Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

Located in Québec City, a world heritage city, the MNBAQ has four pavilions: the Pierre Lassonde pavilion, devoted to contemporary art, the Charles Baillairgé pavilion (temporarily closed), devoted to modern art, the Gérard Morisset pavilion, the temple of historical art, and the central pavilion, home to the Family Gallery. Proud of its reference collection of Québec art, the Musée abundant collection of more than 42,000 works offers a vast survey of the history of Québec art from the seventeenth century to today.   

BETWEEN ART, ARCHITECTURE AND NATURE

The Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, gateway to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), is located on Grande Allée, the iconic avenue leading to Old Québec. This internationally recognized building highlights our collections: contemporary art, decorative arts and design from Québec, as well as Inuit art. The pavilion draws architecture enthusiasts with its striking spiral staircase and majestic glass hall—one monumental and the other fully glazed at tree height, filled with natural light year-round. In the inner courtyard, a major contemporary work by Ludovic Boney enters into dialogue with heritage elements from a former presbytery. A contrast of architecture and history that, on its own, is well worth the visit. A REMARKABLE SITE Located in Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec borders the Plains of Abraham. This privileged setting, between city and nature, shapes a unique place waiting to be explored. Deeply rooted in its community, the Museum actively takes part in major cultural events throughout the seasons. With Lumière sur l’art, a luminous outdoor parcours of giant installations on Avenue Cartier, we help brighten the heart of the Montcalm district. We are now sketching a new chapter in our history with the creation of the Espace Riopelle, a pavilion that will house the largest public collection of works by Jean Paul Riopelle. Its opening is scheduled for fall 2026. In the meantime, some areas of the Museum are closed for construction, but the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion continues to welcome visitors with a rich program of exhibitions and activities. THE NATIONAL COLLECTION We hold the largest collection of Québec art, with more than 42,500 works created since the 17th century. It offers an exceptional panorama of the history of art in Québec, ready to be explored. AN EXPERIENCE FOR ALL Looking for knowledge and inspiring cultural experiences? We offer a wide range of activities for all ages. Through workshops and programming, we celebrate creation in all its forms and foster encounters, exchange, and discovery. Our mission: to bring people together through art.