Place Ville Marie Opens Observatory and 'Made in Montreal' Retail Space [Video]

Photo: Maxime Frechette

By Maxime Frechette

Montreal's Place Ville Marie recently opened a three-floor observatory on its 44th, 45th and 46th floors, featuring a retail component at its base. The ground floor store, located next to the tower's observatory admission desk, is called 'Café + Boutique Made in Montreal' and it features a variety of products designed by local artists (ranging from stationary to pillows to edibles), as well as a coffee concept featuring a house blend coffee roasted by Montreal-based Café Union. A video below provides a brief tour of the space. 

Heading up the elevators to the 46th floor, the observatory features attention-grabbing 360 degree views. Decor is minimalist, drawing the visitor's attention to the stunning Montreal vistas. The centre of this floor also features a small exposition featuring the history of Place Ville Marie. 

Below is a video of the observatory, retail space, and the café.  
   

Video by Maxime Frechette

On the 45th floor is an interactive exhibit called #MTLGO featuring 55 short videos with 11 themes, with unique-to-Montreal activities (such as climbing stairs at St-Joseph's Oratory or riding a Bixi bike along the Lachine Canal). RFID bracelets allow visitors to 'like' videos -- tapping the bracelet at an interactive station sends further information by text or email on how to experience their chosen "missions" in real-time in the city. 

Photo: Maxime Frechette

On the 44th floor is Les Enfants Terribles Brasserie, the highest restaurant in Montreal. The restaurant features 200 indoor seats and 60 outdoor dining spots, all with breathtaking city views. Prices at the restaurant are fortunately the same as at other Enfants Terribles in the city -- though this one is certainly the most scenic. On the same floor is a four-seasons terrace that will open in August, which will be perfect for relaxing with its small urban garden. 

For those interested in visiting the observatory, tickets are $19 for adults, $15 for students, $13 for children aged 6 to 12 and free for those under the age of six. Family packages for two adults and two children or one adult and three children are also available for $54. A general admission ticket allows you access to the observation deck, the #MTLGO exhibit and the terrace. Opening hours are between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays until September 5. Visiting the retail store at the base of Place Ville Marie, however, is free. Fore more information, visit: http://ausommetpvm.com

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: July 8, 2016