Notre-Dame Basilica reveals facade on 25 October 2026
Published on 09/27/2026 at 09:17 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal and its facade reveal event will bring a free public performance to Montreal on 25 October 2026, at the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal. The programme begins at 12.30pm and takes place outside and inside the basilica, where the New World Philharmonic Society and organist Jean-Willy Kunz are scheduled to perform.
Facade reveal event arrives at Notre-Dame Basilica on 25 October
The event marks the end of ten years of construction on the facade, according to the basilica’s official programme. The presentation names Café Saint-Henri as the event presenter and says visitors can reserve a free ticket through the venue.
The performance is planned as the public element of the facade reveal rather than as a separate concert away from the building. That makes the exterior restoration itself part of the event, while the music also extends into the church interior. The official announcement does not list a detailed repertoire or give a finishing time.
The date falls within the current travel window for autumn 2026. For visitors in Western Europe, the concrete occasion is therefore a public celebration at the Montreal landmark on Sunday, 25 October 2026, rather than a general city festival. The venue’s announcement continues to identify the basilica as the location for both parts of the performance.
Restoration connects the October event with the basilica
Major restoration work at the church began in 2020 and remains under way. The project covers stonework, flashings, bell towers and their sound structures, with the stated aim of preserving the exterior facade and the building’s integrity. The operator’s restoration programme identifies work on the east tower, known as Temperance, during 2024 to 2026.
The same programme lists the east facade on rue Saint-Sulpice as a later phase running from 2026 to 2027. It includes the exterior staircase area, deformations at the pinnacles and deteriorated stone. The October gathering consequently links a fixed cultural date with a visible stage in a multi-phase conservation project.
The main body of the neo-Gothic church was erected between 1824 and 1829, while its towers were added between 1841 and 1843. The building is 65 metres long and 37 metres wide, and its towers rise 65 metres above the forecourt. The figures and the restoration phases are set out by the basilica’s operator in its project information.
What the facade celebration shows about access
The basilica is remaining operational during the restoration programme, with measures intended to protect visitors and workers. The 25 October performance is specifically announced for the outside and inside of the building, so the event offers access to both the restored facade setting and the church interior, subject to the organiser’s arrangements.
Visiting Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The facade reveal event takes place on 25 October 2026 from 12.30pm, at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, with performances outside and inside.
- The official announcement says the performance is free and directs visitors to reserve a free ticket; it does not publish a finishing time.
- The basilica stands at 110 Notre-Dame Street West in Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The official location information identifies the building as the venue for sightseeing visits and cultural activities.
- Visitors should expect an active conservation setting. Restoration affects masonry, towers, flashings and other architectural elements, while the operator says the building remains operational.
- English and French are official languages in Canada, and the national currency is the Canadian dollar.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
When does the facade reveal event take place at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal?
The event takes place on 25 October 2026 and begins at 12.30pm. The programme includes a free performance outside and inside the basilica.
What has changed at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal?
The facade is being revealed after ten years of construction. The wider restoration programme began in 2020 and remains under way.
Where is Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal and how do you get there?
The basilica is at 110 Notre-Dame Street West in Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is in the historic Old Montreal district and is identified by the operator as the venue for the 25 October 2026 event.
