McGill College Avenue – A Dynamic Artery in Transformation

Nestled at the foot of Mount Royal, McGill College Avenue is one of downtown Montreal’s most iconic streets. Stretching from the historic McGill University campus at one end to the striking Place Ville-Marie skyscraper at the other, the avenue offers a grand perspective and a vibrant urban energy.

Traditionally a lively hub for students, professionals, and visitors, the area has been undergoing major transformation in recent years. Beginning in winter 2020–2021, access was significantly impacted by construction related to the Réseau express métropolitain (REM)—Montreal’s new light rail system. Temporary fencing and heavy equipment altered the visual character of the street, marking a period of transition.

Looking ahead, exciting changes are on the horizon. A comprehensive urban redesign project is set to reimagine McGill College Avenue as a more pedestrian-friendly, green, and culturally engaging space. If all proceeds according to plan, the redevelopment—initially slated to begin in 2023—will enhance the street’s appeal, making it a central promenade that better connects the university, businesses, and cultural institutions.

This evolving avenue, already steeped in character and history, is poised to become an even more inviting public space in the years to come.

• McGill University and grounds
  • Redpath Museum
• Statues (public street art)
• Place Montreal Trust
• Centre Eaton
• Place Ville-Marie (observatory)

Please note that McGill Street exists in Old Montreal but it is not connected.

Public Art on McGill College Avenue

The city has numerous open-air public art projects and you will find a few on McGill College Avenue. A day in Montreal could be only touring the public outdoor sculptures. Below are four of them.

La Leçon / The Lesson  “Steve Jobs is dead”

The Student Statue is cleverly located just outside the McGill University main campus.  The statue is a salutation to Steve Jobs. The student facing the university, but looking at its Apple laptop, is in shock at the headline that indicates “Steve Jobs is dead”. This is in line with the dominant role of the computer in today’s world.  Mr. Jobs did have a significant impact on our daily lives.

The statue “Steve Jobs est mort” by Cédric Loth is at the corner of Sherbrooke Street and Avenue McGill College facing the university grounds.

La Foule Illuminée / The Illuminated Crowd

The Illuminated Crowd or La Foule Illuminée (in French) is on the west side of the street. It is located in front of the National Bank Tower on McGill College Avenue.

This white sculpture presents the different reactions and diversity of 65 people to an unknown event.

What would be your reaction?

Le Banc Du Secret / The Secret Bench

Le Banc Du Secret French for The Secret Bench is installed on McGill Collegue Avenue near Maisonneuve Boulevard. This bronze bench with sculptures by Lea Vivot presents two young people sitting closely together. The boy, holding an apple, seems to whisper a secret to the girl. Messages are engraved on the bench.

Danceuse / Dancer

A bit hidden from the street and nearby the Banc des Secrets, la Danseuse is a discrete abstract dancer sculpture in front of water fountain. The water effect is nice in the summer.

For an overview of Montreal click here.

For all posts on Montreal click here.