The mural by A'Shop at 1697, rue de Ville-Marie is a street-art piece in Montreal, Canada, on the ruelle Vimont (the lane behind the street). It sits in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, on the city's east side, and is one of the works of street art that you can see simply by walking the neighbourhood's back lanes.
About the work
The mural was created in 2013 by the artist A'Shop. It was produced under the Programme graffitis et murales, the City of Montreal's programme for graffiti and murals, as part of the project Y'a QuelQu'un l'aut'bord du mur (YQQ). The city's own public record lists it under the title "Murale située au 1697, rue de Ville-Marie (ruelle Vimont)", and its details can be checked on the Montreal murals listing.
Why visit
- It suits a short, unhurried walk through a residential and working neighbourhood rather than a trip planned around one site.
- It is a good example of the murals commissioned by the city, which lets you see how public art fits into everyday streets.
- Because it is in a lane, it is best approached on foot, looking up and around as you go.
Around the mural
Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is largely a neighbourhood of local life rather than of big sights, so the mural is best combined with exploring the streets nearby. Plan a few extra stops in the area to make the outing worthwhile.