If Saint-Laurent is where the murals go to be immortalized, De Rouen is where they go to live. Tucked under the train tracks in Hochelaga, this short stretch of tunnel is one of the rare places in Montréal where graffiti isn’t just tolerated—it’s sanctioned. That makes it a kind of public studio, open-air gallery, and battleground all at once. You’ll find artists painting year-round, with the most action from spring through fall. On any given visit, expect a soundtrack of portable speakers and the smell of aerosol in the air.

Because it’s legal, the walls move fast. Writers from across the city—and sometimes beyond—cycle through constantly. What’s up today might be gone by the weekend. But that’s part of the appeal. The tunnel isn’t about permanence. It’s about process. About catching something while it lasts. If MURAL is a museum, De Rouen is a jam session. Come often. Look close. It won’t be the same next time.