Every time I think I’ve seen all there is to see in Montreal, I discover something new. As I was walking from Griffintown, (a previously industrial area now newish neighbourhood) in the distance I noticed a sculpture I had never seen before. I went over to inspect it, and as I drew closer I was impressed, first by its size and then by the details which are only seen once you stand in front of it. ‘Source’ by the Catalan artist Jaume Plensa is a piece of public art given to Montreal in September 2017 as part of the city’s 375-anniversary celebrations.
At first, I thought it was just a sculpture in the shape of a human head and shoulders with an open torso, made from squiggly lines bent and shaped together. But then I stood inside the centre of the statue and looked up, and realized that I wasn’t surrounded by squiggly lines but words. Words in several languages including Japanese, Arabic and Hebrew. Then the sun shone through ‘Source’ and the words cast their shadows beneath it, creating interesting patterns. What I like most about ‘Source’ is the positive message that despite differences in language, we are all one.
Rue Duke 31
C$
free
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Cheap Thrills" in Montreal is a music store from the early '70s! If it looks chaotic on the outside, it's organised chaos inside, as a cool shop can be...
by
"Summit Circle Lookout" amazing viewpoint on Montreal toward the East from Westmount, St-Henri, Verdun and more. I discovered it while jogging...
by
"Léché Desserts" in Montreal hides many promises behind its pink benches and brick building! I recommend getting donuts here and going to watch the trains.
by
Zab Café is a coffee roaster from Montreal that has an interesting story, four locations, and good coffee. It's small and smells of good coffee.
by
"Nonnina Panini and Gelato" in Montreal is a café that offers Italian snacks & desserts - get your chocolate & peanut butter tartelette and explore Lachine!
by
There are bird spotters, trainspotters... and plane spotters - and this is where they meet in Montreal! Ready for some plane spotting in YUL?
by
Most belvederes offer views from above - this one is different and offers views to Montreal's skyline!
by
The "Montreal Olympic Park" is so big, you can never tell how close to it you are. Its retro-futuristic vibe reminds me of some kind of animal; a scorpion?
by
The "Big Wheel" in Montreal is a surprise! It's big, it's fun, and it's a nice highlight to visit while exploring...
by
"Belgo Visions" in Montreal is in the Belgo Building, an iconic old building in the center of the city with five floors, zillions of art pieces & galleries
by
Ruelle Verte is a local initiative in Montreal for greener back alleys. One artist couple made their own even prettier, by flourishing it with art!
by
"Belvédère Outremont" in Montreal is one of my favorite places to go jogging. It goes a bit uphill, but the view is just amazing, especially at sunset...
by
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips