Place Oscar-Peterson: Coming soon to downtown

The memory and exceptional contribution of Montréal jazz musician and composer Oscar-Peterson will be honoured by naming a public square after him in the heart of downtown. Part of the Avenue McGill College redevelopment project, this square will pay tribute to this great Montréal ambassador and internationally renowned artist, who died in 2007.

A square rich in experiences
Located in the central area of Avenue McGill College, between Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest and Boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest, Place Oscar-Peterson will host a figurative work of public art and installations that will offer sensory, contemplative and immersive experiences.

Future artworks in Place Oscar-Peterson will be chosen by competitions. The first competition will be launched this fall for the immersive work, and another competition will be held in 2022 for the commemorative and figurative work. The competition rules will be announced at a later date.

Celebrating the contribution of a homegrown giant
This tribute highlights the cultural and social importance of this piano virtuoso, which is still widely recognized almost 15 years after his death. Born in 1924 in Le Sud-Ouest, Oscar Peterson contributed to Montréal’s image as a world-class cultural centre. He was also a major actor in the fight against racial inequalities.

Place de l’avenue McGill College
Place Oscar-Peterson is part of the redevelopment of Place McGill College. In October 2020, the team formed by civiliti + Mandaworks and SNC-Lavalin won the international multidisciplinary urban design competition for the redevelopment of the new Place de l’avenue McGill College. The winning team has been commissioned to carry out the detailed design of the section between Rue Cathcart and Boulevard De Maisonneuve. The final design concept will soon be announced.

The avenue will become a grand and impressive public pedestrian square along its entire length, from Rue Cathcart to Rue Sherbrooke. The new design will transform the pedestrian experience within a natural landscape in the downtown core.

*Perspective : View from the west side of the plaza from McGill College Avenue to Place Oscar Peterson with Place Ville Marie in the background.
Source: civiliti + Mandaworks and SNC-Lavalin