Description of the attraction
Bonsecourt Market is a public market in Montreal, Canada. The market is located in the heart of Old Montreal along the rue Saint-Paul. Not far from the market is one of the oldest cathedrals in Montreal - Notre Dame de Bon Secourt, after which the market actually got its name.
The market building was designed by British architect William Futner and is a two-story colonial-style domed structure. Construction began in 1844, and almost three years later its grand opening took place. True, the building underwent some changes in 1860 under the direction of the Irish-born Canadian architect George Brown.
In 1849, the Bonsecourt market building briefly housed the Parliament of the United Canada, and between 1852 and 1878 the City Hall of Montreal.
The market building was also used many times for holding banquets, exhibitions, fairs and various cultural events. Especially for this purpose, the city council commissioned George Brown to design a spacious concert and banquet halls. So in 1860, a huge Victorian-style concert hall with an area of 900 square meters and a capacity of 3000 people appeared in the east wing of the building.
In the 80s of the 19th century, the Bonsecourt market became the main public market in Montreal and has been so for over 100 years. In 1984, Bonsecourt Market was designated a National Historic Landmark of Canada. Today Bonsecourt Market is one of the most popular attractions in Montreal and one of the most beautiful architectural structures in Canada.
