Top 5 Montreal Art Exhibits You Can’t Miss This Week (May 6–8)
Montreal’s art scene is in full bloom this week, with a lineup that blends emerging talent, established artists, and immersive cultural experiences. From large-scale design showcases to intimate gallery vernissages, here are five must-see art exhibits that define the city’s creative pulse right now.
1. UQAM Annual Design Exhibition 2026
📍 École de design de l’UQAM – 1440 rue Sanguinet
🗓 Wednesday, May 6 | 6 PM – 11 PM
One of Montreal’s most anticipated creative events returns with its 12th edition, bringing together over 250 graduating students from UQAM’s School of Design and Fashion. Spread across six floors transformed into a dynamic gallery, this exhibition showcases the next generation of talent across disciplines like graphic design, environmental design, fashion, and event design.
The energy here is unmatched—part celebration, part discovery. With over 3,000 attendees each year, expect long lines and an electrifying atmosphere. This is where industry professionals and the public converge to spot the creatives shaping tomorrow.
2. Dan Alva – Ever Thus
📍 Galerie LeRoyer – 41 rue St-Paul Ouest
🗓 Friday, May 7 | 5 PM – 8 PM
A refined vernissage in Old Montreal, Galerie LeRoyer hosts internationally recognized artist Dan Alva, whose work bridges classical aesthetics with contemporary disruption. Originally from Spain and now based in Miami, Alva is known for reinterpreting traditional imagery through unexpected visual elements like camouflage and stripes.
With a background in photography, graphic design, and advertising, his multidisciplinary approach spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Notably, his work is part of the permanent collection of the MoMA, adding weight to this already compelling exhibition. Expect a chic crowd and a polished gallery experience.
3. Laurent Bouchard – Harmony & Duality
📍 Maison de la culture Ahuntsic – 10300 rue Lajeunesse
🗓 Friday, May 8 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Head north for a more introspective artistic journey. Laurent Bouchard, former director of Galerie d’Art Outremont, presents a body of work rooted in abstraction, geometry, and color.
His pieces explore vast concepts—infinity, time, and human consequence—blending scientific curiosity with emotional depth. Working across drawing, installation, painting, and sculpture, Bouchard invites viewers into a universe where logic and intuition coexist. A strong cultural moment in a neighborhood that continues to grow artistically.
4. Melsa Montagne – Bête Noire / La Forêt de Nos Différences
📍 La TOHU – 2345 rue Jarry Est
🗓 Friday, May 8 | 6 PM – 8 PM
A powerful debut in a major exhibition space, Melsa Montagne brings her underground energy to La TOHU. Known for her dynamic presence in Montreal’s alternative art scene, Montagne creates enigmatic figurative portraits that explore identity and human complexity.
Her work combines acrylic, pastel, ink, collage, and even elements inspired by Chinese calligraphy, resulting in layered, textured compositions. This exhibit is expected to draw both her loyal artistic network and a broader audience—making it one of the most vibrant vernissages of the week.
5. Accumulation – Collective Exhibition (Collage Day)
📍 Espace Art et Thérapie – 4372 rue Papineau
🗓 Saturday, May 8 | 2 PM – 6 PM
Celebrate Collage Day with artist Virginie Maltais, a key figure in Montreal’s collage movement. Founder of Québec Collage and contributor to international publications, Maltais has built a strong presence both locally and globally.
This collective exhibition highlights the versatility of collage as a medium, blending abstraction with mixed techniques. The event also reflects Maltais’ passion for community-building, bringing together artists and enthusiasts in a space dedicated to both creation and dialogue.
Bonus: Stay Connected to the Art Scene
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
Last but not least! If you’re looking to tap into Montreal’s most curated events, hidden gems, and creative scene, Best Kept MTL is where it happens. From cultural coverage to brand collaborations, we work with partners who want to connect with a refined, engaged Montreal audience.
