Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec | Quebec City

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), or the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, is one of the most prestigious art museums in Quebec City and an important cultural institution in the province of Quebec, Canada. The museum boasts a remarkable collection of Quebecois, Canadian, and international art, with a particular emphasis on Quebec’s artistic heritage.

Overview

Location: The museum is located in the Plains of Abraham, at 179 Grande Allée Ouest, within Battlefields Park. This location places it in one of the most historic and beautiful areas of Quebec City, close to the Parliament Hill and the iconic Plains of Abraham.

Established: The museum was founded in 1933 and has since grown into a major institution for art lovers and cultural tourists visiting Quebec City.

What Makes MNBAQ Special?

Focus on Quebec Art

MNBAQ is best known for its vast collection of Quebec art, from early Canadian works to contemporary pieces. The museum is a celebration of Quebec’s artistic evolution, featuring a diverse range of media such as paintings, sculpture, prints, and decorative arts.

It showcases the unique artistic heritage of Quebec, with a particular focus on the Québécois identity and how it has evolved over the centuries. Visitors can expect to see works that reflect the province’s French colonial history, as well as its modern-day cultural developments.

Impressive Collections

The museum’s collections are spread across several pavilions and focus on specific themes and time periods. Some of the key collections include:

Quebec Art: This includes works from the 17th century to contemporary art from local artists.

Canadian Art: Along with works by Quebecois artists, MNBAQ also exhibits Canadian artists from the rest of the country, with important works from artists like Emily Carr, Tom Thomson, and the Group of Seven.

Contemporary Art: The museum has a strong collection of modern and contemporary art, including works from international artists as well as Quebecois contemporary creators.

Indigenous Art: The museum highlights Indigenous artists from Quebec and beyond, exploring the rich and diverse cultures of Canada’s First Nations.

Historic Building and Modern Architecture

The museum complex is a blend of historic and modern architecture, with several buildings that provide visitors with a unique experience as they move between different eras.

The museum is made up of four main pavilions:

The Gérard-Morisset Pavilion: This is the oldest and original part of the museum, housed in a neoclassical building and named after a well-known Quebec art historian.

The Charles-Baillargeon Pavilion: A more recent addition that houses a major portion of the museum's collection and is designed to reflect modern architecture while integrating seamlessly into the surrounding historic setting.

The Pierre Lassonde Pavilion: This is the newest addition to the museum, an ultra-modern building designed by architects and named after a Quebec philanthropist. This pavilion features cutting-edge exhibitions and spaces dedicated to temporary exhibits and contemporary art.

Exhibitions and Programs

The museum hosts a wide range of temporary and permanent exhibitions throughout the year. These include solo exhibitions, group shows, and thematic exhibits that explore a variety of artistic styles, periods, and subjects.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, such as workshops, guided tours, and family activities, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

It also hosts special events like lectures, artist talks, and film screenings, which help deepen the understanding of art and the creative process.

The Pierre Lassonde Art Gallery

This particular gallery within the museum is dedicated to contemporary art, showcasing both international and local artists. The exhibitions feature a dynamic range of art forms, including multimedia works, video art, installations, and sculpture.

Museum Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

The museum’s grounds include beautifully designed gardens and outdoor spaces that provide a relaxing environment for visitors. The gardens are an extension of the museum’s commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, with places to enjoy art in the open air.

During the warmer months, outdoor sculptures and art installations can be found scattered around the museum's grounds, allowing visitors to engage with art in an entirely different way.

Key Artworks and Artists

The museum’s collection includes several major works by both historic and contemporary artists, such as:

James Wilson Morrice: One of Canada’s most important artists from the early 20th century, known for his impressionist landscapes.

Paul-Émile Borduas: A leader of the automatist movement in Quebec, Borduas’s work plays a major role in the museum’s collection of modern Quebec art.

Jean-Paul Riopelle: One of Canada’s most celebrated artists, Riopelle’s abstract and expressionist works are featured prominently.

Guillaume Lamothe: A contemporary Quebecois artist whose sculpture and installations challenge traditional notions of space and materials.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: The museum is typically open year-round, but it’s always best to check the museum’s official website for current hours and potential closures during holidays or special events.

Admission: The admission fees vary depending on the time of year and the exhibitions being shown. The museum often offers discounted entry for students, seniors, and free admission on certain days.

Accessibility: The MNBAQ is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The museum has accessible entrances, elevators, and bathrooms, and staff are available to assist guests with any specific needs.

Conclusion

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is an essential cultural institution for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in exploring the artistic heritage of Quebec and Canada. Whether you are fascinated by Quebecois history, Indigenous art, or contemporary trends, the MNBAQ offers a rich and diverse collection that reflects both the province’s artistic evolution and its global connections. With its beautiful setting in Battlefields Park, the museum provides a perfect blend of culture, history, and art in a truly magnificent location.