Green spaces and a wealth of springtime pleasures in the Quartier des Spectacles

Montreal, April 12, 2022 – Spring is back in the Quartier des Spectacles! Montrealers, workers and visitors will enjoy an abundance of free cultural activities this spring, including digital art, music, literature and games, as well as amenities to help them make the most of their downtown visits as the days grow longer. The Sainte-Catherine St. West pedestrian zone is a welcoming place to enjoy being outdoors, with its abundant greenery and the Esplanade Tranquille pavilion, ideal for a literary break. Then, at sunset, visitors will be mesmerized by the gorgeous, dazzlingly colourful world of a video projection titled EN FORME!

SPRINGTIME PLEASURES ON SAINTE-CATHERINE STREET WEST

Gradually, as the weather warms up, more than 60 trees in planters will be placed in Place des Festivals and on Sainte-Catherine Street, in the summer pedestrian zone between De Bleury and Saint-Urbain streets, giving passers-by the chance to watch summer arrive. There will be more vegetation in the form of flowers and edible plants, including indigenous berry bushes (blueberry, currant, elderberry and honeysuckle). The fountain in Place des Festivals will spring back to life to provide a little relief from the summer heat. Lastly, the heart of the Quartier is the perfect place for a stroll with catchy background music, and a great place to slow down and relax thanks to its many benches, picnic tables for sunny lunches, and parasols for a little shade.

NIGHT WALKS IN THE QUARTIER AND LITERARY ACTIVITIES AT ESPLANADE TRANQUILLE

EN FORME!
Until April 30
On the façades of UQAM’s Pavillon Président-Kennedy, the Grande Bibliothèque, the Wilder Building - Espace Danse and the walls of the buildings adjacent to Saint-Laurent metro station
Creation: Gabriel Poirier-Galarneau and Gabriel Masella of the CHAMPAGNE CLUB SANDWICH multimedia studio.

While strolling through the Quartier, visitors will be mesmerized by this video projection’s colourful tropical world. EN FORME! Takes us into a playful land populated by funny little men. It’s a humorous celebration of all kinds of summer fun to come – culinary, aquatic, sporting.

Exhibition: Henri Tranquille et sa librairie Tranquille
Permanent
Esplanade Tranquille pavilion
Curator: Diane Bernier

In the Grand Salon, visitors are invited to explore the exhibition Henri Tranquille et sa librairie Tranquille to learn more about the rich history of the Librairie Tranquille bookstore, once located on the site, and its influence, closely tied to the personality of its owner, Henri Tranquille. In addition to the exhibition, this public space has a self-serve library and chess, checkers and go boards, making it a warm and welcoming spot to have fun, relax and socialize.

COMING TO THE QUARTIER IN MAY

Giant chess
May 4 to 29
Sainte-Catherine St. West, between De Bleury and Saint-Urbain streets, and on Esplanade Tranquille

Festival TransAmériques
May 25 to June 9

Includes the Holoscenes performance on Esplanade Tranquille from May 25 to 29. A co-presentation of Festival TransAmériques and the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.

OFFTA
May 27 to June 5, 2022

ENJOY WHILE FOLLOWING PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES

The amenities were designed with public health in mind, including physical distancing. These experiences allow visitors to live and relax safely in the Quartier des Spectacles. The Partnership urges all Montrealers to follow recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

GETTING TO DOWNTOWN MONTREAL

• Public transportation: numerous STM bus routes and more than 10 metro stations on the green and orange lines serve the area. 
• Cycling: four-season bike paths and lanes run through the downtown area and several BIXI stations are available.
• The area includes accommodations for people with reduced mobility. Please see individual venue websites for details. 

ABOUT 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 information: quartierdesspectacles.com  

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

Chloé Goldstein
chloe.goldstein@quartierdesspectacles.com
(514) 812-2193