News
May 13, 2026
Céline in Dior: A Dazzling Moment
Press Release
On view from May 15 to September 7, 2026
Montreal, May 13, 2026 – On May 15, 2026, the Museum presents the North American premiere of the exquisite Dior gown worn by Céline Dion during her unforgettable performance from the Eiffel Tower at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Created especially for Céline Dion by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s Artistic Director from 2016 to 2025, this gown showcases outstanding craftsmanship and required more than 1,000 hours of work. Previously shown in Paris and Seoul, this haute couture piece is the focal point of an intimate and exclusive experience. Revealed in a striking exhibition design conceived by Pierre-Étienne Locas, it is brought into a rare, up-close encounter at the heart of large-scale projections that draw visitors back into the breathtaking performance of Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” by the stellar Quebec singer.
“It is both a joy and a privilege to offer the public the opportunity to relive the emotions experienced by nearly one billion viewers around the world during Céline Dion’s performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Through a close collaboration with the House of Dior—which generously loaned the gown created by Christian Dior Couture for the occasion—as well as with the artist’s team, we are honoured to present this iconic piece at the McCord Stewart Museum over the coming months.
“The Museum’s internationally recognized expertise in fashion enables us to showcase this creation within an immersive installation, presented alongside our exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games. This presentation takes on even greater significance as Céline Dion has just announced her long awaited return to the stage, eagerly anticipated by millions of admirers,” said Anne Eschapasse, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Céline in Dior: A Dazzling Moment pays tribute to an iconic performer, and to a moment that captured hearts, embodied in a dress.
The dress will be on view until September 7, 2026.
Reitmans, Premier Partner – Fashion and presenter
“For 100 years, Reitmans has evolved alongside Canadian women and taken pride in championing local fashion. Supporting the McCord Stewart Museum, whose expertise celebrates the history, creativity and cultural impact of fashion, is a natural extension of our commitment to the heritage and future of the industry. We are especially proud to take part in showcasing this iconic dress worn by Céline Dion, an extraordinary artist whose voice, presence and emotion have touched generations and moved the world during an unforgettable moment in Paris,” added Andrea Limbardi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Reitmans Canada Limited.
Related to the exhibition
Contest
To mark the exhibition Céline in Dior: A Dazzling Moment, Reitmans and the McCord Stewart Museum are inviting the public to enjoy an extraordinary experience. Enter for a chance to win a prize valued at more than $5,000 in gift cards toward a getaway for two to Paris,* retracing Céline Dion’s unforgettable performance on the Eiffel Tower. The contest closes on September 7, 2026!
*Approximate total prize value: $5,275. Certain conditions apply.
See the contest rules here.
Céline in Dior…After Hours: Time to Shine!
On May 29, the McCord Stewart Museum presents Céline in Dior…After Hours: Time to Shine!, a special evening inspired by the exhibition Céline in Dior: A Dazzling Moment. Starting at 5 p.m., Museum Alley will come alive with a glamorous cocktail party inviting guests to channel their inner Céline Dion in a lookalike contest. Beginning at 7 p.m., the celebration continues inside with karaoke hosted by celebrity impersonator Jimmy Moore, appearing as Céline Dion.
Tickets: $10
The Exhibition
Production Team
Project Management: Caroline Truchon, Senior Project Manager, Exhibitions
Art Direction and Exhibition Design: Pierre-Étienne Locas
Curation: Cynthia Cooper, Head, Collections and Research and Senior Curator, Dress, Fashion and Textiles
Graphic Design: Anne-Marie Demers
Video Production and Editing: Christian Roy
Exhibition Music: Laurier Rajotte
Lighting Design: Martin Sirois
New amenities in a redesigned space
A warm, light-filled space
Starting this summer, the Museum’s ground floor will welcome visitors in a warm, light-filled space featuring a brand-new café and boutique.
The Museum will remain open throughout the renovation.
Hours and Admission
Hours
Regular opening hours
Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Wednesday (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Summer hours (June 29 to September 7, 2026)
Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Wednesday (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Special opening hours:
| National Patriots’ Day – Monday, May 18 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day – Wednesday, June 24 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Canada Day – Wednesday, July 1 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Labour Day – Monday, September 7 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Fees
Online ticketing (+$2 at the door): Adults: $20 | Seniors: $19 | Students (18 to 30): $15 | Indigenous persons: free | 17 and under: free*
Wednesday evenings: free (permanent exhibition) or $10 online (+$2 at the door) (temporary exhibitions)
First Sunday of the month: Pay what you can
The McCord Stewart Museum would like to thank BMO Financial Group for the free Wednesday evenings, the Fondation J.A. DeSève for free admission for children aged 12 and under, the Rossy Foundation for free admission for young people aged 13 to 17, and the Azrieli Foundation for their generous contribution to the accessibility program on the first Sunday of every month.
*Free admission for ages 17 and under on presentation of ID. Offer valid for general public visits only. Groups of more than 15 people and organized groups must refer to the group rates.
*Free for children 12 and under. Maximum of three children per adult. Offer valid for general public visits only. Organized groups must refer to the group rates.
The McCord Stewart Museum
About
A landmark in the heart of Montreal for over 100 years, the McCord Stewart Museum bears witness to the history of Quebec’s metropolis as well as its influence in Canada and around the world, celebrating the vitality, creativity and diversity of the communities that make it up.
The Museum amplifies their voices by interpreting and disseminating the remarkable heritage under its custody: six expansive collections of 3.2 million images, objects, documents and works of art that make it one of North America’s leading museums.
In keeping with its commitment to decolonization and sustainable development, it creates stimulating exhibitions and educational, cultural and community-engagement activities that look at the social history and contemporary issues affecting its audiences through a critical and inclusive lens, inspiring them to take action for a fairer society.
Documents and press images
Information and interview requests
Marc-André Champagne
Officer, Public Relations
514 861-6701, ext. 1239
marc-andre.champagne@mccord-stewart.ca
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