Bonsecours Market

The Marché Bonsecours is a former market hall in Montreal. It is located in the Old Town (Vieux -Montreal ), between the Rue Saint -Paul and the Old Port. The neoclassical building was used temporarily as the Town Hall and Parliament Building. Today it is used as a cultural center. It is a listed building and is since 1984 a National Historic Site.

History

Named after the adjacent chapel Notre -Dame-de -Bon- Secours Market Hall was built from 1844 under the guidance of British architect William Footner. Although the works were continuing, the building was ready for occupation in January 1847. Since Footner had over budget by three times, the site management was transferred to George Browne in May 1847. The following year the work was completed. The meat shops were located at the back in the basement, on the southeastern end of a police station was set up.

On April 25, 1849 put an angry mob the Marché Sainte -Anne, the provisional parliament of the Province of Canada, on fire. The deputies then met until May 7 at the Marché Bonsecours. During construction, there had been consideration to use these market hall permanently as the seat of Parliament, but due to the uncertain situation, the government decided to make Toronto the new capital. 1850 George Browne was commissioned to renovate the southern part of the Marché Bonsecours, so it could be used as a town hall. At the other end of the building a concert hall was built. The city administration was housed from 1852 in the building and moved in 1878 for the most part in the newly built Hôtel de Ville to.

The following decades, the building served continue as a market hall and event hall. Fires in 1891, 1948 and 1954 made ​​repairs to the roof required. The market operation ended in 1963 and was relocated to the north of the city center in a new building. In the 1960s, carried out extensive restoration work. The dome was destroyed by fire in 1976 and rebuilt to 1978 again. Until 1990, the city administration used some offices. On the occasion of 350 anniversary of the city 1992, several exhibition halls were created.

Building

The 163 meter long building in the neoclassical style of gray limestone is adapted from the 1791 built Custom House in Dublin. Mid-19th century it was an important focal point for all incoming ship passengers in the neighboring harbor. It consists of five building structures, which are separated by intermediate walls. The central building encompasses the portico; he is crowned by a distinctive dome, which rests on a drum.

The Marché Bonsecours houses several boutiques for art, design and craft. The Council also artistic occupations of Quebec and the Montreal Design Institute have their headquarters here cafes, restaurants and banquet halls are also available.