Savane

Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce lies De La Savane station. This Montreal Metro station, a vital part of the Orange Line, first opened its doors on January 9, 1984. De La Savane station isn’t just a stop on your journey. It’s a testament to architectural ingenuity, designed by Guy de Varennes and Almas Mathieu. Their vision brought to life the unique mural treatments that grace the entrance, mezzanine, and platforms. Look up and you’ll see Maurice Lemieux’s striking metal sculpture, “Calcite,” mounted on the mezzanine wall, bathed in the glow of a light shaft. De La Savane station’s name has a fascinating origin. It’s named after the nearby Rue de la Savane, a street connecting the Décarie Expressway and Jean-Talon Street. This street, in turn, draws its name from an old path that linked Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges and the southern end of Montée de Saint-Laurent. This path, known as early as 1778, traversed a savanna, giving the area its unique name. Interestingly, De La Savane station was designed with the foresight of a second entrance. This entrance, intended to be on the other side of the Décarie Autoroute, has yet to be built. As one of the least busy stations on the Montreal Metro, redevelopment plans are constantly being discussed, aiming to revitalize the surrounding area and increase its foot traffic. Even with its lower passenger count, De La Savane station remains a hidden gem, a quiet testament to Montreal’s rich history and artistic spirit.