Fonderie Darling

Fonderie Darling is a contemporary art centre in a converted metal foundry in Montréal’s Griffintown. Its two gallery spaces pair a cavernous hall for large-scale works with a smaller room for more intimate exhibitions. Shows change regularly, with work by local, emerging and international artists. Look for public art and sculptures in the courtyard, and check whether an Open Studio Day gives you access to the artists’ studios, which are linked by a spiral staircase.

A foundry turned art centre

Fonderie Darling occupies a former metal foundry in Griffintown. The building’s industrial character remains part of the experience: one gallery is a cavernous hall suited to monumental works, while the second is smaller and more intimate.

The centre is run by a not-for-profit arts organization. It opened in 2002 and has no permanent collection. Instead, exhibitions change regularly, bringing together local, emerging and international artists. The programme spans visual art in different forms, so the works on view depend on when you visit.

Galleries, courtyard and studios

The two gallery spaces give artists room to present work at different scales. Large installations can occupy the main hall, while the smaller gallery accommodates more closely scaled exhibitions. Public art and sculptures can also extend into the courtyard, particularly in warmer months.

Fonderie Darling is also home to artist studios, connected by a spiral staircase. The studios are not always open to visitors, so check the schedule for Open Studio Days if you want to see inside. The building’s architecture, including its high ceilings, large windows and brick walls, reflects its former industrial use.