Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada
Exhibitions
An
exhibition room
© Parks Canada / Jacques Beardsell
The Cartier homes on Notre-Dame street were built in 1837 by their
first owner, Arthur Ross. Neo-classical in style, the two houses share an
adjoining coachway. Cartier eventually acquired both properties in two separate
transactions. From 1848 to 1855, the Cartier family lived in the 'East House';
from 1862 to 1871, they lived in the 'West House.'
About Mr. Cartier...
Sir
George-Étienne Cartier
© McCord Museum/ William Notman / Photographic Archives
Notman, I-67119
Today, the 'East House' features a permanent exhibition on Cartier's
achievements. A lawyer, politician and businessman, Cartier was a major figure
in a number of crucial events in Canadian history. He played a decisive role
in resolving several fundamental questions that presented themselves during
the period. A man dedicated to the ideals of progress, he set about reforming
civil institutions and the law through the political mechanisms at his disposal.
His dream of making Montreal the trading-hub of British North America accelerated
the development of railways and industrialisation. Learning about his career
and his achievements will bring you to the heart of a period characterised by major change
and progress.
Let yourself be seduced by the splendour of Victorian style
The interior of the 'West House' has been faithfully restored to
recreate the sumptuous bourgeois decor typical of the 1860s. This home remains
the only Victorian-era interior open to the public in Greater Montreal. Admiring
the rooms' furnishings, visitors can soak up the atmosphere that permeated
the bourgeois homes of the past. Soundtracks located in most rooms feature
characters who reveal some of the Cartiers' most intimate secrets. Listen
in!
A Lady, Two Travelling Misses and a Home
Ladies
of the upper class
© Parks Canada/ Lady's Book and Magazine
In the rooms where the Cartier daughters lived and grew to adulthood
is an exhibition where they themselves reveal some of their memories through
the pages of their diaries. These private reflections speak to the rhythm
of their young bourgeois lives in the city and on numerous excursions, from
Saratoga to Cacouna by way of Quebec City. The Cartiers' steamer trunk, family
photos, desk set, stamps and sewing accessories, etc.: all objects to admire
as you make your foray into the daily lives of Hortense and Joséphine
Cartier.
G.E. Cartier and his daughters
© William Notman / McCord Museum, I-15392.1
A Victorian Christmas: Experience the Magic of the Holidays at the Cartier House!
Throughout the year, the Cartier house takes on different hues in
keeping with the subjects undertaken in our theatrical presentations
offered on week ends.
Come discover the magic of the holidays during the 19th century by visiting
the thematic exhibition 'A Victorian Christmas.' You'll be enchanted by the
period gifts and decorations. Learn about the origins of Santa Claus. And don't
miss the preparations for the réveillons!
For further information, contact us at : 514-283-2282.