Old Montreal in Montréal, Québec — Central Canada (French-Canadian)
Ancien Palais de Justice
⎯⎯⎯
The Old Courthouse
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2024
1. Ancien Palais de Justice / The Old Courthouse Marker
Ancien palais de justice du gouvernement du Québec inauguré en 1858
acquis par la ville de Montréal le 25 septembre 1972
siège social et quartiers généraux du comité organisateur des jeux olympiques de 1976
le dévoilement de cette plaque a eu lieu le 22 décembre 1976
Réplique, 2010, Ville de Montréal
The Old Courthouse of the Québec government opened in 1858
Acquired by the city of Montréal September 25, 1972
Used as general headquarters of the organizing committee of the 1976 Olympic Games
This plaque was unveiled December 22, 1976
Replica, 2010, City of Montreal
Erected 1976 by Ville de Montreal.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 45° 30.496′ N, 73° 33.27′ W. Marker is in Montréal, Québec. It is in Old Montreal. It can be reached from Rue Notre-Dame Est just north
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Canada. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jean Vauquelin (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacques Viger (within shouting distance of this marker); Place Vauquelin (within shouting distance of this marker); Visitors Center (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nelson Column, Montreal (within shouting distance of this marker); Horatio Nelson (within shouting distance of this marker); Le Château Ramezay / Château Ramezay (within shouting distance of this marker); Gédéon de Catalogne (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montréal.
Regarding Ancien Palais de Justice / The Old Courthouse. Canada Register of Historic Places, formerly recognized 1976/11/18.
Excerpt (English translation):
The old Montreal courthouse, recognized as a historic monument, is an institutional building of neoclassical inspiration built from 1851 to 1857 and expanded in 1890. The main gray stone building consists of a rectangular central body enhanced by a monumental colonnaded portico and flanked by two well-defined side wings. Four stories high, itis topped by a flat roof bordered by a balustrade that supports a central five-bay section crowned with a dome.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 20242. Ancien Palais de Justice / The Old Courthouse MarkerThe marker is mounted at eye level on the northeast corner of the subject building, facing the Vauquelin Place plaza to the north.The building reflects the popularity of classical styles in public building design in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Inspired by Palladian architecture, it resulted from a competition organized in 1849 by the Department of Public Works and won by architects John Ostell (1813-1892) and Henri-Maurice Perrault (1828-1903). Palladian style, which appeared in North America around 1815, advocates a return to the Italian Renaissance and a certain austerity.
The Old Courthouse is an illustration of this, notably through the lateral wings framing a central block, the division of the façade into three levels (basement, noble level composed of two floors, and attic floor), and the restrained ornamentation derived from classical tradition. The portico rests on a vaulted base and includes six Ionic columns supporting a large triangular pediment. The building was completed in 1890 with the addition of a central five-bay story and a dome, demonstrating the persistence of the use of classical forms.
Also see . . . Vieux palais de justice de Montréal (Canada Register Historic Places).
Excerpt (English translation): The current main building recalls, through its(Submitted on May 17, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)dimensions, the coexistence of the two levels of courts and the size of the territory served before the 1857 reform. Used for its original function until 1971, the old courthouse stands near the current courthouse, the Ernest-Cormier building (the Court of Appeal), and the Château de Ramezay, and together with them forms a complex that recounts the judicial history of Montreal.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 20243. Ancien Palais de Justice / The Old CourthouseThe main entrance faces Rue Notre-Dame Est at Rue Saint-Vincent.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2024
4. Ancien Palais de Justice / The Old Courthouse (east/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on May 16, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 17, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
