The Basilica
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Inaugurated in 1891
Inaugurated in 1891, it now has 7,000 pipes with its longest stretching over 32 feet (9.75 m) and the smallest one at a quarter-inch long (6.35 mm). It contains 92 stops on 4 manual keyboards of 61 notes and a pedalboard of 32 notes.
The Organ's Construction
"The organ at Notre-Dame de Montréal is the largest in North America, matched only by Notre-Dame de Paris."
—Alexandre Guilmant, famous French organist and composer to play the Casavant Organ in 1896
The contract to build Notre-Dame’s organ was signed a few years earlier in 1885. La Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal chose Casavant Frères, a new firm founded five years earlier, to carry out this ambitious project. In fact, the pastor wanted a four-manual organ that would become the largest in North America. The Casavant firm then sent one of the Casavant brothers to Europe to meet with some of the most renowned organ builders. It was in France that Casavant met Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, who restored the great organs of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. This meeting was important for the design of the Notre-Dame's organ, which is part of the French symphonic tradition of the 19th century.
The Organists of Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
The musical team of organists at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal brings together four outstanding musicians who showcase one of the largest and most renowned pipe organs in North America. Each week, visitors are invited to hear them perform from the organ loft, offering a unique musical experience in the heart of this iconic heritage landmark.
The team includes Mária Budáčová, Doctor of Music and recipient of several international competition awards; Jacquelin Rochette, Artistic Director Emeritus of Casavant Frères and recipient of the Medal of the National Assembly of Québec; Martin Boucher, Music Coordinator and Organist of Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, recognized for his distinguished career as a recitalist and educator; and Jean-Willy Kunz, Organist-in-Residence of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and one of Canada’s leading organists.
Through their talent, experience, and shared passion for the organ, they help make every visit to the Basilica a memorable encounter with music, heritage, and artistic excellence.
Discover Notre-Dame
History & Heritage
The Notre-Dame Basilica is Montréal's mother church and the first Gothic Revival church in Canada. Its history, marked by the Sulpicians since its foundation, is inseparable from that of the City of Montréal.
Art & Architecture
Notre-Dame's neo-Gothic architecture and decor has undergone several phases and evolutions over the years. It was first decorated by James O'Donnell (1774-1830), then underwent an interior redecoration by Victor Bourgeau (1809-1888), which contrasted sharply with the church's sober exterior.
Sightseeing Visit
Shining by day.
Discover the history and heritage of an emblematic Montreal site, from the origins of the urban colony to today's imposing neo-Gothic church.
The AURA Experience
Glowing by night.
By creating a visual and musical universe of captivating beauty and combining it with the timeless beauty of the Notre-Dame Basilica, Moment Factory has succeeded in creating a divinely unique masterpiece, in which the Basilica acts as both muse and canvas.