10 Must-See Oscar Peterson Landmarks in Montreal
- Aug 18, 2022
- Canadiana
- 5 minute read
Oscar Peterson, the famed Canadian pianist and composer, and the star of our latest commemorative circulation coin, was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. The city—which is known for its jazz scene—played a significant role in Oscar’s musical journey: from the songs he heard growing up in Little Burgundy, to the venues where he played his first gigs—and, eventually, got his big break.
Montreal was a great source of inspiration for Oscar and, in turn, his spirit is still very much alive there today. The city is full of landmarks and dedications to the piano virtuoso. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or just want to learn more about “the man with four hands,” join us on a tour through Montreal as we visit the iconic spots that helped shape Oscar into the legendary musician he became, as well as the places that pay tribute to his lasting legacy.
Ready? Let’s go!
Oscar Peterson, the famed Canadian pianist and composer, and the star of our latest commemorative circulation coin, was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. The city—which is known for its jazz scene—played a significant role in Oscar’s musical journey: from the songs he heard growing up in Little Burgundy, to the venues where he played his first gigs—and, eventually, got his big break.
Montreal was a great source of inspiration for Oscar and, in turn, his spirit is still very much alive there today. The city is full of landmarks and dedications to the piano virtuoso. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or just want to learn more about “the man with four hands,” join us on a tour through Montreal as we visit the iconic spots that helped shape Oscar into the legendary musician he became, as well as the places that pay tribute to his lasting legacy.
Ready? Let’s go!
1. Little Burgundy
Metro stop: Georges-Vanier
Our first stop is the neighbourhood of Little Burgundy, located just south-west of downtown. Little Burgundy is where Oscar grew up and first fell in love with music. Once known as “the jazz capital of Canada,” this lively community used to house some of Montreal’s most famous jazz clubs of the 1940s and ‘50s, including Rockhead’s Paradise.
FYI: Oscar’s childhood home was located on rue Delisle, a street you can still stroll down today.
2. Oscar Peterson Park
810 Rue Chatham
Oscar’s namesake park in Little Burgundy is located just a few blocks from the street he grew up on. The park was named after Oscar in 2009 thanks to the lobbying efforts of a neighbourhood coalition. There are lots of things to do here: Oscar Peterson Park features basketball courts, a soccer field, an outdoor skating rink, and play structures. The park’s picnic tables make for a great spot to relax and take in the scenery (and maybe enjoy some jazz music too).
3. Jazz Born Here mural
1855 Rue Saint-Jacques
Next up is the Jazz Born Here mural, a stunning tribute to Oscar Peterson. Created by artist Gene Pendon, this 750 square-foot piece was completed in 2011 to honour the fifth anniversary of Oscar’s passing. Using archival images provided by the Peterson family, Pendon depicts Oscar playing piano amongst a nighttime cityscape of Little Burgundy. He also incorporates colours that represent the jazz nightlife, such as blues and purples—creating a moving dedication to a fellow artist who helped put the neighbourhood on the map.
4. Mural of Daisy Peterson Sweeney
730 Rue Saint-Martin
Just a few steps from the Jazz Born Here mural is another work of art dedicated to Daisy Peterson Sweeney, Oscar’s older sister. Daisy was a well-respected piano teacher in Montreal: she was Oscar’s first teacher, and she went on to teach many other students throughout her career—including jazz musician Oliver Jones. This mural, created by artist Kevin Ledo in 2018, pays respect to the impact Daisy had on the music community in Little Burgundy and beyond.
Fun fact: There’s also a street and park in Little Burgundy named after Daisy! Located right on the Lachine Canal, this park is the perfect place to check out before or after a visit to the Atwater Market.
5. Union United Church
3007 Rue Delisle
Founded in 1907, the Union United Church is the oldest historically Black congregation in Montreal. Frequented by railway porters and their families, the church served as an important community centre in Little Burgundy. Oscar spent a lot of time here as a child. The hymns and spirituals of the church were ultimately what inspired him to write one of his most famous compositions, Hymn to Freedom—a song that later became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
6. Saint-Henri
Metro stop: Place Saint-Henri
The next stop on our tour takes us to Saint-Henri, a neighbourhood that borders Little Burgundy. Oscar wrote one of his most well-known compositions about this part of town, titled Place Saint-Henri from his Canadiana Suite album. You can feel the energy of the city through his music—experience it for yourself as you explore the streets of Saint-Henri.
7. Alberta Lounge
Rue Peel & Rue De La Gauchetière O
The Alberta Lounge was an iconic music venue in the heart of downtown Montreal. Although a hotel now stands where it once was, the location is still worth a stop as the venue played a pivotal role in Oscar’s career. He was the resident headliner at the Alberta Lounge from 1947 to 1949. It was here that Oscar was discovered by Norman Granz, a jazz producer who later became his manager and close friend. Granz introduced Oscar to American audiences at Carnegie Hall, which led to the start of Oscar’s international career. And the rest, as they say, is history.
8. Place Oscar Peterson
McGill College Ave (between Saint-Catherine Street W and de Maisonneuve Boulevard)
Place Oscar Peterson is an exciting new public square dedicated to the Canadian jazz legend. Still in the planning stages, it’s scheduled to be completed in 2025—right in time for the 100th anniversary of Oscar’s birth. The square will be located in the heart of downtown Montreal (right beside the Eaton Centre on McGill College Ave.), and will contain green spaces and Oscar-inspired immersive art installations.
9. Oscar Peterson Concert Hall
Université Concordia, 7141 Rue Sherbrooke O
The Oscar Peterson Concert Hall is located at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus in West Montreal. Built in 1990 (and renamed in dedication to Oscar in 1999), this performing arts venue features 566 seats and a Japanese-inspired interior. The concert hall hosts over 200 events each year—ranging from musical performances to lectures to comedy shows, and is also used for sound recording. Oscar was always a huge advocate of musical education, making this academic landmark all the more significant.
10. Public Pianos
Various locations throughout Montreal
Public pianos are a common—and joyous—sight (and sound) in Montreal. Since 2012, the city has been installing pianos in various outdoor (and some indoor) locations throughout downtown and beyond. The pianos are available to play all summer long, so if you see one during this tour—try it out!
BONUS: Statue of Oscar Peterson
Corner of Elgin St. and Albert St. Ottawa, ON
A life-size statue of Oscar Peterson is located in downtown Ottawa—only a two hour drive (or train ride) from Montreal. The statue, which was created by artist Ruth Abernethy and unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, can be found just outside of the National Arts Centre—a venue that Oscar performed at many times throughout his career. The statue invites you to take a picture with Oscar (there’s room to sit beside him on the piano bench) and if you get close enough, you might even hear some jazz music playing.
End the tour on a high note: while you’re in Ottawa, visit our boutique to discover our new Oscar Peterson coin collection.
That concludes our Oscar Peterson tour—thanks for joining! Learn more about the jazz legend and his impact on Canada and the music world here.
“Hymn To Freedom” written by Oscar Peterson – Tomi Music Company (SOCAN)/ Sony Music Publishing Canada (SOCAN) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
