Musée de l'Amerique Francaise

Nestled next to the majestic Notre Dame Basilica in historic Old Quebec City’s Upper Town, the collections at the Musée de l'Amerique Francaise (the Museum of French America) tell the story of the development of French culture in North America. It is the oldest museum in Canada and is part of the Quebec Seminary site which was founded in 1663.

A Colourful Past

Through its exhibitions of artworks and religious and scientific objects, The Museum of French America showcases the history of the French people and their adventures as they pioneered a new settlement in Quebec. The museum’s permanent exhibit Séminaire de Québec, Wisdom and Works, showcases how the Quebec Seminary was an integral part of the growth of Quebecois society, including the creation of the first French-language university in North America in 1852.

Art and Artifacts

As part of the renowned Musée de la Civilisation’s (Museum of Civilisation) museum complex , this historical museum boasts an incredible array of religious artworks and objects, some dating back to the early 1800s. History buffs will be delighted by the ancient coins and medals, as well as the fascinating mineralogy and botanical collections. Also on display are scientific instruments used for teaching, as well as rare books and engravings from the early French regime.

Museum Chapel

The on-site chapel was first constructed in 1750. It was then rebuilt after being devastated by fire in 1888. For many years the seminary priests, students and teachers worshipped there and Pope Jean-Paul visited the chapel in 1984. It houses some 600 religious relics brought from Europe (the largest collection in Canada) with a selection of them on display. Now secularized, the chapel became part of the museum in 1989 and often hosts concerts and celebrations.

Visiting the Musée de l'Amerique Francaise

The Museum is located in Old Quebec City’s Upper Town at 2 Côte de la Fabrique (next to the Notre-Dame Basilica.) Most exhibitions are presented in English and French, and one-hour guided tours are held Saturday and Sundays at 11a.m., 1:30p.m. and 3p.m.

Visiting hours in the summer (late June to Labour Day) are daily from 9:30a.m. to 5p.m. The rest of the year, the museum is open from 10a.m. to 5p.m Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and December 25 th.

Admission fees are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4.50 for students 17 years and up, and $2 for children 12-16 years. Admission is free for children under 12, and Friends of the Museum.

For more information, call (418) 692-2843 or 1-866-710-8031. Click here to visit Musée de l'Amerique Francaise official website