Outremont

Outremont, like every other Montreal borough, is unique. Its multicultural population, exceptional architectural heritage, lush green spaces, fascinating history and commitment to culture, along with its citizens’ dedication to protecting their environment, make Outremont truly outstanding.
Located near downtown and at the foot of Mount Royal, a beloved symbol of Montréal, Outremont combines urban vitality and bucolic charms. With 25,000 residents, this part of the island ranks 18th among the 19 boroughs, home to just 1.4% of Montréal’s total population.

Outremont is by no means a monolithic community. Indeed, the borough is home to many groups of different origins, creating a distinct demographic profile. Most residents are francophone, but the anglophone and Hasidic communities are also well represented.

Given their enthusiasm for culture and the arts, it is no surprise that Outremont residents have developed a love affair with the art of puppetry.

As part of the celebrations to mark Montréal’s 375th anniversary, in 2017 Outremont will be inaugurating an international house of puppetry (Maison internationale des arts de la marionnette – MIAM), a heritage legacy serving as tangible evidence of the close connections between the borough and this “11th art” stretching back thousands of years and yet still so contemporary. The MIAM, the first of its kind in Canada, is the fruit of efforts by the Association québécoise des marionnettistes du Québec (AQM) and Casteliers, a puppet theatre company with deep roots in Outremont that has been hosting an international festival here for over 10 years now.

The MIAM will enrich Outremont’s built heritage and cultural life, as a pillar of a new cultural hub known as the Pôle Saint-Viateur. At the same time it will add to the pride of local residents, who will use and share this priceless jewel with all other Montrealers and visitors.