When nature meets art: discover public art at the Botanical Garden
A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, the Montréal Botanical Garden shifts with the seasons, always offering a fresh way to explore, learn and be inspired. Spring is the perfect moment to stroll through its expansive flowerbeds and themed gardens in bloom. Scattered throughout are exhibitions and art installations, including stunning public artworks curated by Art Public Montréal—an initiative that celebrates local talent by showcasing pieces from Montréal artists across the city.
Here’s a look at some of the artistic gems waiting to be discovered in one of Montréal’s most beautiful green spaces.
A historic gift
Before even stepping into the Garden, make a quick stop at the park just outside the main entrance, at the corner of Pie XI and Sherbrooke Streets. There, you’ll come across Le contour des conifères dans la nuit bleue et les étoiles derrière ma tête sont dans tes yeux —a striking 2017 work by Jean-Robert Drouillard. These aluminum and bronze sculptures depict teenagers in athletic gear, each wearing a number that nods to key moments in our history: the founding of Québec City in 1608, Montréal in 1642, Expo 67, and the 1976 Olympic Games. The piece was created as part of a public art competition launched by the City of Québec to gift a work to Montréal in celebration of its 375th anniversary.
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A window onto the crabapple trees
Inside the park, head toward the crabapple tree collection to find Regarder les pommetiers a striking installation by artist Jocelyne Alloucherie. Three towering corten steel blocks and two gently concave granite slabs create a kind of window onto these majestic trees. The piece invites visitors to pause and reflect—a quiet moment of connection between humanity and nature. Installed in 2007 to mark the Montréal Botanical Garden’s 75th anniversary, this contemplative work has held its place among the crabapple trees ever since.
A space of one’s own
As you continue your walk through the Garden’s arboretum, you’ll come across an intriguing sight: a brass and steel chair placed in the centre of a stainless steel enclosure. This is Un jardin à soi, a thought-provoking piece by Michel Goulet, created in 2010. The artist imagined a quiet spot where visitors could pause, reflect or simply take in the surroundings—within the symbolic intimacy of an enclosure with an ever-open gate. The fence is adorned with leaf motifs representing species found throughout the Garden, while the chair features 12 arrows in the positions of clock numbers.
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The metal bird
Make your way toward the Shrub Garden and you’ll spot a giant painted steel bird—head tilted, one leg raised, as if wandering the park with carefree abandon.
Named simply Untitled, this sculpture is the work of Paul Borduas, son of famed Quebec artist Paul-Émile Borduas. Originally commissioned by Vitto Vosilla, owner of the restaurant Chez Vitto, to grace its entrance, the sculpture was donated to the City of Montréal in 1965.
Love in bronze
Finally, don’t miss Le banc des amoureux, a beautiful bronze sculpture by Czech-born Ontario artist Lea Vivot. Located in the edible garden near the Botanical Garden’s restaurant, the piece features three life-sized figures seated on a bench. Two are locked in a passionate embrace, while the third turns away, visibly bored. Carved into the bench are famous quotes about love, etched like graffiti. Created in 1976, this piece was first exhibited in Toronto and later shown at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts before businessman Abraham Hirschelfd commissioned a bronze reproduction as a gift to the City of Montréal.
To explore more of Montréal’s vibrant public art scene, visit the Art Public Montréal website.
Original article in French by Valérie Dorion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Valérie Dorion
In love with words and Montreal, Valérie writes for various media and companies and creates colorful, original, but always relevant content. A true foodie and traveler, she likes to be on the lookout for anything new in terms of gastronomy and activities. On a daily basis, you'll probably find her on her laptop at the latest local coffee shop, writing or looking for the latest hot spots.