Required Work to Ensure Public Safety and the Long-Term Preservation of an Exceptional Building

Montreal, April 1, 2026 — Place des Arts is launching a major asset-maintenance project to rehabilitate the Theatre Building’s façade, home to Théâtre Maisonneuve, Théâtre Jean-Duceppe and Salle Claude-Léveillée, from April 2026 through summer 2028.  

As part of the Québec Infrastructure Plan (PQI) 2025–2035, this project represents a total investment of $134 million. It has received the required government authorizations, and Place des Arts is carrying it out in partnership with the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI). 

Above all, the rehabilitation work is intended to address public-safety issues and ensure the long-term preservation of the Theatre Building—an emblematic landmark in Montreal's downtown of heritage interest, built for the “Universal and International Exhibition” (Expo 67) in 1967. 

Urgent and Much-Needed Work 

Studies and inspections conducted by Place des Arts since 2018 on this building—made up of more than 600 concrete panels—confirm the urgent need to act without delay, with work to be completed by 2028. The advanced deterioration of the concrete cladding (some of which can weigh up to nine metric tonnes), combined with corrosion of the anchoring system, requires Place des Arts to take responsible action. There is no alternative other than replacing the panels. 

“Failing to act would have far more serious consequences for the integrity of the building and for public safety and would require protective systems and barricades to be installed around the Theatre Building and adjacent roadways—reducing mobility and the vitality of this key downtown area,” said Marie-Josée Desrochers, President and CEO of Place des Arts. 

Place des Arts wishes to emphasize that its complex and performance spaces remain safe, and that its priority is to ensure the safety of everyone who visits. 

Limited Impact on Place des Arts Programming 

Work will begin in April 2026 and continue through summer 2028. Place des Arts planned the project well in advance to minimize impacts on artistic programming in its halls, on activities across the complex, and on the festival rollout. Except for Salle Claude-Léveillée, which will be closed for the duration of the work, the other halls and spaces in the Theatre Building will remain open, and performances will continue to be presented. Parking will remain accessible to visitors during this time. 

For several months, the Place des Arts team has been working closely with producers, resident organizations, festivals, tenants, and other partners to ensure the continuity of cultural activities and mitigate the project’s impact on their programming. 

In keeping with its Brutalist architecture 

“Our goal is to complete the work by summer 2028 and restore full public access to our esplanade, as well as to a Theatre Building renewed with a new façade,” said Marie-Josée Desrochers, President and CEO of Place des Arts. 

Carried out in keeping with its distinctive Brutalist architecture, the Theatre Building rehabilitation project reflects a sustainable approach, resulting in significantly improved energy performance and the repurposing of the former concrete cladding. 

View the technical specifications

About Place des Arts 

The Société de la Place des Arts de Montréal operates a performing arts presenting organization and manages Place des Arts in Montréal and the Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay in Joliette. It is also responsible for the artistic programming of the Maison symphonique when the venue is used by organizations other than the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. Its mission is to provide a home for major arts organizations, foster access to a wide range of performing arts, and promote artistic and cultural life in Québec. It presents works from here and abroad—featuring emerging artists as well as international stars—in collaboration with arts organizations, producers, creators and the broader cultural community. 

About the Theatre Building  

Designed by architects David, Barott, and Boulva for Expo 67, Place des Arts’ Theatre Building is part of the sweeping urban renewal movement that transformed downtown Montréal. Envisioned under Mayor Jean Drapeau, it is now recognized as one of the most significant examples of Brutalist architecture in Montréal’s architectural heritage. The Theatre Building also stands out as one of the first in Québec to adopt an exterior concrete cladding. Completed in just 11 months, it is distinguished by its monumental form, iconic whiteness and some 600 prefabricated concrete panels—an expressive, unapologetic use of concrete. Its ribbed concrete-panel exterior is exceptionally refined and forms an essential part of its defining features and heritage values. 

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Source: 
Place des Arts
Géraldine Zaccardelli, Communications and PR Manager 
514-660-3904
gzaccardelli@placedesarts.com