February 13, 2024

Art: What to see in Laval?

Laval has many sides. Sometimes it’s a city that comes alive at night or a foodie’s paradise; other times, it’s a place of natural beauty or bustling activity. But of all its facets, its artistic side is certainly the least well-known. Yet Laval is brimming with cultural activities and hidden gems of exhibitions. Let’s take a closer look at Laval’s art scene.

A sculpture garden

The Laval Nature Centre is known for its trails, lake, and small petting zoo. But what many people don’t know is that hidden behind the beautiful greenery lies a 1,500-meter path where visitors can admire nine sculptures inspired by the natural environment. A true year-round gem.

One exhibition space, a multitude of perspectives

The Alfred-Pellan Hall at the Maison des arts de Laval is one of Laval’s best-kept secrets. A venue for cultural events, it is also a space for artistic dialogue. Every year, it hosts four exhibitions in its main hall and four at the Foyer du Théâtre des Muses.

From now until early April, you can visit Passeurs Passeuses, an exhibition featuring several former students of curator Denis Rousseau. The exhibition explores the transmission of knowledge, ways of doing or being, through an exploration of different eras and cultures.

Year-round exhibitions and a major symposium

The La Vieille Caserne Art Gallery, which, as its name suggests, is housed in a former fire station, exhibits works by multidisciplinary artists year-round. And that’s not all. Every year, at the end of July, the gallery hosts the Sainte-Rose Painting and Sculpture Symposium and welcomes 90 artists. In total, the event attracts 25,000 people! It’s a surprising place in every way.

When history and art go hand in hand

Do you love art and history, and is curiosity one of your greatest qualities? Great! The Délia-Thétreault Museum will undoubtedly satisfy you. On the one hand, you’ll learn a great deal about the founder of Canada’s first missionary institute and her community. On the other hand, you’ll have the chance to visit Sunshine in Your Luggage, an exhibition that takes you on a journey around the world through art, crafts, historical collections, and photographs.

When art blends into the surroundings

Local art can be found… here, there, and everywhere. All over Laval, in public spaces, there is a vast collection of artworks belonging to the City of Laval. You can either set out on an adventure to discover these colorful and imaginative spots at random, or use the narrative map available on the city’s website for a more organized tour.