The station opened on October 14, 1966, as part of the original network of the Metro.

The station, designed by Janusz Warunkiewicz, is a normal side platform station, built in open cut due to the presence of weak Utica shale in the surrounding rock.

Its mezzanine, with fare barriers at either side, is located directly under the Palais des congrès de Montréal; one end gives direct access to the Palais, while the other opens outside, near Chinatown.

[5] The station is equipped with the MétroVision information screens which displays news, commercials, and the time until the next train arrives.

This station is named for the Place d'Armes, a short distance to the south.