Quebec City, perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence River, is one of North America’s oldest European settlements, founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain. Its strategic location made it a focal point for both French and British colonial ambitions, resulting in a layered history visible in its fortifications, narrow streets, and centuries-old architecture. Today, the city’s UNESCO World Heritage designation reflects a commitment to preserving this unique blend of tradition and modernity.

This backdrop provides fertile ground for a vibrant museum scene. Quebec City’s museums are as diverse as its past, ranging from institutions dedicated to fine arts and contemporary design to those exploring the city’s military, religious, and maritime heritage. Whether your interests lie in Inuit art, the evolution of French North America, or the daily life of nuns and sailors, you’ll find a museum that offers both depth and context.

Quebec City’s museums offer more than just collections—they provide insight into the forces that have shaped the city’s identity over four centuries. Many are housed in historic buildings or situated near sites of major historical events, allowing for a seamless integration of culture, history, and place. 

Enjoy these museums that reflect the city’s ongoing dialogue between past and present.

Musée de la Civilisation

The Musée de la Civilisation located in Quebec City’s Lower Town, was built in 1968. It has two permanent exhibits: the First Nations culture and the history of the province. Temporary exhibits, which focus on items of current interest, have included: All About Blood (the everyday social and cultural practises around blood and contemporary uses of blood), Sacred Money, Cursed Money! (a look into the nature of money, its influence on our behaviour, and its importance in society), and Autopsy of a Murder (a Clue-like game/exhibition that challenges the whole family to solve the murder of fictional Sarah Melville).

This museum is for all ages, and most of the exhibits are in both French and English.

Details: 85 Rue Dalhousie, Québec, QC G1K 8R2 | Official Website 

Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec (Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts)

The museum is located in Battlefield Park and consists of four buildings: the Gérard-Morisset Pavilion, the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion, the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, and the Central Pavilion/Grand Hall.

The collection contains over 40,000 works spanning from 16th century to present day. The collection consists primarily of works created in Quebec or by a Quebec artist, although works from other parts of Canada and the world have some representation. A few notable highlights include the Group of Seven 

The Musée des Beaux-Arts displays the works of Canadian artists, such as the Group of Seven, a group of Canadian landscape painter active between 1920-33, known for their bold use of color in Canadian wildnerness scenes..

Details: 179 Grande Allée O | Official Website 

Musée du Fort

Located in the shadow of the grandiose Château Frontenac, this small museum has a half hour show recreating the historic battles of Quebec City. Six sieges in all, they are represented with a model of the city in the 1750s, complete with soldiers, ships and dwellings. Lights direct your sight to specific areas as the narrative tells the story in words.

In the entryway, there are two permanent exhibits to see before or after the show. Each gives more insight into the historic battles that make Quebec what it is today.

Details: 10 Rue Sainte-Anne | Official Website 

Musée de l’Amérique Francophone (Museum of French America)

The Musée de l’Amérique Francophone, formerly the Musée de l’Amérique Française, is located in Quebec City’s historic Old Quebec neighborhood. It has the distinction of being Canada’s oldest museum. Its focus is Colonial history of America and Francophone culture in North America.

Within its collection, you’ll find books from the Séminaire de Québec library, some dating back to the 16th century and others housed in a section amusingly referred to as “Enfer” (meaning ‘Hell’ in French). The museum also houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including items from Cyprus, paintings, first-edition copies of “The Birds of America” and “Encyclopédie,” as well as a reproduction of the organ from the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec. 

Details: 2 Côte de la Fabrique | Official Website 

Musée des Ursulines de Québec

This museum, located in a historic convent, tells the story of the Ursuline nuns’ lives and influence during the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1641, the sisters established North America’s first girls’ school. The museum displays a wide range of historic artifacts, including examples of the Ursulines’ gold and silver embroidery, and displays showcasing convent school life.

The chapel directly across from the museum was built in 1902, but some of its interiors date back to 1726. The Ursuline sisters, the first Roman Catholic order of nuns to arrive in North America, were cloistered until 1965. Their remaining members in Quebec City are few.

Details: 12 Rue Donnacona | Official Website 

Musée des Augustines

Heritage and history presesnted in an authentic way is the goal of this museum. The permanent exhibition traces the evolution of the Augustinian Sisters of Quebec’s spiritual and social engagement, providing a glimpse into the past. Learn about the community’s way of life, their work caring for the sick, and how they balanced traditional vocations of action and contemplation.

Throughout the rooms, artifacts and archival materials depict a variety of themes, presented in a way to provoke thought as well environmental immersion.

Details: 77 Rue des Remparts | Official Website 

Musée Naval de Québec (Naval Museum of Quebec)

The Musée Naval de Québec depicts the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River and the Canadian Naval Reserve. Historical narratives evoke emotions and raise questions about the impact of wars and the importance of promoting peace. This is an opportunity to learn from little-known men and women who shaped Canadian naval history. 

NOTE: The museum is open on a seasonal basis only. Check website for details.

Details: 170 Rue Dalhousie | Official Website 

Musée de Plaines d’Abraham (Museum of the Plains of Abraham)

The Plains of Abraham Museum is the gateway to the Plains of Abraham park. Displays highlight the siege of Quebec and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (1759), and the Battle of Sainte-Foy (1760).

The park offers year round events, activities and shows, most suitable for the entire family.

Details: 835 Avenue Wilfrid-Laurier | Official Website

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