
Museum of Civilization (Musee de la Civilisation), Quebec City (must see)
In the heart of the port district, not far from the shores of the St. Lawrence River and surrounded by historical buildings, the modern facade of the Museum of Civilization strikes out against its surroundings, but the structure as a whole is in line with the traditional style of Québec City – including the roof, windows and belltower. Designed by Moshe Safdie, the architect behind Montréal's revolutionary Habitat 67, the front of the museum is built into an incline, tucking the building away and adding a touch of nature, with a glass roof and greenery sprouting from along the sides. Inaugurated in 1988, the museum is dedicated to the history, present, and future of Québec civilization, as well as that of cultures from around the world, with themes such as humour, circus and song, for example, making for very lively displays.
Inside, the harmony with the surroundings continues with a large open lobby, full of glass and light, which provides a charming view of Maison Estèbe and features Astri Reusch's sculpture, "La débâcle", inspired by the springtime accumulation of ice in the St. Lawrence. The three-story building accommodates ten different exhibits simultaneously, three of which are permanent and rooted in the region's history. It's a very large expansive area, capable of holding hundreds and hundreds of people so you'll never feel cramped. Moreover, the on-site Creaform Lab is fabulous for the kids, who could spend hours learning robotics, basic programming, and electrical circuits.
Why You Should Visit:
There's something for everyone, regardless of age and specific interests. Many exhibits offer a "hands-on" experience.
Although you can take both English and French tours, you can also just walk through and visit on your own.
To find lovely streets with good shopping, it's as simple as exiting out the back.
Tip:
If you arrive at 4pm for the last hour, you can get in at HALF the price – but do note that to see the core exhibits you should give yourself at least 3 hours.
Alternatively, you can get a discount if you go to this museum and the Musée National des Beaux-Arts on the same day.
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am-5pm
Inside, the harmony with the surroundings continues with a large open lobby, full of glass and light, which provides a charming view of Maison Estèbe and features Astri Reusch's sculpture, "La débâcle", inspired by the springtime accumulation of ice in the St. Lawrence. The three-story building accommodates ten different exhibits simultaneously, three of which are permanent and rooted in the region's history. It's a very large expansive area, capable of holding hundreds and hundreds of people so you'll never feel cramped. Moreover, the on-site Creaform Lab is fabulous for the kids, who could spend hours learning robotics, basic programming, and electrical circuits.
Why You Should Visit:
There's something for everyone, regardless of age and specific interests. Many exhibits offer a "hands-on" experience.
Although you can take both English and French tours, you can also just walk through and visit on your own.
To find lovely streets with good shopping, it's as simple as exiting out the back.
Tip:
If you arrive at 4pm for the last hour, you can get in at HALF the price – but do note that to see the core exhibits you should give yourself at least 3 hours.
Alternatively, you can get a discount if you go to this museum and the Musée National des Beaux-Arts on the same day.
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am-5pm
This sight is featured in a self-guided walking tour of Quebec City, Quebec within the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" which can be downloaded from iTunes App Store or Google Play. Please download the app to your mobile phone or tablet for travel directions for visiting this sight. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Museum of Civilization (Musee de la Civilisation) on Map
Sight Name: Museum of Civilization (Musee de la Civilisation)
Sight Location: Quebec City, Canada
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Quebec City, Canada
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Quebec City, Quebec
Create Your Own Walk in Quebec City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Quebec City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Quebec City Introduction Walk
The province of Québec is a place all its own; a country within a country with its own traditions, architecture, and language. Perched on a cliff above the St. Lawrence River, Québec City is the soul of the province: the first city to be founded in Canada, the seat of the Québec government, and the self-proclaimed "Capitale Nationale".
The historic landmarks and 17th-century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The historic landmarks and 17th-century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Old Quebec Walk
If you have a desire for European ambiance, Canadian or French culture, New World history and great food, Old Town Québec City has them all. The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative center, and the Lower Town complements it to form one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city. From the cobblestone streets and venerable greystone... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Houses Walking Tour
Often referred to as the cradle of New France, Québec City has one of the richest architectural heritages in North America and is particularly evocative of Europe in its atmosphere. Most of the city's architecture, however, had to be adapted to harsh winters and the lack of specialized workers and materials in the colony; as such, most houses were designed as simple and efficient before... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Top Religious Sites Walking Tour
The first religious buildings in Canada were established by Récollets and Jesuits in 1615 and 1625 when they first arrived to "New France". Later on, the colonists brought French culture and architectural traditions. The establishment of British and evangelical society brought major developments to Quebec City. Here is a list of some of the most alluring divine attractions to visit.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles