Robert LaPalme

Three murals by Robert LaPalme, Berri-UQAM station

Three murals, c. 1966
Oil on canvas
"Science": length 11,9m × height 2,7m;
"Entertainment" and "Culture": length 10,3m × height 2,7m each

Location: Berri-UQAM station, main stairwell to the yellow line

These large paintings, the only paintings on canvas in the metro, were originally created for the entrance of Expo 67; they were moved to the metro by personal request of Mayor Jean Drapeau, and now crown the path towards the train to the Expo site in what is now Parc Jean-Drapeau.

The three murals represent three facets of Expo:

  • Science - the larger mural directly above the staircase, with figures relating to mechanics, languages, history, physics, chemistry, genetics, nuclear theory, and computer science;
  • Entertainment - the one to the left of the landing, depicting sports, fireworks, dining, and horse races;
  • and Culture - to the right, representing ancient civilizations, religion, education, drama, painting, dance, music, and architecture (including an homage to Moshe Safdie's Habitat '67).

    'Entertainment' mural

    Interpretive plaque for 'Entertainment' mural ENTERTAINMENT

    Man and His World is the most complete encyclopaedia ever presented to the world. And it would be lacking something without entertainment. Man's right to have a good time is fulfilled there in all its forms: the world's fine foods, music of all kinds, dances of all countries, sports meets, amusement parks, fireworks: everything combines to make a visit to Man and His World unforgettable.



    'Culture' mural

    CULTURE

    From the Neanderthals to the Etruscan eras, culture developed. Moses, Confucius, Buddha, and Aristotle shaped our modern civilization. From Greek to Roman, from Byzantine to Goth, art blossomed out. Dante invented occidental literature and the Renaissance brought forth oil painting and perspective and rediscovered anatomy, while the dramatic arts reached new heights. With the 20th century, art propagated by leaps and bounds, thanks to new techniques and materials; since percussion, wind, and stringed instruments, Martenot waves are the only musical innovation.

    		 Interpretive plaque for 'Culture' mural