Quebec City gives Montreal bronze statues for 375th anniversary

Quebec City is offering Montreal a one-of-a-kind gift for its 375th anniversary: four aluminum columns topped by bronze statues of teenagers wearing T-shirts.

The artwork by Jean-Robert Drouillard is meant to highlight the historical ties between the cities and will be a key part of a new Montreal park on the corner of Pie-IX Boulevard and Sherbrooke Street. 

The numbers on the back of the jerseys represent key moments in Quebec history: 

• 1608 for the founding of Quebec City.
• 1642 for the founding of Montreal.
• 1976 for the Montreal Olympic Games.
• 2017 for Montreal's 375th anniversary.

Each column is roughly five metres high and features imagery of an animal or vegetable of the region.

The artwork will cost Quebec City $225,000 and be unveiled next spring.

Julie Lemieux, vice-president of Quebec City's executive committee, said the gift integrates "nature, history and culture." 

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre told reporters Friday the gift shows the cities have a strong connection and a long history of cooperation.