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Habitat 67

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Habitat 67 (Canada)

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Habitat 67 is an iconic housing complex in Montreal, Quebec, designed by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67, the 1967 World's Fair. The building is regarded as a masterwork of modern architecture, experimenting with the integration of urban density and the quality of life found in suburban homes. The structure is composed of 354 identical, prefabricated concrete modules stacked in various geometric configurations. Each of the original 158 residential units features its own private roof garden, facilitated by the arrangement of the boxes on the units below. Located along the Saint Lawrence River, Habitat 67 presents a unique aesthetic that has garnered worldwide acclaim and professional study. Despite its age, it remains a highly desirable residential address and a lasting monument to the utopian architectural visions of the 1960s.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-35131922211791-7
Rain mm72687695931099598881148198

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Habitat 67 is an iconic housing complex in Montreal designed by Moshe Safdie for Expo 67. The buildings can only be viewed from the outside as they are private residences.
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Typical hours
The site is a residential area, so there are no visiting hours for the public. The exterior views are visible around the clock, but respect residents' privacy.
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Photography
Photography of the exterior facade is allowed from public streets and the nearby park. Avoid close-up shots of windows or balconies.
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Time needed
A quick photo stop in front of Habitat 67 takes about 15-20 minutes. Those wanting to study the architecture more closely should allow 30-45 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk along the Saint Lawrence River or a visit to Parc Jean-Drapeau. Old Montreal is also nearby.
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Getting there
Habitat 67 is located on Île Sainte-Hélène in Montreal, accessible by metro (Jean-Drapeau station) or car. Parking is limited, so the metro is recommended.
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Insider tip
Visit Habitat 67 in good weather for the best view of the modular architecture. An architectural history guide of the complex is available as an app.

Geography

Coordinates
45.50010, -73.54980

Facts

  • The project originated as Moshe Safdie's master's thesis at McGill University.
  • A total of 354 prefabricated concrete modules were used in construction.
  • The complex originally contained 158 apartments, some of which are now combined.
  • Each concrete module weighs approximately 90 tonnes and was cast on-site.
  • The building was designated a historic monument by the Quebec government in 2009.
  • Habitat 67 was a highlight of Expo 67, which saw over 50 million visitors.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Habitat 67 (18)

Maison Saint-Gabriel🏛 museum

Maison Saint-Gabriel is a historic house museum in Montreal's Point Saint-Charles neighbourhood.

Darling Foundry🏛 museum

Contemporary art centre in a former industrial foundry in Montreal's 67 district.

🕒 Sa-Su 12:00-19:00; We 12:00-19:00; Th 12:00-22:00; Fr 12:00-💶

Black Rock🏺 historical

Monument commemorating Irish famine victims in 67.

Farine Five Roses📍 landmark

Farine Five Roses is the iconic neon sign lighting up the night sky in city 67.

Modules Aquatiques🎡 recreation

Modules Aquatiques are interactive water play modules for children in city 67.

Salut Gilles (starting line)📍 landmark

Salut Gilles (starting line) is the start of the running route along the St. Lawrence River in city 67.

Pointe du Parc St-Laurent🌿 nature

Pointe du Parc St-Laurent is a point in St-Laurent Park offering views of the St. Lawrence River in city 67.

iSaute Brossard📍 landmark

iSaute Brossard is an indoor trampoline park in Brossard, city 67.

Théâtre du Vieux La Prairie🎭 culture

Théâtre du Vieux La Prairie is a historic theatre in Old La Prairie, city 67.

Verdun Beach🎡 recreation

Verdun Beach is a sandy beach along the St. Lawrence in the Verdun district of city 67.

Parc de l'Orée-du-Fleuve🌳 park

Park at the edge of the St. Lawrence River in the 67 district.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-21:00

Parc Maynard-Ferguson🌳 park

Park in the 67 district named after Maynard Ferguson.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-21:00

Parc Arthur-Therrien🌳 park

Park in the 67 district named after Arthur Therrien.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-23:00

Galerie Nicolas Robert🏛 museum

Galerie Nicolas Robert is a contemporary art gallery featuring Canadian and international artists in city 67.

Ruines de l'Église de Griffintown Sainte-Anne🏺 historical

Ruins of the Sainte-Anne church in the Griffintown area of the 67 district.

Plage Jean-Doré🎡 recreation

Plage Jean-Doré is a popular sandy beach on Île Notre-Dame in Montreal (city 67).

Saint-Paul Domain🌿 nature

Saint-Paul Domain is a natural area with walking trails near Saint-Paul in city 67.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-21:00

Couvée Islands Migratory Bird Sanctuary🌿 nature

Sanctuary for migratory birds on the Îles de la Couvée in 67.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Habitat 67?
It is a famous housing complex made of cube-shaped modules in Montreal.
Can you visit Habitat 67?
As it is private property, it can only be visited via scheduled guided tours.
Who designed it?
It was designed by architect Moshe Safdie for the Expo 67 world fair.
Where exactly is it located?
It is located on the Marc-Drouin Quay along the Saint Lawrence River.
Are the apartments occupied?
Yes, it remains a highly desirable and occupied private residential complex.
Habitat 67: where is it located?
Habitat 67 is located in Canada.
Habitat 67: what is there to see?
Highlights include Maison Saint-Gabriel, Darling Foundry, Black Rock.
Habitat 67: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Habitat 67: why is it worth visiting?
Habitat 67 is an iconic housing complex in Montreal, Quebec, designed by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67, the 1967 World's Fair.
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