Montreal’s old metro cars to be part of two new exhibits

It’s like taking a ride down memory lane.

Several decommissioned MR63 metro train cars — the original ones from the 1960s — are being showcased in two separate outdoor exhibits.

Four of the trains will be on display at a site along the banks of the Lachine Canal starting in May.

The space and the wagons will be transformed into an art gallery, a design shop, a food counter, a stage and a relaxation area.

“I think it’s a such great idea to make sure that those cars, even those that are not being used nay more, stay vibrant and alive in our memory,” Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said at a Wednesday morning press conference.

The exhibit at the Lachine Canal is costing $600,000 and is being financed with private and public finds.

It will run through until September.

“I think the whole idea behind Expo 67 at the time was to bring the world to Montreal. So I think we’re continuing that trend of bringing the world to Montreal specifically at the site of the Lachine Canal,” Lauren Small of Parks Canada told Global News.

A second, permanent exhibit will open by March of 2020 in Griffintown, also featuring some of the original MR63 metro cars.

That exhibit is projected to cost $7 Million.

There are still 83 MR63s in service on the metro lines according to STM spokesperson Amélie Régis. They’re scheduled to be decommissioned by June and replaced with the modern day AZUR cars.