Recognize those neo-Tudor architectural details? That’s Le Livart. This multidisciplinary center for contemporary art stands in the heart of Plateau-Mont-Royal. Le Livart wasn’t always an art space. It began as a presbytery and convent for Dominican friars. Cindy Tessier-Trudeau and Marc O’Brien-Miro envisioned a different kind of learning here.
Let’s step inside Le Livart. The building dates back to 1933. Architectural firm La Shed transformed it. They created a unique space. It combines gallery space, artist studios, an art school, and a boutique. Here, you can find original art and designs made by resident artists.
Le Livart officially opened its doors in 2016. But the story began in 2013 with a couple who loved art and heritage. The building occupies land with a deep history. It’s on the unceded Aboriginal lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation. Le Livart recognizes their role as custodians of these lands.
Before Le Livart, this was the Rosary and St. Jude Shrine, established by Dominican friars in 1954. The area once consisted of large landowners. Residential development started in the 1870s.
But there’s more to the story. The first occupants were from the English-speaking Catholic parish of St. Agnes. They sought a new parish in 1903. The Archbishop of Montreal granted their wish in 1904.
The parish built a church completed in 1905. Architect Alphonse Piché designed it in a late neo-Gothic style. In 1932, the parish decided to build a proper presbytery. Edward J. Turcotte completed the Tudor Revival building in 1933.
By 1953, the English-speaking population had moved west. The parish closed. The Dominicans acquired the building to create a sanctuary. They purchased adjacent houses. They built a modern convent in 1964.
However, by 2004, the Dominicans could no longer maintain the premises. They decided to change the site’s purpose. After being listed for sale in 2006, investors bought the buildings separately. Cindy Tessier-Trudeau and Marc O’Brien-Miro stepped in. They had a vision. They established the non-profit organization Livart. It houses an art gallery, artist studios, an art school, and a multipurpose room.
Notice how the architecture blends old and new. The architects faced a challenge. They needed to create a contemporary exhibition space within a heritage building. They preserved original elements. The gallery spaces are painted white. This neutralizes the ornamentation while preserving the woodwork. Some significant elements remain untouched, creating contrast.
The architects created a museum-like flow. They added cut-outs to connect small rooms. Mirrored frames dematerialize the boundaries. This plays with visitors’ perceptions. The perspective leads to a larger, brighter gallery in the back. New interventions contrast with the original heritage elements. Le Livart takes advantage of the unique space. It revives an inspiring, cultural, and dynamic space.
Le Livart offers a variety of courses. People of all ages can learn about contemporary visual arts. They can develop their creativity here. Le Livart continues to inspire creation. It is a testament to Montreal’s vibrant arts scene.