The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) opened its doors to the Michal and Renata Hornstein Peace Pavilion for Peace and the verdict from museum enthusiasts are in:
“This is great, all the paintings, sculptors, the architecture, the lights,” Suzanne Pitre said.
“I had a very good time and I’m coming back tomorrow and the day after,” Christine Estirac said.
The new pavilion houses a permanent collection of international art.
There are 750 artworks spanning four floors that include masterpieces dating back to the medieval period to contemporary work, making this grand opening an art lover’s dream.
For MMFA communications director Pacale Chassé, the enthusiasm is encouraging.
“I heard that our first visitor was there at 7:30 this morning, and we just opened the door at 10 O’clock,” Chassé said. “So we are very happy because after less than half an hour we already have 500 visitors.”
The pavilion is named after real estate moguls and art patrons Michal and Reneta Hornstein, who donated 100 works of art to the museum.
The donation made Estirac curious, that’s why she decided to visit on the opening day.
“Why did this couple this couple gave so many nice paintings? So, I have to study about this couple.”
Chassé said the donations by the Hornsteins come from a good place.
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“For them it was a gift for Montrealers, Quebecers, and Canadians,” Chassé said. “For us it was obvious that we have to open the doors to all the people to see this.”
The total cost of the pavilion was $25 million. $20.5 million came from the province, and the rest from private donations, including a donation from the Hornsteins, according to the MMFA.
VIP member Helen Smyrnios thought the pavilion was well worth it.
“I’m thoroughly impressed that they built a new pavilion just for a new collection of art that was donated from a family. I think that’s just so beyond amazing,” Smyrnios said.
“I’ve been in a few museums around the world and I said to my husband, ‘hey do you realize we’re in Montreal?’ I’m very proud of it,” added Pitre.
The new permanent collection at the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace will be free to the public until January 15.
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