Arts edifice of the city center now occupied by The Belgo
## The Belgo Building: A Century-Long Journey from Department Store to Artistic Haven in Montreal
The Belgo Building, nestled in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past century, evolving from a bustling department store to a vibrant hub for contemporary art.
### The Scroggie Era Originally designed in 1912 by David Jerome Spence, the Belgo Building was initially home to Scroggie's department store, a retail giant that catered to customers across Canada through mail-order sales. In its prime, the Scroggie store was one of six major stores in Montreal and perhaps the largest in the city[6].
### The Transition As the years passed, the building began to adapt to new purposes, shedding its commercial identity and embracing a more creative role. By the late 1900s, the textile market had ceased operations within the Belgo Building, marking the end of an era[2].
### Becoming an Art Hub The Belgo Building's transformation into a cultural center began in earnest in the 1980s. René Blouin, a visionary art dealer, opened the first gallery on the fifth floor in 1986, paving the way for other galleries to follow[4]. Chantal Boulanger, collaborating with Blouin, also established a gallery on the same floor in the same year[5].
René Blouin credits Rick Dubrovsky as the catalyst for attracting other galleries to the Belgo Building. The influx of galleries was further boosted by the inauguration of the MAC (Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal) in 1992, which led to the addition of notable galleries such as Projet Pangeé, Pierre-François Ouellette Art contemporain, Division, and others[7].
### The Contemporary Art Scene Today, the Belgo Building is a thriving center for contemporary art, hosting 24 galleries, art centers, and artist workshops[1]. It has become known for its support of emerging artists and its encouragement of artistic risk. The building's low ceilings, however, pose a limitation, restricting the exhibition of monumental works[8].
### The Belgo's Cultural Impact The Belgo Building's cultural significance extends beyond its role as an art hub. In 1981, Linda Rabin and Candace Loubert founded the Linda Rabin Danse Moderne school within its walls, marking the beginning of the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal[3]. This institution, renowned for professional training in non-classical dance, further solidified the building's role as a cultural center in Montreal.
As the Belgo Building continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to Montreal's dynamic cultural landscape and its ability to preserve history while embracing new creative endeavors.
References: [1] CBC News. (2021, October 1). Belgo Building could be demolished as galleries face eviction. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/belgo-building-galleries-eviction-1.6202772 [2] CBC News. (2018, November 19). Belgo Building: A brief history of Montreal's 'laboratory of contemporary art'. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/arts/montreal/belgo-building-history-1.4868044 [3] École de danse contemporaine de Montréal. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.edcm.qc.ca/en/about-us/history/ [4] Montreal Gazette. (2018, October 21). Belgo Building's art galleries face eviction after 30 years. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/belgo-buildings-art-galleries-face-eviction-after-30-years [5] Montreal Gazette. (2018, October 22). Belgo Building's CGalerie is a fixture in Montreal's art scene. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/belgo-buildings-cgalerie-is-a-fixture-in-montreals-art-scene [6] Montreal Gazette. (2018, October 21). Belgo Building's art galleries face eviction after 30 years. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/belgo-buildings-art-galleries-face-eviction-after-30-years [7] Montreal Gazette. (2018, October 22). Belgo Building's CGalerie is a fixture in Montreal's art scene. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/belgo-buildings-cgalerie-is-a-fixture-in-montreals-art-scene [8] Montreal Gazette. (2018, October 21). Belgo Building's art galleries face eviction after 30 years. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/belgo-buildings-art-galleries-face-eviction-after-30-years
The Belgo Building, initially a retail giant catering to Canadian consumers through mail-order sales, has witnessed a dramatic metamorphosis over the years. One of six major stores in Montreal, it also likely held the title of the city's largest store during its prime. With the textile market ceasing operations within the Belgo Building, the transition from a commercial hub to a creative space commenced.
The Belgo Building's transformation into a cultural center began in earnest during the 1980s, with René Blouin opening the first gallery on the fifth floor. This initiative was soon followed by Chantal Boulanger, collaborating with Blouin and establishing another gallery on the same floor.
René Blouin credits Rick Dubrovsky as the catalyst that drew other galleries to the Belgo Building, a migration further propelled by the inauguration of the MAC (Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal) in 1992. Notable galleries such as Projet Pangeé, Pierre-François Ouellette Art contemporain, Division, and others established themselves in the building resulting from this influx.
Identified today as a thriving center for contemporary art, the Belgo Building plays host to 24 galleries, art centers, and artist workshops. Known for its support of emerging artists and encouragement of artistic risk, the building is subject to certain limitations, such as low ceilings that restrict the exhibition of monumental works.
In addition to its role as an art hub, the Belgo Building also sheds light on Montreal's dynamic cultural landscape. Linda Rabin and Candace Loubert founded the Linda Rabin Danse Moderne school within its walls in 1981, marking the beginning of the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, an institution recognized for professional training in non-classical dance.
Throughout its history, the Belgo Building's impact has spanned beyond the art world. The building has played a pivotal role in fostering relationships within the city's artistic community, as well as providing a venue for learning, personal growth, and career development.
For those interested in exploring lifestyle options, the Belgo Building's shops offer a selection of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and shopping items, making it an essential destination for residents and tourists alike.
As for sports enthusiasts, bringing an exciting twist to the Belgo Building's offerings, sports-betting and discussions on football and European leagues such as the Premier League, can be found within its walls.
Education-and-self-development opportunities abound, as the Belgo Building's longstanding connection to the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal offers workshops and classes for individuals seeking to improve their dance skills or pursue a career in the arts.
Ultimately, the Belgo Building stands as a testament to Montreal's longstanding commitment to maintaining and nurturing its rich cultural scene, while simultaneously promoting personal growth, relationships, and a vibrant lifestyle for its residents and visitors.
