Tour de la Bourse

Tour de la Bourse. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, it is a 47-storey skyscraper that served as the original home of the Montreal Exchange and a defining symbol of the city's modern financial district. Completed in 1964, it was the tallest building in Canada until 1967 and remains a prominent feature of the Montreal skyline. The tower is renowned for its innovative engineering and its role in hosting significant financial and cultural institutions.

History

The project was conceived during a period of major urban renewal and modernization in Montreal, spearheaded by Mayor Jean Drapeau. Developed by the Trizec Corporation, construction began in 1962 on land cleared as part of the redevelopment of the Faubourg Saint-Laurent. Upon its opening in 1964, it immediately became the tallest building in the Commonwealth, housing the trading floor of the Montreal Exchange which had relocated from its historic building on Saint François-Xavier Street. The tower's completion coincided with the preparatory boom for Expo 67, cementing Montreal's status as a major metropolis. In 1999, the Montreal Exchange vacated the building after its trading floor closed, moving its operations to the BNP Tower; the trading floor space was subsequently converted for other uses.

Architecture

Designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti in collaboration with renowned structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi, the building is a prime example of International Style modernism. Its most distinctive feature is the external, sculptural buttress system that supports the entire structure, allowing for column-free interior spaces and a striking facade. The cladding consists of prefabricated concrete panels and bronze-tinted windows. The adjacent **Place Victoria** features an underground concourse connected to the Montreal Metro and the famed sculpture The Illuminated Crowd by Raymond Mason. The original trading floor, known for its vast open space, was a masterpiece of modern design and engineering for its time.

Tenants and significance

While no longer housing a stock exchange, it remains a prestigious Class A office tower and a key address in Montreal's financial core. Its major anchor tenant is the Autorité des marchés financiers, the province's financial regulatory authority. Other significant tenants have included the Bank of Canada and various national and international law firms, financial services companies, and corporate headquarters. The building is owned and managed by Ivanhoé Cambridge, a major global real estate developer. Its significance extends beyond commerce, as it stands as a protected heritage site and a physical representation of Quebec's Quiet Revolution and its economic ambitions during the 1960s.

In popular culture

The distinctive silhouette of the tower has made it a recognizable backdrop in numerous films and television series shot in Montreal. It has featured prominently in productions such as the *X-Men* film series, often standing in for locations in New York City or other global financial centers. The building's plaza and stark modern aesthetics have also been used in various science fiction and action genres, capitalizing on its futuristic appearance for the time. Its iconic status ensures it is frequently photographed and included in visual media representing the city of Montreal.

See also

* List of tallest buildings in Montreal * Montreal Exchange * Place Ville Marie * 1000 de La Gauchetière * Complexe Desjardins * Architecture of Montreal * Pier Luigi Nervi Category:Skyscrapers in Montreal Category:Office buildings in Quebec Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1964