Museums of commerce don't really exist anymore. Dedicated to displaying the products of trade and industry, they flourished in the era of steam engines and world fairs. From 1910-1956 Montreal had its own, the Musée de l'École des HEC. The museum's collection was an eclectic one, reflecting the times as well as more traditional Québécois industry and culture--everything from industrial-revolution-era machines to moose heads.
The museum's been gone for decades now, and the École des HEC has long since moved from its original location on Viger Square. But the Écomusée du fier monde's (2050 Amherst) new exhibition, Commerce and Industry: the Musée de l'École des HEC, showcases some of the old museum's vast collection, most of which has been locked up for decades. The show promises a look back at a now almost-forgotten institution, and the Centre-sud neighbourhood where it dwelled. It runs until May 27.
Museums of commerce don't really exist anymore. Dedicated to displaying the products of trade and industry, they flourished in the era of steam engines and world fairs. From 1910-1956 Montreal had its own, the Musée de l'École des HEC. The museum's collection was an eclectic one, reflecting the times as well as more traditional Québécois industry and culture--everything from industrial-revolution-era machines to moose heads.