This summer, come out and play in the Quartier des Spectacles

Press release 

Montreal, May 8, 2025 – The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership is pleased to present Place aux jeux in collaboration with Ariane Moffatt, a group of fun installations that transform the Quartier des Spectacles into an enormous playground. From May 8 to 25 and from mid-August to September 28, Montrealers, festivalgoers and visitors are invited to get together and play outdoors between strolls through the city’s cultural heart. It’s a ton of fun for kids and adults – and it’s free! 

Place aux jeux is part of the Partnership’s new Carte Blanche series, which will run for the next three summers. Each summer, a local artist will be invited to collaborate on the design of public spaces, shaping them to their vision and desires.  

An enormous playground 

In Place des Festivals and along the pedestrianized stretch of Sainte-Catherine Street, between Jeanne-Mance St. and Saint-Laurent Blvd., the public will find a series of installations for both physical and mental play. Classics like giant chess, pear balls and seesaws are joined by colourful and stimulating newcomers like a basketball tree with four hoops at different heights, giant hopscotch, a ping-pong table shaped in J for “Jouer” and a huge secret word puzzle with words selected by Ariane Moffatt. Large gaming tables where visitors can sit and play classics like tic-tac-toe, snakes and ladders and checkers are also available all along the Sainte-Catherine St. W. pedestrian zone.  

“I’ve been coming to the Quartier des Spectacles for a long time, whether to play my music or to attend shows. I’m delighted to be able to make a different kind of contribution this summer by bringing my colour and energy to the Quartier, and by sharing the joy of getting together and playing outside. I hope families and other visitors will want to move, sink some baskets and have fun!” said singer-songwriter Ariane Moffatt. 

“The Quartier des Spectacles is both the major hub for summer festivals, and a living space used daily by residents, workers and other Montrealers. On the pedestrianized part of Sainte-Catherine Street, we’re looking to provide some warm and engaging entertainment with universal appeal. Those qualities are embodied in the music of Ariane Moffatt, and they’re also reflected in Place aux jeux,” said Émilie Chabot, director of development and programming for the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership. 

In June and July, Place aux jeux will take a break to make room for the festivals – because big events are also loads of fun! The summer season of Place aux jeux will be punctuated by surprises, and new games will be added from mid-August to September 28. 

We’re also playing indoors and on the walls 

The fun continues indoors with a hanging cascade of balls around the Complexe Desjardins fountain, to be installed June 17. A nod to the theme of games, the installation will include 600 colourful balls – it’s sure to get everyone’s attention.  

A video projection by Montreal artist Jérémy Fassio beckons visitors back to childhood by revisiting iconic playground games. The tableaux capture the imagination with their lightness and motion. On the walls adjacent to Saint-Laurent metro (May 15 to August 13) and on the façade of Édifice WILDER – Espace Danse (May 15 to September 3). 

Finally, a series of four creative workshops for kids, designed by Ariane Moffatt in collaboration with ABL BLA LAB, will be held in the Esplanade Tranquille pavilion. Dates and other details will be announced soon.  

About the Quartier des Spectacles and the Partnership  

The Quartier des Spectacles is Montréal’s cultural heart, boasting North America’s most concentrated and diverse group of cultural venues as well as numerous festivals and events. The Quartier also hosts innovative urban installations involving cutting-edge lighting design and immersive environments. The Quartier des Spectacles has become an international showcase for digital public art.    

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, founded in 2003, is a non-profit organization with more than 85 members active in the district. It is responsible for animating the Quartier des Spectacles by programming cultural activities, managing and animating public spaces, providing distinctive illumination and promoting the Quartier as a must-visit cultural destination. The Partnership benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal.  

More informations : quartierdesspectacles.com  

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Media contact 

Communications Mingotwo    
Mélanie Mingotaud    
melanie@mingo2.ca    
(514) 582-5272    

Source 

Quartier des Spectacles Partnership    
Laurie Coulombe  
laurie.coulombe@quartierdesspectacles.com  
(581) 998-6066