Opened in 1992 inside the Centre Pierre-Péladeau, a complex donated to UQAM by businessman and philanthropist Pierre Péladeau, the Salle Pierre-Mercure sits at the heart of the Quartier latin and carries the name of the Montreal-born composer and Radio-Canada television producer Pierre Mercure (1927–1966). Designed by the firms Jodoin Lamarre Pratte and Dimitri Dimakopoulos et Associés, with scenography by Scéno Plus, the building features a glass atrium overlooking the Jardin Sanguinet and a Richard Purdy brick-and-stone mural on its west facade. The hall seats between 793 and 845 depending on configuration, holds a retractable orchestra shell for optimal acoustic conditions, and is consistently cited as one of the finest-sounding rooms in Montreal. Programming spans classical concerts, contemporary dance, theatre, jazz, world music, and stand-up comedy.