Built in 1899

Former Bank of Montreal Building 

Designed by Sir Andrew Taylor and completed in 1899, this impressive sandstone building was constructed during Sydney’s economic boom, fueled by the arrival of the steel industry. Its grand scale and prominent location in the city’s commercial district reflected Sydney’s growing importance as an industrial and business centre. The building’s distinctive architecture features green sandstone, a copper dome, Palladian windows, decorative carvings, and elegant interior spaces with vaulted ceilings, a rotunda, and original mouldings.

In 2016, BMO donated the building to the Old Sydney Society in recognition of its commitment to preserving local heritage. Today, the restored building serves as the Society’s headquarters and home to Sydney Museum. Alongside collections storage and visitor amenities, it features permanent exhibits that combine historic artifacts with engaging, interactive experiences for visitors and residents alike.

This historic space is also available to rent for private functions. Please see our Rental page for more information.

CBGEN

Cape Breton Genealogy & Historical Associations can be accessed in the Sydney Museum on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:ooam to 3:00pm, by email at mbern76@seaside.ns.ca, or at www.cbgen.org