Robert Burns Memorial

The Robert Burns Memorial is a bronze statue on Dorchester Square standing on a light pink granite base and decorated with three relief panels. These panels depict literary scenes from the poet's works and form the decorative lower section of the monument.

The memorial was completed in 1930 and is based on a sculpture originally created by George Anderson Lawson in 1892 for the Scottish town of Ayr. Bringing this work to Montreal marked a significant moment in how the city celebrated its Scottish heritage.

The memorial reflects the impact of Scottish immigrants and their descendants who became business leaders and financiers shaping Montreal's growth. You can sense this cross-Atlantic connection through the placement and prominence of the statue in the city center.

The memorial sits at the western entrance of Dorchester Square, making it easy to locate and reach on foot. As an outdoor monument, it is visible at any time of day or season without requiring admission or special arrangements.

The monument displays scenes from three different poems, offering visitors a visual tour through the poet's literary works. The choice of these particular pieces reveals which aspects of Burns' legacy the city wanted to honor most prominently.

Location: Montreal

GPS coordinates: 45.50639,-73.58889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:44