Maison Chevalier

Located in the Old Port district of Quebec City’s Lower Town, the Maison Chevalier (Chevalier House) is an historic home and museum showcasing Quebec’s rich history. An integral part of the historic Place-Royale, the house is open free to the public. The structure is an important preservation of Quebec’s architectural history and provides visitors with a trip back in time as they explore the 18 th and 19 th century interior decors.

The History

The Chevalier House was built in 1752 as a home and place of business for wealthy merchant and ship owner Jean-Baptiste Chevalier. Its location in the Place-Royale commercial district, which runs along the St. Lawrence River, was chosen for its easy access to the river and port operations. It was restored in 1762 after being devastated by fire during the 1759 Siege of Quebec. Wealthy landowner George Pozer bought the house in 1807 as an investment property and rented it to an innkeeper who engraved the name “London Coffee House” on the facade of the building. Also known as the Hotel Chevalier, it was run as an inn throughout the 19 th century. After further restorations by the Quebec government, it became a museum in 1965.

The Place-Royale

The Chevalier House is an important part of the Place-Royale site, which was once home to New France’s most prosperous merchants. Often called the birthplace of French America, the Place-Royale had a long history as an area for fishing and trade by the Native people. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain constructed a fortified fur trading post with the Amerindians, and the bustling Place-Royale market square grew to become the heart of commercial activity in New France. The Chevalier House also has an interpretation centre which reflects this history, and explains the development of Quebecois urban life.

The Architecture

Originally constructed by a master mason with three different types of stone, the Chevalier House actually incorporates two other 17 th-century homes- the Chesnay House and the Frérot House. Its design reflects the classic French architecture popular in urban New France. Highlights of the architectural features include the towering chimneys, fire walls, and vaulted cellars. The magnificent facade (which was originally the back of the house) now faces the St. Lawrence River.

A Sense of the Past

The Chevalier House is part of the museum complex belonging to the renowned Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilization) and houses the permanent exhibit A Sense of the Past, which showcases objects from the museum’s extensive collections. The restored interior of the Chevalier house with its stone fireplaces and gleaming wood beams gives visitors a glimpse into life in the 18 th and 19 th centuries. Most exhibits are in French and English, and English guidebooks are available at the front desk.

Visiting the Chevalier House

The Chevalier House is located at 50 rue du Marché-Champlain near rue Notre-Dame, in Quebec’s Lower Town. Admission is free and it is open year-round.

Summer visiting hours (late June to Labour Day) are 9:30a.m. to 5p.m. daily.

The rest of the year, hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. from Tuesday to Sundays. It is closed on Mondays and December 25th.