An unmissable event in Montréal's cultural calendar, the Expo World Press Photo Montréal presents its 19th edition at Marché Bonsecours, in Old Montréal, from August 26 to October 12, 2026. Here, you can discover the award-winning photos from the world's most prestigious photojournalism contest in large format. Each year, over 70,000 people visit this exhibition, which highlights news from around the globe. Here's what you need to know before you go: program, ticket prices, opening hours, and visiting tips.

What is the World Press Photo?

The World Press Photo is an international photojournalism contest organized since 1955 by the World Press Photo Foundation, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Each spring, an independent jury rewards the best images and series that documented the year's news: conflicts, migrations, environment, social issues, and human stories.

For the 2026 edition, the jury reviewed 57,376 photos submitted by 3,747 photographers from 141 countries. The winning photos are then presented in a traveling exhibition that visits several cities worldwide, including Montréal, where the Expo World Press Photo Montréal is held annually at Marché Bonsecours.

The 2026 Photo of the Year and Winners to See in Montréal

The 2026 Photo of the Year is by American photographer Carol Guzy, for the Miami Herald. It shows a family separated by U.S. immigration services (ICE) after a court hearing, a poignant image that illustrates the role of independent photojournalism as a witness to history.

The exhibition presents the winning photos and series in large format, categorized by major world regions. Among them, Franco-Syrian photojournalist Abdulmonam Eassa, awarded for his series on the war in Sudan published in Le Monde, was a guest in Montréal for the opening of this 19th edition. His work, like that of other photographers, offers a direct view of territories and realities rarely seen up close.

Take the time to read the captions: each image tells a story, and it's often the text that gives it its full impact. Some photos are intense: keep this in mind if visiting with children.

En pointillé: The Next Generation from Cégep du Vieux Montréal

The Expo World Press Photo Montréal also makes room for the next generation. In the Mezzanine Space of Marché Bonsecours, the exhibition En pointillé brings together 28 projects by students from the Photography program at Cégep du Vieux Montréal. These series were selected from 87 projects completed as part of the Documentary Author course in 2024 and 2025, in collaboration with teachers Myriam Gaumond, Marjorie Guindon, and Dominique Lafond.

Actor and director Lou-Pascal Tremblay, spokesperson for this 19th edition, acts as associate curator for this section: he selected four series that are more prominently featured in the tour. It's a great way to discover the vision of young local photographers, echoing the works of great photojournalists.

Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

2026 Rates (purchase on-site):

  • General admission: $16.50 + taxes;
  • Students and seniors (65 and over): $13.50 + taxes;
  • Children 10 and under: free;
  • Adult groups (10 people or more, by reservation): $13 per person, taxes included;
  • School groups: $10 per student, taxes included.

Cash is not accepted at the ticket office.

Opening hours:

  • Sunday to Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
  • Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight.

The exhibition is open every day until October 12, 2026, inclusive. Allow about 90 minutes for the visit.

How to Get to Marché Bonsecours

Marché Bonsecours is located at 325, rue de la Commune Est, in Old Montréal, facing the Old Port. The exhibition entrance is on rue de la Commune. The Champ-de-Mars metro station (orange line) is about 300 meters away, and BIXI stations are nearby. The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility: a ramp leads to the hall, and an elevator serves the Mezzanine Space.

The building also houses a restaurant-bar and a café, convenient for extending your outing. Only assistance dogs and guide dogs are allowed in the exhibition.

Practical Information

  • Dates: August 26 to October 12, 2026.
  • Location: Marché Bonsecours, 325, rue de la Commune Est, Old Montréal.
  • Tickets: on sale on-site; reservation required for groups.
  • Visit duration: about 90 minutes.
  • Information: 514 581-0281 or on the official site of Expo World Press Photo Montréal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Expo World Press Photo Montréal

What is the price of a ticket for the World Press Photo exhibition in Montréal?

In 2026, general admission costs $16.50 plus taxes, and the student or senior rate is $13.50 plus taxes. It's free for those 10 and under.

What are the opening hours?

The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, and from 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday to Saturday.

How long does the exhibition last?

Until Monday, October 12, 2026. The exhibition is presented annually in Montréal, at the end of summer and in the fall.

What is the World Press Photo?

It is an international photojournalism contest organized since 1955 by the World Press Photo Foundation. Its winners are exhibited in several cities worldwide.

Also Discover in Old Montréal

Take advantage of your visit to explore Marché Bonsecours, then continue with the Musée de l'illusion or SOS Labyrinthe at the Old Port.

👉 See the full profile of Expo World Press Photo Montréal on Évasion Québec.