I love “things to do in Montreal” articles. However, I often have a hard time finding those articles specific to some of my favorite interests: arts & culture! So, I am here to introduce you to a new series “Art & the City”. Here, I will curate the most interesting artistic and cultural events for you to discover each month.

Due to the lockdown, events in February might seem impossible to find, but let me assure you, there is plenty to enjoy! Without further ado, here are 7 arts & culture things to discover in Montreal this February for both indoor fans and outdoorsy types.

“Get Me Out of My House!” – Outdoor Events

Art Souterrain Festival

Côté Fenêtres | Carolina ESPINOSA and GAGNON-FOREST Duo

Now let’s go outdoors for real. The Maison de la culture Claude-Léveillée presents its newest exhibit Côté Fenêtres in a unique format. The artists’ works will be displayed in the massive bay windows of the Maison’s building. On one side of the building, Espinosa presents an enigmatic floral triptych. On the other side, the Gagnon-Forest duo presents a six-part panorama exploring the different ways to represent a city’s territory. For the best effect, check out the location on your Art & the City-style walk in the evening as the illumination of the works provides the best effect.

• Dates: Until February 14
• Cost: Free

Mephisto Bates – Artist Residency

Next up is what I like to call a real fly-on-the-wall event. For its second artist residency, the Aussenwelt community is hosting Mephisto Bates in its space. Furthermore, this space is entirely surrounded by glass so you can observe the art AND the artist at work in his creative process (all day!). Bates describes his style as a form of “post-automatism” and I’m loving the spontaneous pastel aesthetic.

• Dates: Until February 23
• Cost: Free

Montréal en Histoires – Self Guided Walking Tour

Last but not least, I am including Montréal en Histoires in this list. This is an activity you can do all year long yet it is perfect for when everything is closed and so, very fitting for this month. Montréal en Histoires provides interesting self-guided walking tours through historic parts of the city – Old Montreal being the most thorough. All you have to do is download their app and create the experience that you want, choosing to stop and learn about any landmark/location that you want to know more about. Bundle up & enjoy!

• Dates: Year-round
• Cost: Free

“Hell, No! Keep Me Toasty at Home!” – Indoor Events

Golden Square Mile : 3 Houses, 3 Styles, 3 Architects

After all that Art & the City activity in the chilly (read freezing) outdoors, let’s head inside for some warmth. First up, I propose a virtual conference created by the APMAQ. Join Rosalind Pepall, former Curator of Decorative Arts at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, invites us to discover three historical homes of the Golden Square Mile in three different architectural styles: Arts and Craft (!), Beaux-Arts and Art Deco.

• Dates: February 28
• Cost: 10$

Le tram à Montréal – Pointe-à-Caillière Museum

Chant des Trois Cours – Live Music

By now, I’m imagining you all nice and cozy in your homes, so I’ll end this list on a musical note. In Chant des Trois Cours, the Lamia Yared ensemble of seven musicians will be taking us back to the 14th-19th centuries of traditional Arabic, Ottoman and Persian music. This Facebook Live event will be coming to you from the beautiful and historic Bon-Pasteur Chapel.

• Dates: February 19
• Cost: Free

Graphic/Photo: Chapelle Historique Bon-Pasteur

Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur. Photo: Olivier Ruel

I hope you enjoyed this first edition of Art & the City – see you next time!

New at Jano Lapin Media

In January we welcomed Olivia Piché to the team as a Content Creator. Check Olivia’s first article about a great Montréal poetry festival here.

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Alexandra Margs

JMSB alumna with a business mind and a creative heart. Prefers any environment where she can combine the two. World traveler who is at her happiest in airports/train stations/bus stands because that usually means she is on her way to explore a fascinating new destination. Curious about the process and history of creators such as Gaudí, Dalí, and Chanel to name just a few. Montrealer who loves discovering art and stories that set the soul on fire, making them all the more exciting to share!