Édifice Ernest-Cormier, Neoclassical courthouse in Old Montreal, Canada
The Édifice Ernest-Cormier is a neoclassical courthouse in Montreal's old district, featuring symmetrical stone facades and classical design elements across four levels. Today it houses the Quebec Court of Appeal and remains an operational center for judicial proceedings.
The building was constructed between 1922 and 1926 according to designs by architect Ernest Cormier, who had completed his training in Paris. His design brought French architectural principles to Montreal and shaped the judicial architecture of that era.
The architrave bears the Latin inscription "FRVSTRA LEGIS AUXILIVM QVAERIT QVI IN LEGEM COMMITTIT", meaning that whoever breaks the law seeks its help in vain. From 1975 to 2001 the building housed the Conservatoire de musique et d'art dramatique du Québec in Montreal, before restoration returned it to the courts in 2005.
Access to the building is available through multiple public transit routes, and it is also within reach of the nearby subway station. Visitors should keep in mind that this is a functioning judicial center with standard security procedures in place.
The architrave carries a Latin inscription in Roman letters: "FRVSTRA LEGIS AUXILIVM QVAERIT QVI IN LEGEM COMMITTIT", meaning that whoever breaks the law seeks its help in vain. Between 1975 and 2001 the building housed the Conservatoire de musique et d'art dramatique du Québec in Montreal, before restoration from 2002 to 2005.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,772 contributors worldwide.
