PICNIC AT THE MCCORD MUSEUM'S URBAN FOREST

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The McCord Museum has employed a landscape architect to create a hidden haven called The Urban Forest, just off of Sherbrooke Street…

Summer in Montreal means Montrealers eat breakfast, lunch and dinner outside. Not to mention star-lit soirées sipping drinks on our outdoor terrasses! Breakfast is always a rush for most, but lunch is a moment of calm. Now you can picnic in peace, away from the crowd, in a new area called The Urban Forest. It’s on a little street called Victoria, near McGill University. This short street, closed to traffic, runs beside the McCord Museum, and is home to the McCord’s new project. Its modern mood was intended to illustrate how the museum – famed for historic objects – is also very contemporary.

The special space is designed by Paula Meijerink, a landscape architect from the Netherlands. She is currently a visiting professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Architecture. Kids will love the bright ribbons, the little munchkin log seats and the polka dot pavement. In fact, as we munched lunch, we enjoyed them too: it’s truly a delight! Thanks to the surrounding concrete towers, this delightful area stays cool in the heat of the day. There are many shops in the area where you can pick up take-out food. Or you can pop into Café Bistro at the McCord and buy lunch. We simply bought our own, sharing salads and soothing smoothies in the shade.

Every day from 12-3 p.m., there are activities linked to the McCord’s exhibitions, from playing family tree detective to learning about ethnic groups and ancient cultures with internationally-famous artist Nadia Myre to playing with reproductions from the McCord Toy Collection. A real treat in the summer heat.

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THE DETAILS

The Urban Forest, June 23 to September 5

The McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke Street West, (514) 398-7100

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