Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction has officially begun on PHI Contemporary, a new cultural centre in Old Montréal that will combine contemporary art, heritage restoration and public programming. The centre is expected to open in 2029.
PHI marked the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, along with PHI leadership.
The project is located at the intersection of Bonsecours and Saint-Paul streets and will transform a collection of heritage buildings into a multidisciplinary arts venue while incorporating contemporary architecture.
The centre will feature exhibition galleries, immersive experiences, artist residencies, educational programming, public events and community gathering spaces. It is designed to bring together art, technology and innovation while showcasing Canadian artists.
“In the heart of Old Montréal, PHI Contemporary will breathe new life into exceptional heritage buildings that stand as valuable witnesses to our collective history,” Québec Culture and Communications Minister Mathieu Lacombe said. “By restoring and showcasing them, we are doing more than preserving historic places; we are bringing our shared history to life, making it accessible and meaningful for today’s audiences and for generations to come.”
The site has played an important role in Old Montréal’s development for centuries. The project will preserve and restore historic buildings while adapting them for contemporary cultural use.
“From the very beginning, our ambition has remained the same: to create spaces for encounters between artists and the public, and to engage with the most relevant ideas of our time through art and culture,” said Phoebe Greenberg, founder and chief creative officer of PHI.
Montréal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the project will strengthen the city’s cultural landscape by creating a new destination where residents and visitors can experience contemporary art in a historic setting.
Construction is expected to continue over the next several years, with PHI Contemporary scheduled to open in 2029.
