đšđŠ Sherbrookeâs Murals: Where History Comes Alive on City Walls đšđ
đ Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec â A living museum of monumental murals spanning 29,198 sq ft! đïž The Story of MURIRS: Art with a Mission Founded in 1999 by Serge Malenfant, the nonprofit MURIRS (Murals Illustrating Sherbrookeâs History) has transformed the city into a walking history book. Over 20 years, 40+ artists have: Painted 18 epic murals (some taller than 5-story buildings!). Depicted 443 historical figures â from 19th-century mill workers to jazz-age flappers. Revitalized downtownâs bland concrete into a "trompe-lâoeil" wonderland (North Americaâs only dedicated mural circuit!). Fun Fact: These murals arenât just prettyâtheyâre geolocated history lessons. Scan QR codes to hear tales of Sherbrookeâs past! đ Must-See Masterpieces 1ïžâŁ "The Foundersâ Wall" Where: Rue Wellington Details: A 12m-high tribute to Sherbrookeâs 1800s industrial boom (spot the steampunk-ish gears!). 2ïžâŁ "Jazz en Rouge" Where: Rue King Ouest Vibe: 1920s speakeasy energy â moody sax players and clinking champagne glasses. 3ïžâŁ "The Textile Workersâ Strike" Where: Rue Dufferin Hidden Gem: Look for the tiny protest signs in French ("Ă bas les patrons!"). đ§âđš Meet the Artists MURIRS collaborates with local + international muralists, like: Ălise Lafontaine: Known for her hyper-realistic portraits of forgotten factory workers. Carlos Diaz: Adds subtle surrealism (his murals hide time-traveling pocket watches). Their Motto: "We donât just paint wallsâwe resurrect stories." đž How to Experience It Like a Pro Golden Hour Magic: Visit at sunset â the angled light makes figures pop off walls. Guided Tours: MURIRS offers free audio guides (download via their app). DIY Route: Grab a map at Tourism Sherbrooke and hunt for hidden details (e.g., a cat in every mural!). đ Why This Matters Sherbrookeâs murals prove public art can: â Boost tourism (over 500,000 visitors/year!). â Teach history without textbooks. â Spark pride in overlooked neighborhoods. #SherbrookeMurals #MURIRS #StreetArtRevolution #QuebecCulture #ArtTravel