Barcelos Rooster

1212 Dundas St. W

We offer personal tours of the Museum as a way to explore these spaces and learn more about the neighbourhood’s past and present. Tours are available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

To request a tour please email: tours@dundaswest.museum  Tours must be booked in advance.

The Dundas West Museum acknowledges its location on “Dish With One Spoon” Haudenosaunee Confederacy territory, which today encompasses the city of Toronto. The city has witnessed the arrival of many cultures, several of which have made the Dundas West neighbourhood their home.

The Museum is situated in the ethnic enclave of Little Portugal (Pequeno Portugal / Aldeia Portugal in Portuguese).

 Located in Toronto’s West End, Little Portugal is bound by Lansdowne Ave to the west, College Street to the north, Ossington Ave to the east, and by the Go Transit and Union Pearson Express railway tracks to the south. The area is mainly residential, with Portuguese businesses along Dundas Street West and College Street.

The Dundas West neighbourhood has been shaped by the culture and creativity of the immigrants and artists who have resided there over the years. Their presence is felt in its local businesses and art studios. Being part of Little Portugal, Portuguese heritage is particularly apparent in these spaces, and is celebrated in outdoor public areas as well, such as in some of the murals on display in the Museum.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Julia Prajza
Julia Prajza is a Muralist, Lettering Artist, and Designer based in Toronto. As an OCAD University graduate, with experience as an Art Director and Graphic Designer, she has now returned to her first love: the art of drawing and painting. Bringing her design expertise and graphic style to her work, Julia often focuses on text-based imagery. Creating intrigue with ornate details, vibrant colours, and a whimsical style, she aims to bring more joy and positivity into our everyday lives. With her lively spirit, Julia is emerging into the public and community-engaged art world because she strongly believes in the power of art and its ability to help improve our mental health and cultivate human connection. “So for my design, this was originally based on the theme of ‘new beginnings, hope, and optimism’, and I wanted to create something that would truly honour the rich culture of the Portuguese people. And so I created this modern-meets-traditional design. I used these really vibrant colours that would celebrate the energy of the Rooster itself, in order to emanate from the sculpture for locals and visitors alike. “On the shape of the Rooster itself, I created these bold, organic, playful pieces that would fit together like illuminated stained glass work. The patterns that live within these shapes, they’re kind of my abstract interpretation of Portuguese folk art embroidery, with a whimsical twist in there. Also inspired by my travels to Portugal in 2013, I’ve used these contrasting colours of yellows and blues that dance together in a lovely harmony, representing the everlasting sunshine and sparkling blue waters of the landscape. And with these details, I kind of hope that people will appreciate them the closer they come to look at the sculpture and act as hidden gems for people to discover that makes public art so exciting. And I hope to bring this playful, positive representation of Little Portugal to life and really reflect on the importance of the Rooster.” – Julia Prajza