Demolition and reconstruction work has begun at Place des Arts in the heart of Montreal’s festival and culture district. The $134 million project to give a facelift to the Theatre Building, which houses Théâtre Maisonneuve, Théâtre Jean-Duceppe and Salle Claude-Léveillée, began in May and will continue until summer 2028. “This rehabilitation work will address public safety issues, ensure the long-term preservation of the building (originally constructed for Expo 67), and renew the façade with durable materials while respecting the original Brutalist architecture,” the Place des Arts project page says. The agency says that the building’s 600 nine-metric-tonne panels are at an advanced state of deterioration and that they need to be replaced. In May, the demolition began, and the removal of the exterior panels took place in June. Between now and spring 2028, crews will be removing the existing cladding and beginning to install the exterior envelope. In summer 2028, the new exterior concrete panels will be installed and completed, should all things go to plan. The Theatre Building isn’t the only major structure in the area that will transform the cityscape. The new Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) is slated to open in two years. “The building’s facade will be transformed for greater transparency with its surroundings, and the exhibition spaces, expanded and equipped with cutting-edge technology, will highlight the national collection,” the MAC says. The consulting firm CIM Counseil is leading the Theatre Building project. Programming will continue throughout the construction, but Salle Claude-Leveillee will be closed. The National Bank branch will be relocated temporarily to 955 Maisonneuve Boulevard West. The Theatre Building was envisioned by former mayor Jean Drapeau, who oversaw the opening of the Grande Salle: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in 1963. The Theatre Building was built in 1967.
