Street Art in Laval

walls that come to life

In Laval, art takes to the streets and transforms the urban landscape into a canvas for expression. Murals, colourful creations and original works invite you to see the city in a new light. As you round a corner or go for a stroll, keep your eyes peeled: the walls sometimes hold wonderful surprises! It’s another way to discover Laval, combining creativity, culture and unexpected discoveries.

A mural inspired by Le Douanier Rousseau

In the Saint-Nicolas neighbourhood, the world of Le Douanier Rousseau comes to life on the walls of Laval. Created in 2022 by Jibé, an artist from Bordeaux, this mural on Rue Mortier stands out for its geometric shapes and dreamlike inspiration, echoing the imagination of the famous painter from Laval.

At the entrance to the neighbourhood, this contemporary creation adds a touch of colour and poetry to the urban landscape, whilst fostering a dialogue between the local artistic heritage and contemporary art.

Scomam: from industrial heritage to urban art

A former factory founded in 1935, Scomam is an iconic site in Laval’s industrial history. Having long been a part of the neighbourhood’s life, it has been given a new lease of life by hosting exhibitions, organisations and various cultural groups.

Today, its walls have been transformed into an open-air gallery, notably taken over by the Laval-based collective Good Good Moods and the artist Ke Lebra. Their creations bring a new dimension to this site steeped in history, where industrial heritage meets contemporary creativity.

A wonderful opportunity to discover Laval in a different light, through a place where the past and artistic creation come together.

The Charlotte d’Aragon Promenade: where nature meets urban art

As you stroll along the Charlotte d’Aragon Promenade, discover a route where heritage, nature and artistic creation come together. Amidst the gardens, footpaths and viewpoints overlooking the rooftops of Laval, a street art mural punctuates the walk and catches the eye.

A delightful route for exploring the city in a different way, combining an appreciation of the urban landscape with contemporary artistic expression.

The Filature neighbourhood: a blend of industrial heritage and street art

Bordered by the River Mayenne, the Filature district has a rich industrial past. For many years, the Bootz textile mills shaped the working-class history of Laval. Today, the district has evolved and is revealing a new side to itself, where heritage, nature and urban art coexist.

To explore these artworks, take Rue de la Filature, then continue your stroll to Rue Georgette-Guesdon. There you’ll find, amongst other things, a mural inspired by the world of sport, as well as several colourful works that add an artistic touch to the neighbourhood. A walk to discover Laval in a different light, through its history and its buildings.

Ferrié, a colourful Eco-Neighbourhood

Formerly a military barracks, the Ferrié neighbourhood has been transformed into an EcoQuartier where street art fits in perfectly. Several monumental murals by the artist Harry James adorn the walls and dot the streets.

A cheetah, a tiger whose coat conceals the word ‘LAVAL’, and a heron with geometric shapes: these animal-themed creations catch the eye and echo the surrounding natural environment.

As you stroll through the neighbourhood, let yourself be surprised by these works of art, which bring colour and originality to this rapidly evolving neighbourhood.

The Octroi underpasses: a colourful display of sport

Having taken the Ferrié neighbourhood by storm, Nice-based artist Harry James is continuing his artistic transformation of Laval. This time, it is the underpasses at the Octroi roundabout that are being transformed into a true canvas for urban art.

Through graphic, colourful and dynamic murals, the artist is celebrating sport in Mayenne and its various disciplines. It’s an original way of promoting local sporting activities whilst adding a touch of creativity to these public thoroughfares.

The statues of Laval

art around every corner

As you wander through Laval’s streets and squares, statues and sculptures dot the urban landscape and, in their own way, tell the story of the city. Whether they are iconic figures, historical characters or artistic creations, these works invite you to look up and see Laval’s heritage from a different perspective.

As you stroll around, take the time to discover these stone or metal monuments that blend memory, culture and artistic creation. There are so many details to observe as you rediscover Laval in a whole new light!

Henri Rousseau, the ‘Customs Officer’, takes centre stage

In the heart of the Jardin de la Perrine, you’ll find the statue of Henri Rousseau, known as ‘Le Douanier Rousseau’, the famous painter born in Laval in 1844. A self-taught artist, he is renowned for his paintings featuring lush scenery and a unique world of his own. This statue pays tribute to one of the city’s most iconic artists, set in a leafy setting perfect for a stroll.

Béatrix de Gâvre, a prominent figure in Laval’s history

In the courtyard of the Vieux-Château, discover the statue of Béatrix de Gâvre, a historical figure linked to the history of Laval and its development in the Middle Ages. Countess of Laval in the 13th century and wife of Guy IX de Laval, she is notably associated with the rise of the flax and weaving industries in the region. This statue pays tribute to a figure who helped shape Laval’s identity and heritage.

Ambroise Paré, the father of modern surgery

On Place du 11-Novembre, discover the statue of Ambroise Paré, a famous surgeon born in Laval around 1510. Renowned for his many medical innovations, particularly in the treatment of wounds, he is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern surgery. This statue pays tribute to this illustrious figure, whose work has left a lasting mark on the history of medicine.

Alain Gerbault, the sea adventurer

In the Jardin de la Perrine, you’ll find a statue of Alain Gerbault, a sailor and adventurer from Laval born in 1893. Famous for having sailed solo round the world aboard his yacht, the Firecrest, between 1923 and 1929, he made his mark on the history of sailing. This statue pays tribute to this daring man, whose exploits have brought fame to Laval far beyond its borders.

Psyche: a touch of mythology in the Jardin de la Perrine

As you wander along the paths of the Jardin de la Perrine, allow yourself to be captivated by the statue of Psyche, a figure from Greek mythology associated with love and the soul. With its elegant silhouette, this sculpture lends an artistic and poetic touch to this iconic garden in Laval. An invitation to take the time to admire the works of art that unfold as you stroll through the garden.

Le Douanier Rousseau: a sculpted tribute

In the courtyard of the Vieux-Château, at the entrance to the MANAS – Museum of Naïve Art and Singular Arts, discover the sculpture of Le Douanier Rousseau created by Del’Aune. Established in the spirit of the interest in naïve art – of which Henri Rousseau is one of the leading figures – the MANAS brings this artistic heritage to life through its collections and exhibitions. This sculpture thus reflects the museum’s artistic identity and the special place that naïve art occupies in Laval’s cultural history.

Places where art can be discovered

In Laval, you can discover art through the museums, galleries and cultural venues that bring the region’s creativity to life. Naïve art, unique art forms, photography, exhibitions and heritage: step inside these spaces and let yourself be surprised by the diversity of artistic worlds waiting to be explored.