"Contemporary art installations, musical performances and movie screenings: the PHI Center is quickly defining itself as a cultural hub in Montreal. Inside the (free entry) center, you’ll also find the pop-up-boutique-turned-permanent-gift-shop-of-sorts Le Rhinocéros. Named after a rhinoceros head that was once featured in a Dennis Villeneuve short film, and now hanging prominently inside the store, Le Rhinocéros only features clothing and accessories made by local designers, and you’ll be sure to find some one-of-a-kind pieces there." - Shopify
"Phi Center, Old Montréal West. Contemporary art installations, musical performances and movie screenings: the PHI Center is quickly defining itself as a cultural hub in Montreal. Inside the (free entry) center, you’ll also find the pop-up-boutique-turned-permanent-gift-shop-of-sorts Le Rhinocéros. Named after a rhinoceros head that was once featured in a Dennis Villeneuve short film, and now hanging prominently inside the store, Le Rhinocéros only features clothing and accessories made by local designers, and you’ll be sure to find some one-of-a-kind pieces there."
We were visiting from the states and decided to check this out. It was $35.00 US for two people. It’s an AI experience and have to say we weren’t very impressed. They start you out in a small room where you answer some questions on a small computer. Then you put the VR headset on and it interprets a story to include your answers. The pictures in the VR didn’t match up very well in our opinion and it was more 3D than actual VR experience. Once completed they take you to another room with 3 benches and 3 large screens on the wall with a small screen on the floor that has English subtitles.
You can type in random words on a set of two computers that will add into the story on the screens and spin a tale on the floor monitor in English as the voice of the story is in French. It was something to do and we figured why not check it out. However, for the price I would have rather gone and purchased some souvenirs.
primalrunner
Google
Very disappointed that we were not able to experience the total potential of it. The main centre were closed we only get to see the two exhibits - Bingo and that shadow thing and they are not good at all, I would not have mind it if they were bonus as part of the main one. The staff from the main one didn’t really advise us of what we are missing if we proceed with just the exhibits and not experience the main one, we would have just turned around and find another attraction from the MTL passport. The exhibits are not very main stream, maybe I would have appreciated it more if context were provided on each one, but who have time to read pamphlets:) so no I don’t recommend this for an average person, that’s me included.
Joyce Ostroff
Google
Poor and limited choice of subject matter for VR Cinema presentation. Not culturally relevant, very heavy, gory, depressing, totally repetitive. Not a good choice for summer fare which should be much lighter and maybe contain a little fantasy, escapism. Also extremely short presentation. Building not accessible for anyone older and/or with any degree of physical limitation.
Cristine Guiomar
Google
We went to the "Habitat sonore". I was expecting something different. We were in a very dark room with some lighting. There were some pouffs so we could sit comfortably and then the music started. It was relaxing, so relaxing that my son fell asleep. It was a different kind of experience.
Stephon Wyatt
Google
Excellent experience. Excellent service. Two excellent exhibitions going currently with Lap-See Lam: Shadow Play and Nico Williams: Bingo. Shadow Play brightened my day.
Ferris Belk
Google
This place is a MUST visit if you wanna learn about how technology has changed and still is going to shape our future, especially in the tourism and experiential aspect. One must-try is an artificial intelligence machine that will ask you questions then make you a perfume that 100% matchs your personality. They will let you keep the fragrance sample that has your name.
Yesmine Boukhili
Google
Cool modern multi-purpose venue in Old Montreal. I saw the VR exhibition “Echo: The Sound of Space” in December 2018 and it was fantastic. The staff at the entrance takes time to explain what the experience is about. You even get the chance to try one short film before buying your ticket. I recommend this place if you’re looking for a fun and interactive activity in the city.
Rudi Erlemann
Google
A pretty cool virtual reality exhibition. You book a slot of 3 hours and there are enough VR ‘rooms’ to keep you entertained for at least two hours.
Note: if you feel dizzy in normal video games be aware. It’s a stronger effect here. It happened to me - but not the equipment but my physiology is to blame :-)