch maintains free access to its entire program. As places are limited for workshops, registration is required.

Since 2018, artch has supported more than 167 artists in their artistic careers, who now enjoy regional, national, and international recognition.

Check out the complete program here.

Musée des Hospitalières 2025: Medicine and Charity

Medicine and Charity:

Hôtels-Dieu from the Middle Ages to New France

From October 15, 2025

What did hospitals in New France inherit from French medieval hospitals?

Montreal's museum Musée des Hospitalières is presenting a new exhibition where the visitors of all ages will find the answer to this question and many others in a brand-new exhibition that covers two continents, the largest temporary exhibition ever mounted by the Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu. This exceptional and truly vibrant exhibition, Medicine and Charity: Hôtels-Dieu from the Middle Ages to New France, produced in collaboration with France, should be of interest to many visitors.

Featuring stained-glass pieces, sculptures, paintings, furnishings, tapestries, common objects related to patient care, and archival materials, the exhibition opens a fascinating window to the extraordinarily rich hospital heritage of France and Québec.

The Musée benefited from a fruitful partnership with four Hôtels-Dieu in France, founded between the 13th and 17th centuries in Tonnerre, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Baugé. Several religious communities in Québec also lent artefacts: the Augustines of Québec City, the Sulpiciens of Montréal, the Grey Nuns, and, of course, the Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph. In addition, there was the valuable support offered by the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, the Université de Montréal, and McGill University.

Items never seen before in Canada

Visitors will have an opportunity to see almost a hundred remarkable works and archival materials from France classified as cultural assets and never before displayed in Canada, as well as more than fifty artefacts from Québec.

The exposition is a celebration of the history and heritage of hospitals in France and Québec, stretching back hundreds of years. The Hôtels-Dieu established in New France in the 17th century followed the long hospital tradition that began in the West in the Middle Ages, when charitable institutions – places of worship and welcome – were founded on Christian charity. Their purpose was to care for the poor and all those in a situation of vulnerability: the most disadvantaged, the infirm, the sick, pilgrims, and the elderly.

Pioneering women in the spotlight

The hospital environment was one of the few areas in which women, lay or religious, had the opportunity to put their management and/or caregiving skills to good use. The exhibition highlights women who played an essential role as founders or patrons, from Margaret of Burgundy to Jeanne Mance, who were respectively the founders of Hôtel-Dieu de Tonnerre in 1293 and Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal in1642, as well as Guigone de Salins, who, in the 15th century, took the torch from her late husband, Nicolas Rolin, at Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune.

This vibrant, vivid exhibition highlight an important part of the history of France and Québec – don’t miss it!

 

Acknowledgments

This project has received support from the Société des Attractions Touristiques du Québec through the Tourism Growth Program of Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions. The Musée receives operating funding from the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec and from The Ville de Montréal. The Musée des Hospitalières extends its warmest thanks to its lenders, sponsors, and partners

All photos @Nadia Slejskova

For more information visit the museum's website.

Portrait of Jeanne Mance, Oil on wood.