Why is there a Parisian metro station in Montreal?
This page is translated from the original post "Pourquoi y a-t-il une station de métro parisienne à Montréal ?" in French.
- 31/12/2024 11:42
Montreal and Paris have a beautiful and long history of love that has survived many hardships. Beloved cursed cousins!
At Square-Victoria–OACI station of the Montreal metro, an architectural and artistic treasure catches the eyes of travelers: a replica of a Parisian metro entrance designed by Hector Guimard, an iconic figure of the Art Nouveau movement. This work, inaugurated in 1967, is a strong symbol of the cultural link between Montreal and Paris, adding a European touch to the Montreal metro system.
Hector Guimard, a French architect and designer, is renowned worldwide for his creations characterized by organic lines inspired by nature. These metro entrances, designed between 1899 and 1904 for the Parisian network, have become icons of Art Nouveau, a movement that emphasizes aesthetics and innovation. Made from cast iron and glass, they stand out with their flowing, elegant shapes, evoking plants or natural structures.
The installation of the replica in Montreal was a gift from the Régie autonome des transports parisiens (RATP) to celebrate the 1967 Universal Exposition. Located on the platform of the Orange line and accessible from outside, this work has preserved its full splendor. The words “Métropolitain,” written in an era-specific typography, along with the side panels adorned with floral motifs, recall the richness of European artistic heritage.
Beyond its beauty, this metro entrance embodies a cultural and symbolic bridge between two major cities. It bears witness to the international influence of Art Nouveau and the importance of preserving art in public spaces. The Square-Victoria–OACI station, already rich in its strategic location in the heart of downtown, becomes a place of wonder for history and architecture enthusiasts.
This gem, combining tradition and modernity, invites users to slow down and contemplate, even in urban frenzy. A true ode to art and collaboration between two continents.
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