What you see before you is one of the oldest buildings in Vieux-Montreal. The entrance on the right leads to the interior of La Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours and the one on the left takes you to Le musée Marguerite-Bourgeoys.
La Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours
Did you know that you are looking at one of the oldest religious buildings in America? This pilgrimage destination has been very popular since 1675. Built on an exceptional site, it is also a major tourist attraction.
It was Marguerite Bourgeoys' idea to build this chapel for the residents of Nouvelle-France in 1657.
Over the years, Marguerite Bourgeoys' little chapel underwent many changes.
In the 18th century, the chapel was razed but was immediately rebuilt. Because of the welcome it extended to immigrants arriving in the city, it became the cradle of Montreal's Anglophone Catholic community. It even provided classrooms for the children of English Catholic soldiers. Isn't it strange to think that Le musée Marguerite-Bourgeoys was once a neighbourhood school?
In the 19th century, a new facade and tower bearing a statue of Our Lady changed the look of the chapel.
Around 1990, the chapel underwent a major renovation and Le musée Marguerite-Bourgeois was inaugurated in the adjoining building. The museum recounts the life of this first teacher of Ville-Marie. It also displays works of art, sacred objects of days gone by and treasures from archaeological digs dating back to 400 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Imagine that!
