Beaudry Metro

The colorful Beaudry Metro station is one of the prime examples of the progressive and liberal environment rumored to be found in Montreal. 

The station opened at the end of 1966, and is on the green line of Montreal’s four-line urban subway system. Designed by architect Adalbert Niklewicz, the station was renovated in 1999 under the artistry of Jacques Thibault. Many changes were make in the design of Beaudry station, the most notable being the large six rainbow colored pillars on top of the main door. They were made to represent and pay tribute to the gay district where the station is located.

Beaudry is in close proximity to the Montreal Gay and Lesbian Community Center and off Beaudry street, named after businessman Pierre Beaudry. It lies in between Ste-Catherine street and De Maisonneuve boulevard, two main streets in the downtown area. The metro is entered via Ste-Catherine’s street, in the middle of the city’s large Gay Village. On either side of Beaudry Metro numerous bars, clubs, cafes and cabarets can be found within walking distance, stretching out to make it one of the largest gay and lesbian neighborhoods in North America. The area is pedestrian friendly and closed off to vehicles during a few weeks in the summer, and serves as one of Montreal’s prime party areas, any day of the week.

Another unique aspect of Beaudry station is its moving walkway, linking the platform to the subway entrance. It is a block-long walkway, taking passengers the distance between Ste-Catherine’s and De Maisonneuve to the subway platform. It is the only station to offer this service. 

Being a part of the STM transit system, the design of Beaudry Metro is a government funded project acknowledging its presence in the city’s gay community and village.