Old Montreal in Montréal, Québec — Central Canada (French-Canadian)
L’Ancien Édifice de la Douane
⎯⎯⎯
The Old Custom House
Photographed by PaulwC3, March 28, 2014
1. L’Ancien Édifice de la Douane / The Old Custom House Marker
Erected between 1836 and 1838, this striking Palladian-style custom house is the work of John Ostell, one of the most important Montréal architects of the period. The building is distinguished by an elegant façade embellished with pilasters and a wide pediment. Strategically sited on the former marketplace and facing the river, it signaled the rise of Montréal as a commercial centre and the city’s new role as a metropolis. The building housed the customs service until 1871, and has maintained its harmonious appearance despite extensive enlargements in 1881-1882
Erected 2001 by Commission
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 45° 30.192′ N, 73° 33.255′ W. Marker is in Montréal, Québec. It is in Old Montreal. It is at the intersection of D'Youville Place and Place Royale, on the right when traveling north on D'Youville Place. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Rue Saint Paul Ouest, Montréal QC H2Y 3Y5, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Canada. Globally, it is in 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: Aux origines de Montréal / The origins of Montréal (within
Photographed by PaulwC3, March 28, 2014
2. Wide view of the L’Ancien Édifice de la Douane / The Old Custom House Marker
Regarding L’Ancien Édifice de la Douane / The Old Custom House. The building is now part of the Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History complex. It houses exhibits and the underneath the building and forecourt is the archaeological crypt which is part of the Where Montréal Was Born exhibit.
Also see . . . Former Montréal Custom House National Historic Site of Canada. The Former Montréal Custom House was designated a national historic site in 1997 because:
- it is a remarkably fine example of Palladian architecture in Canada designed by John Ostell, one of the most important Montréal architects
Photographed by PaulwC3, March 28, 2014
3. L’Ancien Édifice de la Douane / The Old Custom House (1838)
- the construction of the custom house marked the end of Montréal's lesser importance in comparison with the Port of Québec; and
- the building serves as testimony to the growing importance and independence of the city in the early decades of the 19th century. (Submitted on April 8, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
Photographed by PaulwC3, March 28, 2014
4. Remains of the L’Ancien Édifice de la Douane / The Old Custom House Fountain
On display in the Pointe-à-Callière underground archaeological crypt which is part of the Where Montréal Was Born exhibit.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,207 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 7, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on April 8, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 4. submitted on April 9, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.
