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We are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art and the 10th anniversary of the PHI Centre with three pathways. The PHI Pathways are a series of routes allowing you to see several exhibitions at the PHI Centre and/or at the PHI Foundation. Each route offers different exhibits and experiences.

Pathway 1: Yayoi Kusama
• The exhibition DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE at the PHI Foundation by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama (full exhibition: sculptures, installations, paintings, Infinity Mirrored Rooms)
• Visit the free programming at the PHI Centre

Pathway 2: Marco Brambilla
• Experience Heaven’s Gate by the famous Italian artist Marco Brambilla
• Visit the free programming at the PHI Centre

Pathway 3: Horizons VR
• Access to Horizons VR, a virtual reality exhibition lasting 2 hours
• Access to Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Rooms (access to these two artworks only, not the full exhibition)
• Access to Marco Brambilla's Heaven’s Gate
• Access to the PHI Centre's free programming

The exhibition has very limited capacity in order to provide a pleasant visit for all and for the safety of the artworks. The exhibition will be presented at the PHI Foundation until January 15, 2023, so there should still be plenty of opportunities to book a ticket. The exhibition is fully booked for the month of August and tickets will be released on the 15th day of each month.

• Rather than first come, first served, our box office system will now assign your place (number) in the virtual queue randomly. This means you do not have to visit our box office page in advance; doing so will not increase your chances of getting a ticket. 

• Once you’re on the box office page, you will see a virtual queue. To make sure you don’t lose your place in the queue, do not close your window. 

• When it’s your turn, a pop-up window will appear, inviting you to click on “continue” to access the box office. You will have a limited amount of time to access the box office. 

Yes, there are other ways to see the legendary artist’s work! Here are five ways to access the Yayoi Kusama exhibition.

No. Pathway 1: Yayoi Kusama gives you access to the full Yayoi Kusama exhibition, while Pathway 3: Horizons VR only grants you access to the artist's celebrated Infinity Mirrored Rooms installations, two major works that are part of the exhibition.

This free exhibition is a compact introduction to Kusama’s work. On average, we recommend planning for about 45 - 60 minutes. Please note however, that Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms that are in the second part of the exhibition are durational works where each visitor has 45 seconds in each of the two rooms on display. At some points throughout the day, line-ups may form, which may add some time to your visit.

Yayoi Kusama has created over twenty Infinity Mirrored Rooms throughout her career. Building on the repetition and accumulation found in her paintings and sculptures, Kusama discovered that she could use mirrors in these rooms to efficiently create the illusion of infinite space. In the exhibition DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE, the PHI Foundation presents two of her Infinity Mirrored Rooms.

Due to the high demand for Pathway 1: Yayoi Kusama, wait times vary depending on the demand to access the reservation system. However, waiting in line will not guarantee access to the exhibition as we have a limited capacity.

The capacity per time slot is limited. When there is a high demand for a given time slot, the box office server may still show available tickets while other people are in the process of finishing their transaction. If you are unable to book tickets for a specific time slot, we encourage you to try selecting a fewer number of tickets and/or a different date and time.

The pathway

What is Pathway 1: Yayoi Kusama?
Pathway 1: Yayoi Kusama is composed of two offers:

1. Yayoi Kusama’s complete exhibition DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE (full exhibition: sculptures, installations, paintings, Infinity Mirrored Rooms). You will also be able to see the public engagement project bleu de lieu by local art collective doux soft club.

2. The free programming at the PHI Centre.

Is there a specific order to visit the offers in my pathway?
We kindly ask you to please arrive on time at the PHI Foundation (451 Saint-Jean Street, Montréal, H2Y 2R5). There could be a few minutes of waiting time upon your arrival.

We recommend you visit the PHI Centre after the Yayoi Kusama exhibition.

The experience

How long is the exhibition DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE by Yayoi Kusama?
The exhibition is approximately 45 minutes long.

Is there mediation available for the exhibition DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE by Yayoi Kusama?
The PHI Foundation offers mediation on site. The exhibition will also have an audio guide available.

Location and accessibility

Is there on-site parking at the PHI Foundation?
The PHI Foundation does not have parking for visitors, however, you may find paid parking stations nearby. We also suggest you consult the map of parking lots in Old Montréal.

Is there a coat check service on site?
Please note that the Foundation will not be able to accommodate your personal belongings. Please bring only what is necessary. Backpacks will not be permitted.

Is the PHI Foundation accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The PHI Foundation is partially accessible for those with reduced mobility, although additional assistance may be required. Please call us so that we can assist you: 514 849-3742

Box office and groups

Can you refund or reschedule your tickets?
No, we do not offer refunds or rescheduling services. If you have any other questions, please contact: [email protected] or call us at 514 225-0525.

How can I cancel my ticket?
If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19 or if you need to cancel your reservation, please write to us as soon as possible to free up your spot at [email protected] or call us at 514 225-0525.

What happens if I am late for my check-in time slot?
If you miss your reserved time slot for your visit, please contact us: [email protected] or call us at 514 225-0525.

I would like to do a group tour at the PHI Foundation; how does it work?
The PHI Foundation’s Education Department offers free on site group visits and online virtual animations for school groups from elementary to university, community groups, language schools, and the general public. Please contact by email: [email protected]

For all inquiries regarding corporate groups, please contact us by email: [email protected]

Do all members of my group have to be together to check in?
Yes, if you want to experience it all at once. If you are planning a tour and think your group may arrive at different times, we suggest you order your tickets separately.

The pathway

What is Pathway 2: Marco Brambilla?
Pathway 2: Marco Brambilla consists of two offerings:

1. Marco Brambilla’s Heaven’s Gate exhibition at the PHI Centre.

2. Free programming at the PHI Centre.

Is there a specific order to visit the offers in my pathway?
Yes! We ask that you start with Marco Brambilla’s exhibition and finish with the PHI Centre’s free programming on the ground floor.

The experience

In what format is Heaven’s Gate presented?
Heaven’s Gate is an immersive digital exhibition. The work is presented in two different ways: as an immersive installation and a virtual reality experience.

How long does the experience last?
Heaven’s Gate is a work that plays on an infinite loop. However, the piece's duration is about 6 minutes.

In what language is the experience presented?
Heaven’s Gate is an experience without any language.

Is it possible to wear glasses in VR?
Yes, it is possible but favour wearing contact lenses over glasses when using a virtual reality headset if possible. The maximum size of glasses that can be worn with a virtual reality headset is 142mm in length and 50mm in height.

Is there mediation available for the exhibition Heaven’s Gate?
The PHI Centre offers meditation for all exhibits. We encourage you to engage with our staff!

Is the experience accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes the experience is accessible to people with limited mobility. Please contact us before purchasing your tickets so that we can accommodate you. (Call 514 225-0525 or email [email protected]).

Companions of people with reduced mobility (PRM) are strongly encouraged to take part in the virtual reality experience as well, in order to provide better direction and guidance. Companions are entitled to free admission.

Is the experience accessible to children?
Yes, the experience is accessible to children 8 years and older. For children between the ages of 8 and 12, a parent or guardian must sign a virtual reality release. Please also note that the work contains nudity.

Hygiene & safety 

Hygiene and cleaning:
Our team follows a meticulous protocol of hygiene measures: all equipment, including helmets, is carefully disinfected with an ultraviolet machine for effective sterilization between each visitor.

Are there flashing images in the experience?
Your experience may include flashing images. Please contact us before purchasing tickets if you have any questions.

Code of conduct for VR:
• Please wait for instructions from the mediators before settling in and beginning your experience.
• If you have any problems, stay still and raise your hand. A mediator will be with you shortly.
• Please be careful with the equipment.
• Photography and filming with no flash is permitted.

Location

Is there on site parking at the PHI Centre?
The PHI Centre does not have a parking lot. City of Montreal parking spaces are available in the vicinity of the PHI Centre.

Are there restrooms available on the premises?
Yes, we have restrooms at your disposal.

Is there a coat check service on site?
The coat check is reserved for visitors of Pathway 3: Horizons VR. We recommend that you do not bring bags with you.

Box office and groups

Can you refund or reschedule your tickets?
No, we do not offer any refund or rescheduling services. If you have any further questions, please contact: [email protected]

What happens if I am late for my time slot?
If you miss your reserved time slot for your experience, please speak to the staff member at the entrance who will check to see if we can accommodate you at another time of day. We will try to find another time slot, but we cannot guarantee one.

I would like to do a group visit; how does it work?
For school visits, please write to [email protected]

For corporate tours or group tours of 10 people or more, please call the box office at 514 225-0525 or email us at [email protected]

Do all members of my group have to be together to reserve?
Yes, if you want to experience it all at once. If you are planning a tour and think your group may arrive at different times, we suggest you order your tickets separately.

The pathway

What is Pathway 3: Horizons VR?
Pathway 3: Horizons VR is the largest pathway for our summer programming. It consists of four offerings:

1. The Horizons VR exhibition at the PHI Centre.
2. Marco Brambilla’s Heaven’s Gate exhibition at the PHI Centre.
3. Free programming at the PHI Centre.
4. Access to Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms (access to these two artworks only, not the full exhibition) at the PHI Foundation*.

*Please note that you must reserve your tickets with us by phone. Please contact us here: 514 225-0525.

Is there a specific order to visit the offers in my pathway?
Yes! You begin the pathway with the Horizons VR exhibition at the PHI Centre. Then you can visit Marco Brambilla: Heaven’s Gate on the same floor. The free programming of the PHI Centre is located on the ground floor.

IMPORTANT:
To visit Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms, you must reserve your tickets. Please contact us at 514 225-0525. We recommend that you call us as soon as possible after you purchase your tickets. The date and time of your visit to the PHI Foundation will depend on availability.

The experience

What works are included in the Horizons VR exhibition?
Horizons VR contains the following works: 
• Marco & Polo Go Round
• Goliath Plays with Reality
• Reeducated
• Kusunda

How long does the experience last?
Horizons VR is an exhibition composed of four works in virtual reality. The duration of the entire exhibition is about two hours.

Is there mediation available for the Horizons VR exhibition?
The PHI Centre offers meditation at all exhibits. We encourage you to engage with our staff!

In what language are the works presented?
The artworks in Horizons VR are presented in the following languages:
• Marco & Polo Go Round: French and English.
• Goliath: English only.
• Kusunda: Nepali, Kusunda, English subtitles only
• Reeducated: English only.

Is it possible to wear glasses?
Yes, it is possible but favour wearing contact lenses over glasses when using a virtual reality headset if possible. The maximum size of glasses that can be worn with a virtual reality headset is 142mm in length and 50mm in height.

Is the experience accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes the experience is accessible to people with limited mobility. Please contact us before purchasing your tickets so that we can accommodate you. (Call 514 225-0525 or email [email protected]).

Companions of people with reduced mobility (PRM) are strongly encouraged to take part in the virtual reality experience as well, in order to provide better direction and guidance. Companions are entitled to free admission.

Is the experience accessible to children?
The experience is reserved for an audience of 13 years and older.

Hygiene & safety

Hygiene and cleaning:
Our team follows a meticulous protocol of hygiene measures: all equipment, including helmets, is carefully disinfected with an ultraviolet machine for effective sterilization between each visitor.

Are there flashing images in the experience?
Your experience may include flashing images. Please contact us before purchasing tickets if you have any questions.

Code of conduct for VR:
• Roam the space freely but carefully.
• Please wait for instructions from the mediators before settling in and beginning your experience.
• If you have any problems, stay still and raise your hand. A mediator will be with you shortly.
• Please be careful with the equipment.
• Please arrive 15 mins in advance.
• Photography and filming with no flash is permitted.

Location

Is there on site parking at the PHI Centre?
The PHI Centre does not have a parking lot. City of Montréal parking spaces are available in the vicinity of the PHI Centre.

Are there restrooms available on the premises?
Yes, we have restrooms at your disposal.

Is there a coat check service on site?
Although the coat check is reserved for visitors of the Horizons VR pathway, we suggest that you do not bring any bags with you.

Box office and groups

Can you refund or reschedule your tickets?
No, we do not offer any refund or rescheduling services. If you have any further questions, please contact: [email protected]

What happens if I am late for my time slot?
If you miss your reserved time slot for your visit, please contact us: [email protected] or call us at 514 225-0525.

I would like to do a group visit; how does it work?
For school visits, please write to [email protected]

For corporate tours or group tours of 10 people or more, please call the box office at 514 225-0525 or email us at [email protected]

Do all members of my group have to be together to reserve?
Yes, if you want to experience it all at once. If you are planning a tour and think your group may arrive at different times, we suggest you order your tickets separately.

How can I get tickets?
Pathway 1: Yayoi Kusama
Tickets to visit the exhibition DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE will be available the 15th of every month for the following month. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when tickets are available!

Pathway 2: Marco Brambilla
Tickets will be available at all times.

Pathway 3: Horizons VR
Tickets will be available at all times.

Can you refund or reschedule your tickets?
No, we do not offer refunds or rescheduling services. If you have any other questions, please contact: [email protected] or call us at 514 225-0525.

How can I cancel my ticket?
If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19 or if you need to cancel your reservation, please call us as soon as possible to free up your space at 514 225-0525, or email us at [email protected].

What happens if I am late for my check-in time slot?
If you miss your reserved time slot for your visit, please contact us: [email protected] or call us at 514 225-0525.

Is it possible to return more than once with the same ticket?
No, the ticket is valid only for the date and time indicated.

How many tickets can I book at once?
You can reserve up to 3 tickets per transaction for Pathway 1: Yayoi Kusama and up to 5 tickets per transaction for Pathway 2: Marco Brambilla and Pathway 3: Horizons VR. To reserve for more visitors, please contact us at 514 225-0525 or write to us at [email protected].

Groups at the PHI Foundation:
The PHI Foundation’s Education Department offers free on site group visits and online virtual animations for school groups from elementary to university, community groups, language schools, and the general public. Please contact by email: [email protected]

For all inquiries regarding corporate groups, please contact us by email: 
[email protected]

Groups at the PHI Centre:
For school visits, please write to [email protected].

For corporate tours or group tours of 10 people or more, please call the box office at 514 225-0525 or email us at [email protected].

For more details, please consult our Plan your visit page.

Before your visit

Where should I go first?
Where you go first depends on the pathway.

Pathway 1: Yayoi Kusama
Your visit begins at the PHI Foundation, 451 Saint-Jean St.

Pathway 2: Marco Brambilla
Your visit begins at the PHI Centre at 315 Saint Paul St. W.

Pathway 3: Horizons VR
Your visit begins at the PHI Centre at 315 St. Paul St. W.

During your visit

How do I travel between the PHI Centre and PHI Foundation?
The PHI Centre and PHI Foundation are located two blocks away from each other in the heart of Old Montreal. Follow these directions on Google Maps to find the best path between the two entities.

What are the guiding tools available when visiting the exhibitions?
The PHI Centre offers meditation for all exhibitions. We encourage you to engage with our staff!

The PHI Foundation offers mediation on site. The exhibition will also have an audio guide available.