Exploring L’Homme: A Montreal Landmark
The Alexander Calder sculpture L’Homme—meaning “Man” in French—stands as a significant monument in Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau. This park, which comprises two man-made islands, was initially designed to host Expo 67, Montreal’s World Fair. Today, Calder’s sculpture is recognized as a central feature of Piknic Electronik, an exciting weekly Sunday event filled with music and dance.
Alexander Calder
Renowned as one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, Alexander Calder initially trained as an engineer before embracing art in 1923, shortly after graduating in mechanical engineering. His creativity was perhaps inspired by his earlier open-air wire art, exemplified in his celebrated piece, Circus. He is particularly famous for inventing the mobile, which continues to delight children worldwide. Beyond his mobiles, such as Lobster Trap and Fish Tail, which was commissioned by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Calder began creating larger sculptures in the late 1930s. He coined the term “stabiles” to describe these grand pieces, merging elements of stability and mobility. Notable works include Têtes et Queue in Berlin and Shiva in Kansas City.
Calder and L’Homme
During the mid-1960s, Calder was commissioned by the International Nickel Company of Canada to create one of his iconic metallic sculptures for Montreal’s World Fair. He graciously accepted, unveiling L’Homme on May 17, 1967, coinciding with Montreal’s 325th birthday and Expo 67. A time capsule containing documents related to the unveiling ceremony was placed beneath the stabile, intended for the city’s future mayor to open in 2067.
L’Homme Today
In 1992, the striking stabile was relocated from its original location to the Belvedere lookout on Parc Jean-Drapeau’s Île Ste. Hélène. By Spring 2003, L’Homme became the focal point of Montreal’s cherished outdoor rave, Piknic Electronik. This popular event attracts families and electronic music enthusiasts alike during the spring and summer months. Standing at an impressive 21.3 meters high (approximately 70 feet) and 22 meters wide (over 72 feet), the sculpture dominates the surrounding area, providing ample shade for the lively concrete dance floor.
Getting There
To reach L’Homme, public transit is the most straightforward option. Disembark at the Jean-Drapeau Metro station. Upon exiting the subway, proceed almost straight ahead (the path will be slightly to your left) and follow the dirt path while passing the bathroom facilities on your left side. If you’re walking in the opposite direction of the conspicuous Biosphere dome, you are on the right track. Continue along the dirt path for a few minutes, and the magnificent sculpture will come into view.
