Bel-Air: An Equestrian Estate
In 2024, the buildings of the Bel-Air estate celebrate 150 years of construction! Built in 1873-1874 for wealthy businessman Alfred Brown, the estate included the main residence, the gardener’s house, as well as the stable, which is now the Dorval Museum. To mark this important milestone in our Museum’s history, the exhibition Bel-Air: An Equestrian Estate offers a glimpse into our building at the time of its construction. Come and meet the characters who may have frequented the premises and learn more about the equestrian activities favoured by Dorval residents in the 19th century.
Among others, you will find the architect of the estate, John William Hopkins from Liverpool, famous in Montreal for the numerous Victorian eclectic buildings he erected over a career of nearly 50 years. You will also discover the work of the Groom in charge of the training and daily care of the horses, as well as the Jockey, a professional lightweight horse racer who competed at the Bel-Air Racing Track.
The exhibition also presents an array of artifacts used in late 19th century luxury stables: certain specific blacksmith’s tools such as hoof trimmers and clip tongs, a collection of horse brasses, and a fox hunting costume identical to those worn by the gentlemen visiting the lavish residences on the shores of Lake St. Louis.