Immersive exhibitions in Montréal

Canada’s largest indoor immersive attraction, OASIS immersion at the Palais des congrès de Montréal presents the 90-minute exhibition Rolling Stone Presents: Amplified, The Immersive Rock Experience narrated by musician and actor Kevin Bacon. The immersive show features more than 1,000 iconic photographs and floor-to-ceiling live video performances of some of music’s most legendary acts like The Who, The Beatles, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Chappell Roan, Janis Joplin, Bob Marley, Green Day, Sinead O’Connor, David Bowie, Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg, Radiohead, The Doors, Aretha Franklin, KISS, Joan Jett, The Ramones, Lizzo and more. Extended to April 4.

Inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’ world-renowned musical masterpiece, The Immersive Carnival of the Animals exhibition plunges visitors into a vibrant retro-futuristic universe filled with whimsical characters—half-animal, half-instrument—and a playful, interactive scenography. Especially designed for children aged 2 to 12, as well as families and educators. Runs February 27 to April 5.

With its soaring twin towers and grand interior, the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal in Old Montréal is one of Montréal’s most famous icons, built between 1824 and 1829, and designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. Famed Montréal visual and sound effects company Moment Factory immerses visitors in its year-round high-tech sound-and-light show AURA Experience which uses the church interior as its canvas.

La vie, la mort, le dessert at the Society for Arts and Technology is a unique evening that combines gastronomy, artistic performance, and immersive scenography in the dome. An immersive five-course culinary experience that transports the public to a romantic, theatrical, and enchanting world. Runs February 18 to 28.

The Montréal Science Centre in the Old Port of Montréal presents their all-new permanent exhibition Nanualuk – Northern Expedition to mark the centre’s 25^th anniversary. Visitors embark on an immersive, interactive quest filled with more than 20 missions to accomplish, each featuring a different theme related to life in the Arctic, such as learning how to use a harpoon to “read” the ice, and finding your way using the stars. Every mission has a different level of difficulty.

The Funny Creatures “photo safari” exhibition of animals caught on camera in comical, cute, and curious poses is popular with all ages.

Their IMAX cinema screens films for all ages.

Sherlock Holmes

The Sherlock Holmes immersive exhibition at the Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex in Old Montréal combines history, literature and investigation from the world of the legendary detective brought to life by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Visitors journey to 19th-century London to explore the author’s sources of inspiration and follow the trail of the master of deduction amid life-size settings. From the iconic 221B Baker Street to the author’s own office, visitors also solve a mystery worthy of Holmes and his faithful sidekick, Dr. Watson. The exhibition also highlights scientific and technological advances of the time – such as ballistics, photography and botany – which helped shape modern investigative methods and the detective’s distinctive world. Visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets online before visiting the museum. Runs to March 8.

Arsenal Contemporary Art Montreal is a cutting-edge art centre located in the hip, urban Griffintown neighbourhood, and promotes contemporary art by exhibiting Canadian artists alongside international artists. Their virtual-reality immersive expedition Tonight with The Impressionists – Paris 1874 steps into 19th-century Paris to relive the birth of Impressionism by transporting visitors to the very first Impressionist exhibition in 1874. Runs to March 9.

The Horizon of Khufu virtual reality expedition transports visitors to the heart of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Equipped with a VR headset, visitors can physically move and interact inside ancient galleries and burial chambers, then ascend to the very top of the pyramid for breathtaking views of the Giza plateau and Cairo. The second half of the 45-minute experience takes visitors back to ground level to witness the historically accurate mummification and burial of Khufu, then embark aboard a solar barque (boat) on the Nile to bear witness to the funerary rite of King Khufu.

Suitable for families with children aged 8+. There is a gift shop and café. The Horizon of Khufu is located in the Old Port of Montréal. Runs to March 9.

Musée Imaginarium 

The Musée Imaginarium in Griffintown transforms the selfie studio experience. Visitors explore some 16 creative universes imagined for photo and video sessions, from a tropical forest to a diva’s dressing room.

Bubble Planet

Children of all ages will enjoy Bubble Planet Montreal: The Immersive Experience, a surreal and colourful world filled with bubbles! Giant balloons and enormous soap bubbles await visitors who can explore 10 themed rooms. There is even a hot air balloon flight simulator! Opens February 27 at Place Bonaventure.

Digital arts in Montréal

In a city known for its creativity, digital art experiences abound throughout the year, illuminating Montréal galleries and museums, festivals and pop-up events. Click here to find out where to immerse yourself in the high-tech creativity of Montréal’s digital arts scene.