Old Custom House, National historic site in Old Montreal, Canada.
The Old Custom House is a national historic site located at 150 Saint Paul Street West in Montreal's Old Town, distinguished by its neoclassical stone facade. The structure displays symmetrical proportions, Tuscan pilasters, and Venetian windows that are characteristic of the architectural style of its era.
The structure was built between 1836 and 1838 as Montreal's first specialized customs facility, marking the city's growing economic importance in port trade. This construction occurred during a period when Montreal was establishing itself as a major transshipment hub for goods.
The building now functions as part of the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, preserving its Palladian architecture as evidence of Montreal's maritime commerce. Visitors can observe the symmetrical stone facade with its distinctive details, which reflect the port's economic importance during that era.
The site sits along the St. Lawrence River shoreline and connects to other museum spaces through underground passages for indoor exploration. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the area features uneven cobblestone streets typical of historic districts.
Architect John Ostell used this building as his first major commission and went on to create roughly 25 other significant structures throughout the city. This initial project launched an influential career that shaped Montreal's architectural landscape.
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