In the Footsteps of New France

The museum offers a broad overview of Quebec's history, including la Nouvelle- France, through exhibitions such as In Other Words, Québec which traces the occupation of the territory, encounters between peoples, and the evolution of societies.

On August 1, 1639, three Ursuline nuns, including Marie de l'Incarnation, arrived in Quebec City to found North America's first school for girls. The museum tells the story of this remarkable educational endeavour through everyday objects and an exceptional collection of sacred and secular art.

To learn about the domestic architecture of New France and how settlers adapted European models to the territory, be sure to visit Maison Girardin in the historic district of Beauport. This former farmhouse, with its thick stone walls, sloping roof, and large fireplaces, offers a beautiful glimpse into how people built and lived at the time.

Explore the origins of Montreal at Pointe-à-Callière, the site where the city was first established. The permanent exhibition Where Montréal Began invites you to walk on a glass floor above the remains of Fort Ville-Marie and discover the lives of the first settlers: their homes, activities, and daily routines. With its multimedia show, exhibitions, and entertaining, interactive approach, Pointe-à-Callière is sure to delight young and old alike! 

Built during the French regime, Château Ramezay is one of the few remaining examples of New France that can be visited in Quebec. Exhibitions and immersive tours, led by costumed guides, offer visitors a window into the power, daily life, urban culture, and administrative organization of Montreal during the colonial era. The exhibition Life at the Chateau: Splendour and Misery in New France will immerse you in the reconstituted interiors of the Ramezay family, members of the nobility who played a role in local governance and administration.

This old farmhouse was home to the Filles du Roy during the time of Marguerite Bourgeoys and was at the heart of the community's educational and agricultural activities for three centuries. Discover furniture, objects from yesteryear, and the religious heritage of the Congregation of Notre Dame in the exhibition From the Cellar to the Attic and learn about the daily lives of the inhabitants of New France, which revolved around cooking, domestic work, and vegetable gardening.

Discover the story of Jeanne Mance and the Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph nuns, pioneers of healthcare in 17th-century Montreal. The museum illustrates how they cared for the sick, ensured the health of the community, and how medical practices have evolved to the present day.

Located right next to the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum. With its many fascinating exhibits, the museum showcases the life and work of this exceptional woman, Montréal's first teacher and founder of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame. Be sure to visit this double heritage gem!