Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilization)

Located in the heart of historic Old Quebec City, this popular museum offers visitors a unique experience with innovative hands-on displays and activities. In a series of permanent and travelling exhibitions, the museum explores the fascinating history of human civilizations around the world including the vibrant cultural past and present of Quebec.

Explore the Past

Along with many diverse temporary exhibitions, the museum features three permanent ones that explore Quebec’s rich history, and boast a vast array of fascinating archaeological artifacts. The People of Québec... Then and Now exhibit boasts over 500 remarkable objects that help tell the story of the events that shaped Quebec into the unique society it is today. Encounter with the First Nations showcases pieces from the museum’s stunning Inuit art collection. And in the Territories exhibit visitors can browse over 200 artifacts which reflect the Native American influence on Quebecois culture.

Get Interactive

The virtual installations in the Musée de la Civilisation’s Discovery Zone are both educational and entertaining. Geared to children but engaging for inquisitive minds of any age, this section of the museum offers a maze of interactive displays such as an earthquake simulator, computer and video games, and dozens of science experiments.

Surrounded by History

Located on 85 Dalhousie Street in the Old Port area of Quebec, the Musée de la Civilisation is situated close to the waterfront and the Place-Royale. Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post on this site in 1608, which grew into a thriving French settlement in the 17th and 18th centuries. This important area, located between Cap Diamant and the St. Lawrence River, is often referred to as the birthplace of French America.

The 20,000 square meter building is an integral part of the cultural landscape of the historic district of Old Quebec, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The award-winning design blends contemporary architecture with elements of history. The Estèbe house, a historic residence built in 1752, has been incorporated into the complex, and the museum’s boutique is located in its vaulted cellar.

Musée de la Civilisation

The Museum is part of the Musée de la Civilisation Museological Complex, which also houses the Musée de l'Amérique francaise (Museum of French America) and the Centre d'interprétation de Place-Royale (Place-Royale Interpretation Centre.)

The Museum is open daily from late June to Labour Day. The remainder of the year it is open Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays and December 25th. Guided tours are available in English and French, and a cafeteria is located on the ground floor.

Admission fees vary, and can be found on the official website. Note that admission is free every Tuesday between November 1 and May 31, and every Saturday from 10 am to noon in January and February.

Located at 85 rue Dalhousie, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada and for more information call 1-866-710-8031

Click here to visit Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilization) official website