A unique immersion into the history and life of the neighbourhood of Saint-Henri, from the past to the present. Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s archaeology and history complex, presents The heart and soul of Saint-Henri, an exhibition celebrating the singular history of this Montréal neighbourhood. Explore Saint-Henri over the years and through its iconic sites, while meeting the men and women who forged the neighbourhood’s soul.

Did you know that Montréal’s iconic industrial neighbourhood of Saint-Henri was once the third most densely populated city in Québec? The exhibition takes a unique and extensive look back at the neighbourhood, showcasing its devoted community over the years. Brimming with 380 objects on loan from 34 private and institutional lenders, including the Société historique de Saint-Henri, the exhibition puts into perspective this unique neighbourhood’s evolution over some 350 years.

Presented as a journey into the daily lives of residents through various eras, the exhibition transports visitors from iconic neighbourhood sites to its population’s more private settings. Featured are first-hand accounts, photos, films, objects, models, and artwork that bear witness to the constant evolution of this lively neighbourhood. Over 300 audiovisual and iconographic documents punctuate the exhibition layout.

More than ever in keeping with our mission to foster an appreciation for Montréal’s past and present, The Heart and Soul of Saint-Henri pays tribute to this Montréal neighbourhood whose industrial past made a significant contribution to its development. In this exhibition, we are inviting the public to discover or rediscover the history of this neighbourhood through hundreds of objects, images, and audiovisual documents, authentic witnesses that offer a moving immersion into the heart of this iconic area of the city. (Anne Élisabeth Thibault, Executive Director of Pointe-à-Callière)

Prior to its annexation to Montréal in 1905, Saint-Henri was the 3rd most populous city in Québec, with a population of 24,165 people.

A meaningful history in the city

From the artisanal village of Saint-Henri des tanneries, to a prosperous industrial and working-class town, to today’s neighbourhood in transformation, each era has left its mark on history. The exhibition showcases 18th and 19th century objects from recent archaeological digs that bear witness to the neighbourhood’s artisanal tanning past, while exploring its industrial evolution through the diversity of manufactured products that built its reputation and shaped its architectural landscape. From its ongoing evolution to its pride in its past, the exhibition examines the neighbourhood’s changes and its current projects.

A dedicated and active community

The exhibition is also a celebration of the committed and united community that has always been at the heart of Saint-Henri. From artisanal know-how to social struggles that have left their mark on Québec, explore the private lives of Saint-Henri’s inhabitants through their activities in the spheres of culture, religion, and sports. Taking a participatory approach, several objects in the exhibition are a direct appeal to the population, offering moving testimonies. The exhibition also highlights the many innovative community and artistic initiatives that are shaking up the neighbourhood today.