Place Ville Marie, International Style skyscraper and shopping complex in Downtown Montreal, Canada
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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