April 4 2012

The Art Nouveau entrance to the Square Victoria metro station was a gift from the Parisian Transit Authority to Montreal in 1967 to commemorate the company’s collaboration in designing Montreal’s metro.

The Parisian portico’s were designed by French architect Hector Guimard (1867-1942). The portico to the Montreal station is made up of pieces salvaged from entrances that were demolished in Paris and is the only authentic Guimard entrance in use on a metro station, anywhere in the world outside Paris. The idea for having a Guimard entrance in Montreal was suggested by Mayor Jean Drapeau during the Montreal metro planning stages.

The feeling you are in Paris and not Montreal is enhanced by the white bevelled tiles of the type found in the Paris metro.

Square Victoria metro entrance

Square Victoria metro entrance

Guimard Parisian entrance to Square Victoria Metro

Guimard Parisian entrance to Square Victoria Metro

In the summer the tree lined Square Victoria is a great place to hang out and I plan to post some more pictures when the leaves are out. Despite being English, I find the only thing that detracts from the feeling of being in France is the monument of Queen Victoria glaring down at you – but then again this is the International Quarter, so I guess she adds some balance.

To view images in gallery format, simply click on one of the images below.

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.

– Martin

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