Graffiti in Montreal: Guide to the Best Street Art

Montreal has always been a hub for art, and beautiful graffiti is at the top of the list. You can see evidence of this all over the city, but if you want to see the most popular Montreal street art, use this guide I’ve created for your next colourful adventure through the metropolis!

There are so many pieces to see, even for local residents, because old displays constantly change, and new ones pop up. However, some Montreal graffiti has stood the test of time and has become city residents like so many of us.

View the best street art in Montreal any time of year by using this article to plan your trip and make the most of your stay.

Best Places to See Graffiti in Montreal

Plateau-Mont-Royal – The streets in this central neighbourhood are lined with colourful buildings and vibrant murals, giving the area a lively and creative vibe.

The graffiti in Plateau-Mont-Royal is also constantly changing, as new artists and pieces are added frequently. Many murals here have deeper cultural, political, or social meanings, providing visitors with a unique and thought-provoking experience.

Mile End – Similar to Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile End is a culturally diverse and artistic neighbourhood where public art in Montreal thrives. It is home to a large independent art scene and is known for its vibrant street art.

The graffiti here is a unique mix of styles, from abstract and avant-garde to politically and socially charged pieces. Visitors to Mile End can explore the numerous murals and visit the local art galleries and studios to learn more about the artists and their work, all while picking up an iconic bagel!

Random Alleyways – Make sure to look out at every corner! These narrow and often overlooked spaces are filled with colourful and creative graffiti pieces, showcasing the underground and rebellious nature of Montreal graffiti artists. The pieces found in alleyways are typically smaller in scale but equally impressive in detail and style.

Underpasses and Bridges – These structures provide large, blank canvases for artists to create their art and are often highly visible from main roads and highways. The graffiti pieces found here are typically larger in scale and more intricate in design, as they have more space to work with.

Many of these pieces also have a significant cultural or political message, making them aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking for visitors.

Abandoned Buildings – Dilapidated structures are often considered an eyesore by some, but for Montreal street artists, they are a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into something beautiful. Abandoned buildings are often found in less touristy areas of the city, allowing visitors to discover off-the-beaten-path graffiti gems. The graffiti found on these buildings is usually rawer and grittier, reflecting the urban and alternative nature of the art form.

Top 3 Most Popular Graffiti Pieces in Montreal

There are over 3000 works of graffiti art in Montreal, so seeing all of them in one trip would be impossible. If it’s your first time here, visit these works to begin your graffiti tour.

• “The Great Gathering” by Osheaga is in the city’s bustling Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood on the corner of Saint-Denis Street and Saint-Joseph Boulevard. The image of the gathering represents a celebration of community and unity. The figures are seen interacting and engaging with each other, some holding hands and others dancing together. This symbolizes the importance of coming together and forming connections despite differences to create a stronger and more united community.

• “Tower of Songs” by El Mac and Gene Pendon is located on a 9-story building near Sainte-Catherine and Crescent St. and pays homage to the city’s rich music scene and its important role in shaping the culture of Canada. The artwork not only adds beauty to the urban landscape but also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact music has on a city and its people.

• “Life is Beautiful” by ROA is also located in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood and covers the entire side of a five-story building at the corner of Sherbrooke and Saint-Denis streets. It stands prominently against the bustling city streets, inviting viewers to contemplate its message and beauty.

How To Celebrate Street Art in Montreal

Montreal, a city known for its vibrant street art and graffiti scene, offers various events throughout the year where tourists can witness and experience the creativity and talent of local and international artists. Here are some places and times where one can find specific street art/graffiti events in Montreal.

MURAL Festival – Every June, the streets of the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood come alive with colourful murals created by local and international artists. The event also features exhibitions, conferences, and music performances. It’s a must, we all love it and the guided tours are great!

Under Pressure Festival – This annual festival, usually held in mid-August, celebrates the urban arts of graffiti, hip-hop, and skateboarding. Visitors can attend live painting sessions, watch breakdancing performances, and purchase artwork by street artists.

Street Art and Graffiti Tours – Throughout the year, various tour companies offer guided visits to different neighbourhoods in Montreal, such as the iconic Mile End and St. Laurent. Tourists can admire famous street art pieces and learn about the history and culture of street art in Montreal. Here are some of my favourites:

• Montreal’s Original Mural Tour by Spade & Palacio
• Montreal: Street Art & Mural 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour by Fitz Montreal
• Montreal: Guided Walking Tour of Montreal’s Murals by Guidatour

Art Public Montreal also has self-guided tours of murals in certain districts. Check them out here. Same for Wall2Wall Montreal.

Ready to discover graffiti

Read more about Montreal and what this fantastic city has to offer.

• Top 5 Places to Enjoy the Montreal Fireworks Competition
• Top 5 Barbershops in Downtown Montreal
• Top 5 Things to Do Alone in Montreal
• Best Montreal Ice Cream Spots
• Best Things to Do in Montreal in the Summer

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