The imposing triangular structure rises before you. This is the Samuel Bronfman Building. Its unique shape is instantly memorable. It’s more than just a building though. It’s a testament to a legacy.
The Bronfman Building opened in May 1970. It initially served as the national headquarters of the Canadian Jewish Congress. This Congress was established in 1919. The building housed not only national offices but also regional Quebec offices and the national archives. This was a significant hub for the Jewish community.
In 1999 Concordia University took over the building. The Canadian Jewish Congress moved its national office to Ottawa. The regional offices also relocated. However the national archives remain in the building today. Several Concordia academic units now occupy the space.
The building itself is a work of art. Architect Fred Lebensold designed it. He was also responsible for the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. He designed additions to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. He also designed the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. Lebensold’s distinct style is evident in the Bronfman Building’s striking architecture.
Notice the four cast-fiberglass sculptures outside. These are Totems by Canadian artist Walter Redinger. They were installed in 1972 adding another layer to the building’s artistic expression. Inside discover a floor-to-ceiling stained-glass panel. Marcelle Ferron created this Memorial in 1970. It commemorates the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. A large banner in the main hall called Twelve Tribes of Israel adds to the building’s artistic collection. It was created by Montreal artist Norman Laliberté.
The Samuel Bronfman Building is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living archive. It’s a place where history art and academia intertwine. It stands as a symbol of the lasting contributions of Samuel Bronfman himself a prominent Jewish community leader a philanthropist and the creator of the Seagram’s empire. The Bronfman Building’s story is one of community legacy and artistic expression. A truly remarkable landmark in Montreal.