What can we learn from “the ordinary”? The varied work of architect Maxwell M. Kalman (1906–2009) poses this question in the context of Montreal’s urban landscape.

On Thursday, May 2, please join us for an opening reception to celebrate the Museum of Jewish Montreal's first heritage exhibition at our Mile End home, Maxwell Kalman: Lessons from the Ordinary. This display is a photographic retrospective of the career of Maxwell M. Kalman, who designed buildings for Montreal's working class, affluent families, as well as Jewish businesses and institutions that still stand proudly today.

To reflect Kalman's presence in our city's built environment, our team has created an interactive map where guests are welcome to explore his buildings on their own, several of which are within walking distance from the Museum.

Initially conceived for presentation at McGill University's School of Architecture in 2006, we are thrilled to be re-staging this exhibition to new eyes, with materials on loan from the Alex Dworkin Canadian Jewish Archives.

Following some remarks from the Museum's team, guests are welcome to explore the exhibition, as well as meet the original curators and archivists behind the 2006 exhibition.

Refreshments (paid by card) will be available. Please note that pre-registration is required for all who with to attend.

Accessibility: Please note that the upper levels of our building are not currently accessible to visitors with limited mobility. This exhibition is displayed on the second floor of our building, accessible via stairwell.

The Museum of Jewish Montreal would like to thank the Alex Dworkin Canadian Jewish Archives / Archives juives canadiennes Alex Dworkin, Janice Rosen, Melissa Castron, Susan Bronson, Julie Desrochers, Naomi Lane, David Krawitz, and Hal Kalman for their support and guidance in making this possible.

Photo: Steinberg’s Store and Apartments (today Les 5 Saisons), 1172-1178 Bernard Avenue, Outremont, built 1939, Outremont Archives. Photo taken c. 1970s.