The Hélène de Champlain Pavilion

Heads of state and important visitors to Expo 67 were greeted with dignity and esteemed Montreal hospitality at the Hélène de Champlain pavilion. Located on Île Sainte-Hélène near the U.S. pavilion, the reddish-brown stone structure was built in the Anglo-Norman manor style.

Originally completed in the late 1930's, the building lay dormant during the war years before becoming the Hélène de Champlain municipal restaurant in the early 1950's. During Expo 67, the restaurant was closed to the public and reserved for official receptions. Only those with invitations to these state functions had the opportunity to visit the pavilion.

For Expo, Hélène de Champlain was renovated under the supervision of Claude Hinton, president of the Interior Decorators' Society of Quebec and one of Montreal's foremost interior decorators at the time, in co-operation with architects from Montreal's Public Works Department. The newly-refurbished pavilion contained a broad, bright foyer, a formal banquet hall, 2 large dining rooms as well as 2 smaller reception areas.

Weather permitting, the dining halls could be extended outdoors onto the broad balcony, offering distinguished guests a view of the St-Lawrence Seaway, the south shore, and, of course, the impressive Expo grounds.

A suite of living quarters was also at the disposal of visiting dignitaries, tastefully furnished and decorated by the Danish Government.

The Hélène de Champlain restaurant remains today, still considered one of the city of Montreal's most prestigious addresses...

The main entrance evoked Quebec's past with paintings, sculpture and furniture.

The formal banquet hall could seat up to 90 guests.

Special guests and dignitaries gathered in this elegant foyer.

The pavilion's main reception area: le grand salon.

A small, private reception area (I love the ultra-mod seating!).

View of the broad balcony and rose garden, on the south side of the pavilion.

images: personal collection (from Montreal '67)