Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
About This Museum
You might not expect to find a contemporary art museum tucked inside a former prison, but that's the brilliant paradox at the heart of this place. The complex is a fascinating dialogue between old and new, where the stern, historic stone walls of the 19th-century jail now cradle vibrant, modern creations. Stepping from a vaulted cellblock into a sun-drenched pavilion with soaring glass walls feels like traveling through time. It’s a space that doesn't just display art; it makes you feel its context and liberation.
Collection Highlights
The soul of the collection is its deep focus on Quebec artistry, from the lush, dramatic landscapes of Jean Paul Lemieux that capture the quiet solitude of the province to the wildly imaginative and colorful canvases of Alfred Pellan. You'll also find powerful works by First Nations and Inuit artists, providing essential narratives. Their rotating international exhibitions always feel thoughtfully chosen to converse with the permanent collection.
Visitor Information
Nestled right on the Battlefields Park, it's perfect for combining art with a stroll through history. If you can, grab a coffee in their atrium café—the light in there is spectacular.
Architecture & Building
A stunning fusion of a historic prison (the old Baillairgé Prison) with sleek, modern additions, most notably the luminous Pierre Lassonde Pavilion connected by a dramatic glass passageway.
Contact & Location
Address: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, 179, Grande Allée Ouest, Montcalm, La Cité-Limoilou, Québec, Agglomération de Québec, Capitale-Nationale, Québec, G1R 2H1, Canada
Phone: +1 418-643-2150
Website: Visit Website
