Bonsecours Market facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bonsecours Market |
|
|---|---|
|
Marché Bonsecours
|
|
Bonsecours Market, as seen from the Old Port of Montreal
|
|
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical architecture |
| Location | 350 Saint-Paul east Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1H2 |
| Coordinates | 45°30′32″N 73°33′05″W / 45.50889°N 73.55139°W |
| Construction started | 1844 |
| Completed | 1847 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William Footner |
| Official name: Bonsecours Market National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1984 |
The Bonsecours Market (also known as Marché Bonsecours in French) is a famous old building in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It has two floors and a cool domed roof. For over 100 years, it was the main public market where people bought and sold things. It even served as the home for Canada's Parliament for a short time in 1849! The market is located in a historic part of Montreal called Old Montreal. It was named after the nearby Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. The building officially opened in 1847.
Contents
A Look Back in Time: The Market's Story
This beautiful building, with its classic design, started being built in 1844 and was finished in 1847. It was designed by a British architect named William Footner. Later, in 1860, an Irish-born Montreal architect, George Browne, made some changes to the building.
Many Uses Over the Years
The Bonsecours Market has had many different jobs!
- Parliament House: In 1849, the building was used by the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada. This was like the government's meeting place for a short time.
- City Hall: From 1852 to 1878, the market building was also home to Montreal City Hall. This means it was where the city's leaders worked and made decisions.
- Event Venue: The market wasn't just for selling goods or government work. It was also a popular place for big parties, art shows, and other fun events. George Browne even added a large concert hall and banquet hall for these occasions.
From Market to Modern Hub
For a long time, the building was a central market where farmers and many different kinds of small sellers came to sell their products. But in 1963, the market closed, and there were even plans to tear the building down. Luckily, that didn't happen! Instead, the building was saved and changed into a multi-purpose center. Today, you can find outdoor cafés, restaurants, and shops on the first and second floors. There are also rooms for rent for events and offices for the city.
In 1984, the Bonsecours Market was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's a very important place in Canadian history!
A Lasting Impression
The Bonsecours Market is so important that it has even been featured on a postage stamp! On May 28, 1990, Canada Post released a stamp called 'Bonsecours Market, Montreal'. The stamp showed an image of this famous building, celebrating its history and design. The original design of the market was created by William Footner between 1842 and 1845.
See also
In Spanish: Bonsecours Market para niños
