By Pierre Perreault
April 2026
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More than 60 local artists are featured in the exhibition. Variations on Local Art, on display from April 29 to May 10 at the Écomusée du fier monde. The works on exhibit will be auctioned at the Écomusée's 25th benefit auction, which highlights a journey marked by commitment, culture, and community.
While the Variations on Local Art exhibition is on, enjoy free admission to the museum and spot your favourites! After examining the catalogue of the works on display, Jean De Julio-Paquin, art historian, points out that "several important artists are part of the 2026 selection".
25 years of being carried by its own people!
Once again this year, the Écomusée is offering a hybrid format, combining an in-person and online event. The event's proceeds go to the Écomusée and the artists. True to its mission, the proceeds from the sale of three works are shared with neighbourhood organizations. The fundraising goal has been set at $175,000, nearly half of the $350,000 we hope to raise through crowdfunding this year, explains Écomusée director Éric Giroux.
A history museum and a civic museum, theÉcomusée du fier monde celebrates collective memory and civic engagement. Since 1980, participatory projects have been developed there, designed with the population, institutions and organizations of the neighbourhood.
In-person auction led by auctioneer Patrick Masbourian
* Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5 p.m.
- 36 works for sale
- Tickets on sale for $50 each
Virtual (online) auction
* Start date: April 29, 2026
- End: May 13, 2026, 8 p.m.
- 30 works for sale
Full details are available on the event website: https://ecomusee.qc.ca/programmation/variations-sur-lart-dici-2026/
Several anniversaries in 2026-2027
The century-old Bain Généreux building, which houses the Écomusée du fier monde, on Atateken Street, with its Art Deco facade, the work of Montréal architect Jean-Omer Marchand.
Not surprisingly, the Écomusée, which will celebrate the 45th anniversary of its incorporation in 2027, as well as the 30th anniversary of its move into the Bain Généreux this coming December, has faced demanding fundraising efforts since the COVID-19 pandemic, explains Éric Giroux, the organization's director since April 2020, who has been involved in various capacities since 1996-97, initially as a student. With an annual budget of $750,000 that has not seen a significant increase compared to the past few years, more energy must be devoted to ensuring self-generated revenue, as government subsidies are less generous.
Éric Giroux, director of the Écomusée du fier monde
However, a few projects submitted to the Ville-Marie borough in connection with existing financial assistance programs could help meet the budgetary needs, adds Mr. Giroux. Furthermore, special activities are planned for next year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bain Généreux, the honourable building that proudly houses the Écomusée du fier monde.
Écomusée du fier monde
ecomusee.qc.ca
2050, rue Atateken
Montréal, QC, H2L 3L8
514 528-8444