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Papineau Station in Montreal Underground
Photo courtesy: STM Archives
Walk into any Metro Station in Montreal and you won't find the various indicators found in metros around the world. There are no rats crawling along the tracks, there is no distinct 'subway' smell, well not a pungent one. The stations are clean and visually appealing. Most metro systems have one purpose, to facilitate the commute, the Metro in Montreal, on the other hand, has an additional purpose. With the help of Mayor Jean Drapeau in the early 60s the city has incorporated artwork, murals, statues, and distinct architecture into design of each station.
The underground city in Montreal is a system of tunnels, passageways, Metro stations, and shopping complexes. It was created on account of the freezing winter temperatures, but is also convenient all year round. If you master the underground, you can travel from opposite ends of downtown without so much as stepping outside. It is very easy to get lost, after all Montreal has one of the biggest underground complexes in the world.
Underground urban space is very important in cold climates such as Montreal, hence the reason the city would invest in such an project. Walking into a Metro station can seem like a visit to a modern art and architecture museum. Make sure to take notice on your next visit.
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