Québec is host of many a museum. Among the most popular ones:
- Musée de la Civilisation, located at 85, Dalhousie St, in Lower Town. Directions here, and location on the map here. Very popular among people of all ages, it holds permanent exhibitions and interactive ones that fascinate young people. Free of charge for children under 12. Most exhibits are bilingual.
- Centre d'Interprétation Place-Royale (Place-Royale Interpretation Centre), located on Place Royale in Lower Town. Built inside the facade of the 17th Century Hazeur and Smith Houses, this smaller museum focuses on the history of Quebec City. The multi-media show, "Place-Royale: There and Back Again", is a great introduction to Quebec's history for all ages. Kids will love the hands-on room in the lower level, where they can put on historic costumes as a way to learn more about history. The upper floors have permanent exhibits on the important figures who lived on the site, the history of trade in Quebec, and the history of Place-Royale, including artifacts which were excavated from the area dating back as far as the 17th Century. Most exhibits are bilingual. Note: the Centre d'Interprétation is currently (as of Jan. 2007) under renovation. A number of the interpretation centre's exhibit's have been moved to the Musée Naval de Québec, at 170 Dalhousie St in Lower Town, until July 2007, when the Centre is due to reopen.
- Musée de l'Amérique Francaise (Museum of French America), located at 2, Côte de la Fabrique, in the Upper Town. This surprisingly large museum has a permanent exhibits on the history of French America and on the Séminaire de Québec (Quebec Seminary), in addition to various temporary and visiting exhibits. Most exhibits are bilingual.
The three museums above, plus the free-admission Maison Chevalier (Chevalier House) in the Lower Town, are part of the Musée de la Civilisation complex. You can buy a special three-site Discovery Package at any of the three museums, which gives you a 20% savings if you go to all three museums.
- Musée national des Beaux-Arts du Québec (Québec's National Fine Arts Museum) is located on the Plaines d'Abraham (Battlefield Park). The largest existing collection of Québec art, it holds more than 27000 works dating from the 17th century to present. Close to 3 000 artists are represented, including Riopelle, Krieghoff and Paul Borduas. Directions here, including the location on a basic map. Tip: Its restaurant, open daily at lunchtime (on Wednesdays: lunch and dinner time), serves exquisite food; you may eat there without necessarily paying a visit to the museum if you wish so.
- Musée des Ursulines , in Upper Town close to Château Frontenac, displays one of the finest collection of religious textiles in North America. Built in 1837 on the site of the first religious communities in North America. Reservations required; tours in French and in English.
- Musée du Fort, located at 10 Sainte-Anne Street, in the Upper Town, is not actually a museum. However, if you're interested in history, it can be a good place to begin your visit. The 30-minute sound and light show is an entertaining introduction to the history of Quebec, although some people may find the special effects rather weak.
A comprehensive website provides links to local, provincial and Canadian museums to be seen in and around Québec City.
