Revitalization of Bishop Street for Education and Culture

The City of Montreal, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) and Concordia University announced the creation of Zone Éducation-Culture, a vibrant hub developed on Bishop Street and shared by the Quartier du Musée and the Quartier Concordia in the Ville-Marie borough. This redevelopment bolsters the cultural identity of the area by showcasing public art and the innovative transformation of urban infrastructure.

“La Paix et la Concorde s’unissent !”, says Nathalie Bondil, director and chief curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. “Thanks to the support of the City, the urban renewal of Sherbrooke and Bishop streets will allow for a tangible demonstration of the cultural and educational links between the museum and Concordia University, notably through the pedagogical programming of the future Peace pavilion. In addition, the project will beautify the surrounding area with the addition of public art and the expansion of our sculpture garden. Multiple innovative partnerships consolidate the creative synergy between our two institutions to the benefit of all visitors to this downtown neighbourhood.”

Zone Éducation-Culture stems from a common vision to enhance Montreal’s role as a city of culture and knowledge. An open public space, linking the MMFA’s new Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace to Concordia’s Henry F. Hall Building, will be reserved for public screenings and artistic performances. In addition, works of art from the MMFA’s collection, and the glass murals created by renowned Quebec artist, Jean McEwen, in the process of being restored by Concordia will be displayed on Bishop Street and on the south side of Sherbrooke Street.

The redevelopment of this downtown area, which is very popular with tourists, members of the Concordia community, and the visitors of the MMFA—including an increased number of schoolchildren—will breathe renewed life into this part of the borough and further broaden the city’s reputation.