Place Ville Marie, International Style skyscraper and shopping complex in Downtown Montreal, Canada
Description
Place Ville Marie is a skyscraper and shopping center featuring a distinctive cross-shaped design that rises 188 meters across 47 floors in downtown Montreal. The building combines aluminum, steel, glass, and limestone in its structure, with retail shops at ground level and office spaces occupying the upper levels.
History
Construction began in 1958 under architect I.M. Pei's direction, with the building opening in 1962 as the Royal Bank of Canada headquarters. The project became a landmark moment in Montreal's downtown transformation and shaped the city's modern skyline.
Culture
The complex serves as a central hub within Montreal's Underground City network, connecting thousands of businesses through covered walkways beneath the downtown streets. Visitors can move through multiple levels below ground without stepping outside.
Practical
The building connects directly to Bonaventure metro station, making it easy to reach by public transit from the airport and other neighborhoods. Multiple entrances and a network of underground passages help visitors find their way through the complex.
Did you know?
A rotating rooftop beacon spins counter-clockwise at night, projecting light visible from great distances across the region. This distinctive feature makes the building easily recognizable after dark and highlights its role as a key landmark on the city's skyline.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Ville-Marie).
Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral
267 m
Sun Life Building
202 m
Tour des Canadiens
112 m
Musée Grévin Montreal
316 m
1501 McGill College
269 m
Eaton's Ninth Floor
233 m
L'Avenue
112 m
The Ring
53 m
Montréal Underground City
277 m
Tour Telus
118 m
Dominion Square Building
331 m
Altitude Montréal
114 m
Tom Condos
150 m
Crystal Palace
156 m
Boer War Memorial
290 m
Le Port-Royal Apartments
51 m
Edward VII Monument
247 m
Gyrophare de Montréal
48 m
Lion of Belfort
252 m
Wilfrid Laurier Memorial
288 m
1981 McGill College
252 m
Ignace Bourget Monument
251 m
Female Landscape
108 m
Brother André
245 m
Cathcart Armoury
144 m
Selfportrait
99 m
Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal
304 m
Monument au Frère André
242 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes