The exterior architecture of the Basilica is in Italian Renaissance style, while its interior is decidedly avant-garde. Started in 1924 according to the plans of architects Dalbé Viau and Alphonse Venne, it was still open-air at the time of Brother André’s death on January 6, 1937. That same year, French Benedictine monk Dom Paul Bellot undertook the exterior finishing with the collaboration of Montreal architect Lucien Parent. The interior was completed in 1966 according to the plans of Canadian architect Gérard Notebaert.

Inauguration: March 19, 1955

Consecration: October 17, 2004

Dimensions:

• Length: 105 meters (341 feet)
• Width: nave: 37 meters (120 feet), transepts: 65 meters (210 feet)
• Height: interior 60 meters (195 feet), exterior 97 meters (319 feet)
• Seating capacity: over 2000 people

The exterior of the Basilica:

• The granite stones used in the exterior cladding come from the Lac Mégantic region.
• The portico opens onto a Corinthian columnade rising over 18 meters (60 feet).
• The outer dome has a diameter of 39 meters (125 feet). It rises 155 meters (506 feet) above Queen Mary Road level and 263 meters (856 feet) above sea level. Benedictine. Dom Bellot designed this structure with an inner dome with a diameter of 26 meters (85 ft).
• All roofs, including those of the turrets and the dome, are covered in copper.
• The lantern offers a 360-degree panoramic view. This area will become accessible to the public with the completion of the observation tower (ongoing project).

The interior of the Basilica:

• The interior decoration mainly consists of elements of granite, wood, and bronze.
• The floor is made of quartzite slabs.
• The wooden benches come from Saint-Laurent College and the churches of Sainte-Brigide de Kildare (Montreal), Sainte-Paule (Saint-Jérôme), and the former motherhouse of the Grey Nuns of Montreal.
• The 10 stained glass windows are the work of Marius Plamondon. They represent some of the many mentions of Saint Joseph in the documents of French-Canadian history.
• The decoration is the work of French master Henri Charlier, who created the altar, the crucifix, and the statues of the 12 apostles.
• The large mosaic was created by Ateliers A. Labouret.
• The bronzes were designed by Robert Prévost and cast by Jean-Claude Lajeunie.
• The 10 stained-glass windows are the work of Marius Plamondon.
• The great organ was built by the world-renowned organ builder Rudolf von Beckerath.

The 14 stations of the cross, carved in Lens stone by Roger de Villiers, were grouped together and placed against the pillars (1957-1959).

Set up following the canonization, the chapel was inaugurated on March 7, 2013. The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal donated much of the choir furniture. The painting of Brother André was donated by the painter Sergio Pinecross in honor of the canonization.

Sculptor Henri Charlier was commissioned to create the altar, crucifix, Calvary, and the twelve apostles between 1955 and 1959. Carved directly from two blocks of marble from Burgundy, the piece features bas-reliefs on its four faces.

Crafted by the French sculptor Henri Charlier, the Calvary depicts Christ nailed to the cross, surrounded by his mother Mary and the Apostle John. Sculpted in the round, this sculpture is actually the model used for the bronze work, which is preserved in the Oratory Museum. The wooden sculpture was preferred and installed in the choir.

The ambulatory features two oil paintings dating from the late 1960s. They were painted by Father André Bergeron, c.s.c. The work above the door leading to the sacristy is titled the Annunciation, while the one facing it is the Crucifixion.

The mosaic adorning the choir of the basilica was created by the Labouret Workshop. It features over 135 square meters of ceramic sandstone tiles and gold-spotted glass. The ensemble illustrates 11 scenes from the earthly and spiritual life of Saint Joseph, which can be followed from the bottom alternating from left to right. Frédéric Back contributed to the mosaic by reworking and completing scenes. His work can be observed at the bottom of the mosaic, on the left and right.

A sculpture of Our Lady of Sorrows by Henri Charlier adorns the side chapel of the apse on the north side.

Silence prevails in the chapel out of respect for this most sacred place in the basilica, located in the apse. The columns of the apse are made of green marble, and its hemicycle ceiling is covered in gold leaf. The tabernacle, designed by Jean-Charles Charuest, is adorned with brass angels created by Michel Roger and ceramic pieces created by Jordi Bonet.

Sculptor Henri Charlier sculpted the twelve apostles inspired by the Gospel of Saint John (Jude, Matthias, Simon, Philip, Andrew, Nathaniel, James the Greater, Thomas, Matthew, James the Lesser, Peter, and Paul in a single sculpture, and John). The 4.8-meter-high sculptures depict an apostle with an attribute, with the instrument of their martyrdom, or adopting a particular gesture.

The grisaille medallions depicting the Holy Family were created by Quebec artist Napoléon Bourassa. In 1960, 10 mural paintings on mortar, oil painted on plaster, were deposited at the Oratory. They come from the chapel of the former Nazareth Institute, demolished to make way for the construction of the Place des Arts in Montreal. Three immense octagonal scenes illustrating the life of Saint Joseph were installed in the basilica in the early 2000s: The Nativity, The Flight into Egypt, and The Workshop of Nazareth.

The grand Beckerath organ was manufactured by the German organ builder Rudolf von Beckerath. In the spring of 1960, 167 crates arrived by boat, and the installation of the instrument lasted nearly eight months. 5,811 pipes distributed over 78 stops form six sound plans. The console includes five manuals and a pedalboard. The keyboards are connected to the wind chests by carbon fiber rods. Measuring 18 meters in height and 14 meters in length, it weighs almost 40 tons. The Juget-Sinclair company devoted over 8,000 hours to its restoration in 2011-2012.

The ten stained glass windows of the Basilica were created by Marius Plamondon (1958-1961). Each scene represents one of the many mentions of Saint Joseph in Canadian history documents.

a. The typhus epidemic in Bytown, Ottawa – 1847.

An epidemic of typhoid threatens the village of Bytown (now Ottawa). The chaplain places a statue of Saint Joseph in the church before which people gather daily, and the illness soon disappears.

b. Walker shipwrecked – 1711.

Towards the end of summer, English admiral Walker heads towards Quebec with 88 ships and 12,000 troops. Quebec has only 5,000 men. Public prayers are prescribed, special trust is placed in Mary and Joseph. Ten ships break near Egg Island, and Walker decides to turn back.

c. Flight of the Boston army – 1776.

The colony is exhausted by an already lengthy war, and the arrival of new American troops threatens peace once again. Trust is placed in the National Patron. On April 28, a thanksgiving mass is offered in honor of Saint Joseph after the departure of the Bostonians.

d. Pilgrimage to Saint-Joseph de la Pointe-Lévis – 1697.

Marguerite Bourgeoys’ school has been founded for 30 years. But the community cannot receive members without the official approval of its rule. The superior entrusts her cause to Saint Joseph in the church bearing his name, at Pointe-Lévis. The following year, the rule is approved, and the first profession takes place at the convent.

e. Vision of Marie de l’Incarnation – 1633.

In a prophetic vision, Marie de l’Incarnation recounts seeing herself with an unknown lady, in a vast domain of mountains and forests. Difficulties were numerous, but the Patron of the place guided their steps. Six years later, she founded the Ursulines of Quebec with Madame de la Peltrie.

f. Vision of Sister Marie-Catherine-Joseph de Saint-Augustin – 1657.

Vision of a nun from the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec: every person must present to God the fruits of their talent. Joseph presents the Christ entrusted to him, who has produced the multitude of saints. God then entrusts his faithful servant with power and authority in heaven.

g. Congrégation des Hommes de Ville-Marie – 1694.

Founded in 1663 following the efforts of Monsieur de Maisonneuve and Pierre Boucher, this movement brought together the Christian elite of Ville-Marie (Montreal). In 1694, in a solemn act, the Congregation dedicated itself to Saint Joseph and made him its “Perpetual Prefect”

h. Frontenac’s victory over Phips – 1690.

English admiral Phipps besieges Quebec. Faced with danger, the Canadians do not hesitate to place an image of the Holy Family in the cathedral’s bell tower. Phipps withdrew after two days of combat.

i. Miracle of the Saint-Joseph – 1639.

With all sails set, a ship called “the Saint-Joseph” is launched against glaciers. In the midst of panic, passengers make a vow to the Patron of the ship. Suddenly, despite a false maneuver by the pilot, the ship turns on itself and moves away from danger.

j. Deliverance of Fort de Sainte-Marie – 1649.

On March 16 and 17, forts Saint-Ignace and Saint-Louis are set ablaze by the Iroquois. The following day, the same attack is directed against Fort Sainte-Marie. All the inhabitants trust the National Patron. On the 19th, the feast day of Saint Joseph, the Iroquois flee, suddenly seized by panic.