TOP 5 MONTREAL ART EXHIBITS TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEK

The Montreal Artistic scene is especially vibrant this week, with a strong lineup of vernissages blending historical depth, feminist perspectives, glass artistry, and high-energy openings. If you’re looking for the best things to do in the world right now, this curated selection highlights the must-see events across the city.

For more curated cultural picks, visit Best Kept MTL:
👉 https://bestkeptmontreal.com/

#1 OSKI AWOYO — En Suspension

📍 Gesù, 1200 Rue Bleury
🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026, 5 PM – 9 PM

A powerful highlight in this week’s Montreal Artistic calendar. Artist Olivier Vilaire (OSKI) draws from archival research to revisit the legacy of Charlemagne Péralte, a major figure in Haitian resistance. Curated by Farah Ludovic, the exhibition offers a critical reflection on martyrdom, memory, and the symbolic limits of violence.

Why it stands out:

• strong historical and political depth

• aligned with Black History Month programming

• Gesù vernissages are known for their warm atmosphere

#2 Voices of Women + Esther Calixte Béa

📍 Maison Kei Akaï, 1428 Sherbrooke Street West
🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026, 6 PM – 8 PM

A compelling double feature within the Montreal Artistic circuit. The photographic exhibition honors influential African American women who shaped social and political progress. In parallel, multidisciplinary artist Esther Calixte Béa presents her first show at the gallery, exploring identity, beauty standards, and healing.

Notable highlights:

• recent acquisition by the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

• presence of exhibition patron Anne-Lovey Étienne

• partnership with BOLD by Veuve Clicquot

#3 Donald Robertson — Myth, Metaphor and Pâte de Verre

📍 Espace Verre, 1200 Rue Mill, Old Montreal
🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026, 6 PM – 8 PM

Over four decades of practice come together in this major retrospective by renowned glass artist Donald Robertson. His luminous works merge mythology, memory, and fine craftsmanship, making this a key moment in the Montreal Artistic programming this week.

Why go:

• festive and well-attended Espace Verre openings

• access to the glass studio environment

• recipient of the Ordre de l’excellence en éducation du Québec (2025)

#4 Sensuality Group Exhibition

📍 Galerie d’Art Émergence, 2130 Crescent Street
🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7 PM – 10 PM (RSVP)

A new venue gaining traction in the Montreal Artistic scene. This collective exhibition spotlights emerging talent and promises a lively vernissage atmosphere with strong nightlife crossover appeal.

Expect:

• energetic crowd

• emerging artist discovery

• festive late-evening vibe

Browse more nightlife-adjacent art events on Best Kept MTL:
👉 https://bestkeptmontreal.com/

#5 David Altmejd — Special Launch

📍 Galerie de l’UQAM, Judith-Jasmin Pavilion, 1400 Rue Berri
🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026, 3 PM – 6 PM

The highly anticipated return of star artist David Altmejd to Montreal. Following the strong media attention around Agora, this launch is expected to draw significant attention from the Montreal Artistic community and beyond.

What to know:

• artist in attendance

• strong turnout expected

• high cultural visibility event

Best Kept MTL Verdict

This week marks a particularly strong moment for the Montreal Artistic scene, offering a balanced mix of critical exhibitions and high-energy openings. Prioritize OSKI for depth and Émergence for atmosphere.

For more Montreal vernissages, radio features, and in depth coverage of visual arts and related disciplines, explore Magazine Radio In Situ, one of the city’s few programs fully dedicated to visual arts since 2010.

 Airs Saturdays from 12 PM to 1 PM on Radio Centre Ville 102.3 FM
 magazineinsitu.art
 radiocentre ville.com
 Facebook: Magazine Radio In Situ

This week’s montreal art exhibits are not just events. They are markers of where the city’s creative energy is currently concentrated. And in Montreal, that energy rarely stands still.

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