Bonsecours Market facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bonsecours Market |
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Marché Bonsecours
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Bonsecours Market, as seen from the Old Port of Montreal
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Revival |
| Location | 350, rue Saint-Paul Est 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 (which is Marché Bonsecours in French) is a famous building in Old Montreal, Canada. It's a two-story building with a big dome, located at 350 rue Saint-Paul. For over 100 years, it was the main public market for the city of Montreal. It even served as the Parliament building for United Canada for a short time in 1849.
This important market was named after the nearby Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. It first opened its doors in 1847. The building's design was inspired by the Customs House in Dublin, Ireland.
Contents
A Look Back: History of Bonsecours Market
Construction of this impressive building started in 1844 and finished in 1847. It was designed by a British architect named William Footner. Later, in 1860, some changes were made to the building. These updates were designed by George Browne, an architect from Ireland who lived in Montreal.
More Than Just a Market
The Bonsecours Market was used for many different things over the years.
- From 1852 to 1878, it was home to Montreal City Hall. This means it was where the city's government worked.
- The old city hall rooms were later turned into a very large meeting space, about 3,700 square meters!
- The market building was also a popular spot for big events. It hosted banquets, exhibitions, and other festivals.
- Architect George Browne was asked to add a concert hall and a banquet hall, each about 900 square meters.
From Market to Modern Hub
The building continued to be a central market for farmers and many small businesses. People from different cultures sold their goods there. However, in 1963, the market closed, and there were plans to tear the building down.
Luckily, the Bonsecours Market was saved! It was changed into a multi-purpose building. Today, it has a shopping area with outdoor cafés, restaurants, and boutiques on its first and second floors. It also has rooms for rent and banquet halls on its lower and upper levels. Some city offices are also located there.
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.
Its Lasting Mark: Legacy
On May 28, 1990, Canada Post released a special stamp featuring the 'Bonsecours Market, Montreal'. The stamp showed an image of the market, which was designed by William Footner. This shows how important and recognized the building is in Canada.
See also
In Spanish: Bonsecours Market para niños
