Three free exhibitions to see at the MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises

Keeping Our Memories Alive! Tracing Lesbian History in Montréal

Running until October 12, 2025, the Keeping Our Memories Alive! Tracing Lesbian History in Montréal exhibition explores the rich, vibrant history of the city’s lesbian community, curated from the Archives lesbiennes du Québec’s collections.

The exhibition starts on Plateau-Mont-Royal in the 1980s, in a time of growing militancy, and follows the movement’s evolution all the way up to today’s political struggles.

At a time in which rights are being threatened, this exhibition invites visitors to understand and acknowledge lesbian realities.

Joseph Rouleau: Final Encore

From July 15 to September 1, 2025, the Joseph Rouleau: Final Encore exhibition pays tribute to the famous opera singer who made an outstanding contribution to Montréal’s musical heritage.

Through an immersive animated biopic, visual archives, interactive objects and remastered sound clips, the exhibition traces the life and exceptional career of this pioneer of lyric art in Quebec. From behind the scenes to the stage of the Royal Opera House in London, where Joseph Rouleau sang for more than 30 years, every act lets you dive deep into the fascinating world of opera.

Archaeology in the Faubourg Saint-Laurent – 19th Century Lives and Artefacts

The Archaeology in the Faubourg Saint-Laurent – 19th Century Lives and Artefacts exhibition, presented from July 8 to November 30, 2025, is a window into the daily life of residents of this iconic Montréal neighbourhood between 1780 and 1910.

Using artefacts discovered during archaeological digs only steps from the museum, this exhibition explains what daily life was like for three families living in Faubourg Saint-Laurent. Dishes, tools, toys and other fragments from the past each tell a unique story.

This exhibition lets you discover concrete traces of Montréal’s past and pay tribute to the people who helped shape the city.

The MEM is a 100% Montréal museum! This summer, enjoy its extended hours: from Tuesday to Sunday, and on holidays, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visit memmtl.ca for more information!