1912 – Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Having outgrown their premises, a large bequest forced the gallery at looking into a new premises or even relocation. After holding a restricted competition to select an architectural firm, three firms were invited to submit proposals. The Museum Committee, led by Edmund M. Wheelwright, chose the design by brothers Edward Maxwell and William Sutherland Maxwell. Trained in the Beaux-Arts tradition, they proposed a building faithful to French tastes of the time. Construction began in the summer of 1910 and was completed in the autumn of 1912 with the gallery being officially opened by the Duke of Connaught in December of that year.

“The exterior is of classic character, and there is evident a frank acceptance of conditions of lighting demanded by the introduction of side lighted galleries, and top lighted studios for the school of art. The feature of the Sherbrooke street facade is a large portico with Ionic columns. Three arched entrances of rather Roman type are embellished with key stones having symbolical heads. The doors of oak are surmounted by bronze grilles. Figures symbolizing the Arts are flanked by acanthus scrolls, the surrounding grille work being rather open in type in order that light may enter into the vestibule and hall. The wide flight of marble steps is flanked by pedestals which may receive groups of sculpture in the future.”

“The exterior of the building is of white marble from the Dorset Quarries in Vermont. In no case have the practical features, such as windows, doors, etc., been sacrificed to obtain an effect which did not correspond with the interior requirements. The style may, therefore, be called “Classic” adapted to fit the complicated requirements of a modern building.”

“It is of interest to note that one can make the circuit of the six galleries and hallways on the main exhibition floor without retracing one’s steps. There is, therefoi-e, always a new note of interest in going from one gallery to another, that one misses in a less skilfully planned structure.”
Construction, January 1914

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