Reviews of Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (Museum)

Lubna Samara

My intention was to visit Plains of Abrahams...the GPS took us to this place!..it was a nice mistake..the staff there are very nice. One explained to us how to get to Plains of Abrahams, he even suggested that we come after 5 to get the discounted rate.. My kids enjoyed the experience of visiting an art museum.

Georgia Q

This is the must visit place in Quebec City!!! My friend and I spent the whole afternoon in there, loved that place!!! definitely gonna visit again!!

Jannethe Morales

The best museum in Canada, amazing expositions, with great divided areas. Perfect design tunnels that connect each building, to avoid going outside during winter. David Altmejd exposition really makes a statement. Want to go back!

Mr. Peppermint

It was ok, the temporary Picasso exhibit was nice, but if it wasn't there it would be 2 stars. Seems like anyone could be an artist these days, I am very into museums and see different point of views but this was just bad

Mobius Loop

Nice museum with some very interesting exhibits. Though, the Frida one was a complete disaster. Not because of the exhibits themselves, which were amazing, but due to the lack of enforcement of rules. People were wandering back and forth in whichever direction they wanted, cutting in between people looking at a piece, despite everything being one-way only. There was 0 social distancing. I always tried to maintain 6 ft of distance between people, but everyone was leaning against me (and others) VERY closely just to see the exhibits. People were pushing me as well. The security there did not enforce ANY rules. Many did as they pleased. I understand that she is a very famous artist and that creates excitement, but the sheer lack of discipline made for a very chaotic experience. I was considering coming back, but I only will when the museum takes safety SERIOUSLY and is vigilant of people's behaviors.

Alexandria

Stunning museum space, spread across several building pavilions each with a unique feel. Beautiful outdoor park space in between but also an underground path for cold months. Great range of fine arts both contemporary and historical. Interactive exhibits throughout. Delicious bistro inside for cafe fare (sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, etc), in particular I loved the duck confit grilled cheese. Would visit again!

Christian Filion

Nice exposition with the historical background. It lets us appreciate how much of a strong artist she was. I did not put 5 because I prefer to have a guide that adds to the stories that are unfolding in front of us.

Anton Bredl

COVID protocols were well in place upon our visit and one feels comfortable visiting this impressive museum. I did not expect such a large footprint nor the wide array of exhibits. The design of the exhibitions were well done, they were clear and understandable to a occasional museum visitor, such as myself. The architecture was interactive and fun to experience and consider. There was a good amount of representational work, from probably 1880 and on, which tends to be the sort of paintings and subject matter which I most enjoy. I’ve included a selection of items and spaces that caught my attention. Would visit again, should I return to Quebec in the future.

Doug Macintosh

Our extended family from grands to age 8 took in the Picasso exhibit and loved it. Also the permanent halls were wonderful. We learned a lot. I recommend the museum to anyone, not just art-minded folks.

C Y

It was a great experience and exactly what we expected. The layout of the building is all over the place, so you'll be walking back and forth through exhibits to get to every one. For anyone who isn't comfortable with stairs, this is not an easy venture. The elevators are tricky to manage, one couple said they'd been on the elevator for probably 10 minutes trying to get to the top floor but it wouldn't seem to work even though the exhibits were open. If you are okay with stairs, you can check out the very peak that can only be reached by a narrow winding staircase.

Cassidy Metcalf

Beautiful artwork on display. Cheap admissions fees that cover all three of the art museums. Must see in Quebec City

Seira Chung

Some excellent exhibitions in beautiful, historical buildings. Recommend coming in early, as there is so much to see.

somkietr rojanasathit

There are not many good collections of arts. It has mix and match, fine arts, contemporary arts and modern arts. Part of the museum was the old prison. The new modern building is beautiful. The special exhibition on Berthe. Marisot is excellent. Inuit art collection is very interesting.

miss mabel

We had a great time visiting the free collection, as well as a temporary exposition on the Rohingya refugees--which was really well presented and very moving. There's a lot of contemporary/modern art, which we prefer cause it's so much fun. There's also a beautifully arranged floor with Inuit art; and another area where they're working on integrating more diverse artists. Honestly, for just the price of parking, it's a great visit.

Boss Bosius

Massive, had alot of Quebec historic art.

Bastien Bussières

Beautiful museum with amazing exhibitions. If you like art you will enjoy this museum. There are several buildings that make up this museum with an underground passage connecting all of them. The museum is located off Battlefields park and a walk through the park after visiting the museum is really worth it!

Giwon Yun

The beautiful museum which is totally worthy to visit!

Serena Castagnola

Super nice staff and charming place but I didn't enjoy my experience there. I think the installation where poor on the background leaving people with few instruments to live the museum experience. Pity.

Ali Inay

Beautiful architecture and great exhibitions. It’s a must if you visit Quebec City

Gene Johnson

Beautiful buildings located on an amazing site overlooking the St Lawrence. Joan Miro retrospective was excellent and well presented. However the rest of the museum was not as impressive.

Pardyou

Nice staff and installation,nicely priced too!

W Sung

Large museum with wide range of artworks, from historical to contemporary to First Nations culture, I respect every work very much. You would have to spend a whole day to absorb the art world!

Doug Macintosh

Our extended family from grands to age 8 took in the Picasso exhibit and loved it. Also the permanent halls were wonderful. We learned a lot. I recommend the museum to anyone, not just art-minded folks.

Testprep Pinetree

Fantastic place

More Memorable Events

Huge gallery with good variety of displays and exhibitions. Comfortable seating areas and helpful staff. Free coat check was very handy. Onsite restaurant had a fixed price lunch menu that was well priced and delicious. We ate on a gorgeous outdoor terrace.

Sam Squailia

What a beautiful, amazing Museum!! My personal favorite Museum has always been the Fitchburg Art Museum in Fitchburg, Massachusetts USA...and this museum is a fantastically perfect compliment to that! A modern architectural building connected to historic buildings, blending seamlessly the modern with the antique. Old jail cells add character as functioning exhibit space, surrounded by 5 floors of artist spaces of varying time periods and styles...modern to landscape to Roman iconographic to abstract to Inuit.... et plus. This musée has everything you could want and more. Highly recommend to go out of your way to visit.

Vilecia Daniel

Beautiful terrace and very interesting art! Loved the Picasso exhibition! Also, the MCM furniture and decor section was a pleasant surprise! Definitely recommend checking it out!

Edel Lopez

Amazing museum! Beautiful, clean, organized, respecting all the health measures and taking care that the social distancing is respect. Frida Expo was AMAZING! We had the audio guide and was incredible. The display is beautiful! The other two expos are amazing! Modern art and Inuit art. Extremely recommended experience and cuddles to the crew and curators of the museum. Quebec is now my home so I really look forward to go Many many other times! ????????????❤️????

Sean Moriarty

Super cool museum. The Barbeau exhibit was inspiring. Great place to spend a winter afternoon. Thought the cafe could have been more welcoming...

Maureen Perkins

Outstanding displays of Quebec oise art. I expected a somewhat diminished level but was delighted by the exhibits shown of World class standard. I enjoyed the Innuit sculptures particularly. Also the excellently curated Joan Miro exhibition. A good insight into the local history was given by the portraits of notables in their day. The area for educational visits seemed to show promising students too.

Constanza Javiera Araya Segura

Perfect !! Full of things to see and to do. We visit for 3 hours and was not enough !

Penny Stewart

A real gem one of the most beautiful art museums in Canada.

Kyle H

I was in the area and decided to check out some of the local culture and ended up at this museum. Walking into the main front entrance you are greeted by a security guard who really seriously wants you to sanitize hands and put a mask on. I did without being asked but the elder in front of me got sidelined almost by his speedy approach. The staff at the front counter seemed very nice. Gave me a pamphlet/visitors guide and a quick run down of which way I could find which exhibit. A little pricey for me to walk myself around and look at things (Ranges by age $16-$26 or so). Saw some of the exhibits that were here by Pellan, Riopelle, and such that were on display at this time. Some very odd things were here but also some quite beautiful pieces as well. I'm not a very cultured person and this is a stop I would not normally make - But I had some time to kill and it was a decent place to take in some creativity from other peoples brains. I either went during a very not busy time or the place is just usually not that busy - but it made it extremely peaceful to look at all of the art at my own pace without a fear of having to move to make room for someone else....except for... I did feel oddly uncomfortable with their security. It seriously felt like they were just following me around. Maybe I looked suspicious as a single male walking around - but it was almost overbearing and seemed like they take their job way too serious. It almost ruined my experience and made me feel hurried. Overall, if you like art - this is a place to go and take it all in.

eric chang

Definitely worth visit if you like modern art. Collection is much better than sfmoma. Don't have big names or mega $$$$ art like Moma but we feel Quebecois artists are as good as any in North America.

Maxime Cazaly

Beautiful place! Friendly staff and beautiful exhibitions.

Daniel Green

Wonderful museum. It totally exceeded my expectations which were already quite high. The museum is split into three sections which have quite a walk between them. I recommend having at least 4 hours to explore. Additionally the restaurant is amazing and worth visiting for dinner and a drink.

Greg Mills

This is a glorious museum punching well above its weight with the permanent collection and the rotating shows ( a testament to their importance was the Joan Miro retrospective - a spin-off of the MoMA and Tate and grand Palais show) . The facilities are calming and beautifully set out - the rooms expansive and the works well arranged. The roof top gardens and views over to the plains of Abraham are artistic in and off themselves - you’re right in the treetops as you emerge onto the gardens. Well worth an hour or two of your time in Quebec City, and the surrounding environs are some of the prettiest neighborhoods

Hetziie

Its a beautiful place to spend the day, admire the art and think.

Maximo Cardoze

During my visit they had Miró's work in an exposition. The museum building has an beautiful art collection that may be appreciated while walking from one structure to another, all in the Battlefield Park, interconnected in a very smart way by means of underground passages.

Natalia Ourban

I visited the museum last year while on vacation in Quebec. It was a real pleasure to discover so many great French Canadian artists like Riopelle. David Altmejd’s Flux and a Puddle sculpture is a real treat for the eyes. Highly recommend for art lovers!

Olivier Labrie

I'm not a art lover and wasn't expecting to enjoy the Picasso exposition so much. I loved how they put part of his life in the exposition. I enjoyed the tour, totally worth it.

Luke Xu

I want really impressed to be honest. The museum was pretty small and nothing was all that amazing. No wow factor.

Mathias Ranft

It has definitely pieces of art that are worth the visit to the museum. It has so much pieces of art that you can admire but you might not appreciate all of them, like myself. I have to say that the experience was definitely worth it but just a tiny bit disappointing since I didn't (or didn't know how) appreciate all of the pieces. Apart from that, the staff is very well informed and they guide you very well through the museum. I recommend that you get reservations before going since it has a limited capacity because of covid.

Luke Reed

Great gallery in the city. Certainly recommend checking out. Give yourself a few hours to explore it.

Marcus H!!

Has very visually appealing art and very striking displays. The buildings are very modern architecturally pleasing.

carmen LG

Loved the Frida Kahlo exhibit! Went with the family and we had a great experience. For major exhibits it is highly recommended that you book with three days in advance. The staff is very well COVID safety-oriented and have taken all the proper precautions. It even has a nice cafe where to grab a snack if you arrive early, and do arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

Ankur Bal

It's a place for people who understand and appreciate art. I don't happen to be one of such people. Some of the art forms look interesting at the face of it. I was more amused, but maybe something epic for the learned. If you think any of the following pics make sense, you should visit. Don't visit the galleries with small children as they will get bored. There is a designated play area for children.

Jeremy Balliston

Really worth going to. Such a wide range of art.

Jacqueline Jaeger

A bit of walking, but should find art and architecture to like.

Adam Sofineti

Five stars for the museum building and the permanent collection, a great way to learn about the history of art in Quebec. The Picasso exhibition was an amazing opportunity to see so many of his masterpieces. A great way to recharge with beauty! I am removing a couple of stars for the way the museum organized this exhibition. Besides the beauty, I had to fight to not be distracted by the cultural propaganda of the curators? As soon as you step in, the museum felt the need to apologize for organizing this exhibition, and it goes on and on, the curators keep analyzing and explaining Picasso's work through a radical feminist filter. I'm not sure Picasso would have accepted his works to be used and abused in this way.

Sara Line Frisk

We decided to walk to the museum from Chateau Fairmont. I always like walking in cities I’m not familiar with - it gives you a better sense of the city and all it has to offer. We came when the museum opened which was good as it got busier as the day went by. This museum has so much to see - so many rooms filled with beautiful paintings and sculptures. We ended the tour with a trip to the gift shop which was filled with lots of local hand-crafted gifts and a visit to the cute restaurant for a little drink.

Nadine Benny

Beautiful space, contemporary art collection was very interesting. Nice location by the Plaines d'Abraham. Free the first Sunday of each month for Quebec residents!

Florence Dupuis

Great temporary and permanent art exhibitions, beautiful architecture and great pricing, including lower price for people underneath 30 years of age.

Kate Hendry

We only had time to visit the building with the modern and Inuit art, but it was fantastic.

Saraï Naïma Lachance

Not the most impressive museum I saw in my life but it worth it. Very beautiful galleries (especially Riopelle who was very talented). You'll have so much fun :) I am 20 years old and I paid 11$ to get in (prices change depending on your age). There is no reduction for students.

tycoon kaiser khan

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (English: National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec), abbreviated as MNBAQ, is an art museum in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The museum is situated in Battlefield Park and is a complex consisting of four buildings. Three of the buildings were purpose-built for the museum. One building was initially built as a provincial prison before being repurposed for museum use. The institution was opened as the Musée de la province de Québec in 1933. The museum was a provincial archives, arts, and natural science museum until 1962, when the natural science collection was removed. In the following year, the museum was renamed the Musée du Quebec. The provincial archives were relocated from the museum in 1979, leaving the institution with only an arts collection. In 2002, the museum was renamed the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. The collection includes over 40,000 works from the 16th century to the present day. The collection primarily includes works that were produced in Quebec, or by a Quebec artist, although it also includes works from other parts of Canada, and the rest of the world. The museum is affiliated with the Canadian Museums Association, the Canadian Heritage Information Network, and the Virtual Museum of Canada. Prior to the establishment of the museum, the province acquired several items and works in order to establish a provincial collection of art and natural history. The premier of Quebec, Lomer Gouin, first proposed the idea of establishing a provincial collection of art as a part of a program to "define the Quebec nation". However, the collections were primarily established and organized under his successor, Louis-Alexandre Taschereau. The program formally began in March 1920, when the cabinet minister, Athanase David, announced an initiative where the province would support Quebec-based artists by purchasing their works. A five-man jury initially selected works for the collection, selecting works they believed pushed the concept of a common rural past, and affirmed "innovative art trends", by artists in Quebec. In 1922, the legislature of Quebec passed the Loi des musées de la province du Québec (English: Act Respecting Museums in the Province of Quebec), providing funding for the construction of museums throughout the province. However, construction for the Gérard-Morisset Pavilion did not begin until 1928; the museum finally opened to the public in June 1933. Initially, the institution served as an art, natural science museum, and provincial archive. The natural history collection was removed from the museum in 1962, and the institution was renamed Musée du Québec the following year. The provincial archives moved from the museum to Université Laval in 1979, leaving the institution with only its art collection. The institution was formally made into a provincial Crown corporation in 1983. From 1989 to 1991, the museum renovated its original building, and expanded the building complex with the acquisition of the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion. The acquisition and renovation of the former prison building more than doubled the surface space the museum had. The renovation of the former prison expanded the museum's viewing space to 12 galleries, and provided space for an auditorium, a giftshop, restaurant, storerooms, and workshops. The museum's sculpture garden was completed shortly after the Charles Baillairginé Pavilion opened in 1993. In 2002, the museum was renamed the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Construction for the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion began in 2013 and opened to the public in 2016. The property is situated in Battlefield Park, with the museum complex made up of four buildings, the Gérard-Morisset Pavilion, the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion, the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, and the Central Pavilion/Grand Hall. A tunnel network connects the pavilions.

Pierre Bourbonnais

The Picasso exhibition, was simply OK, I expected more.

Angye Levy

Wonderful exposition of Mirò plus the other amazing pieces. The building itself it's a piece of art

Scott Lee

Lots of things to see and experience. They have something for everyone! I personally really enjoyed their contemporary exhibition and the Québécois design history exhibitions. It’s quite vast and they close at 5 so set aside plenty of time to see everything and be prepared to walk a lot and bring a bottle of water!

Carrie Clever

Picasso exhibit was very interesting. The museum is huge, and we were only able to get through the first building. You definitely need an entire day to view the entire museum.

Rebecca Kraft

Interesting museum with a lot of contemporary art set in an old building formerly a prison. Actual jail cells still there for viewing. This museum is actually 3 buildings and one is newer. The entry is contemporary and airy. Outside we saw statues of modern art. The terrace has a beautiful view of the St. Lawrence river. We arrived too late for lunch but were told that it is a very good place for lunch. We spent an hour and a half there, but really needed twice as long to view every wing and 5 floor levels. Thank goodness for elevators.

Marce Bylinska

Its massive! Underground tunnels linking the buildings, which is convenient. Even the elevator is impressive. The membership is such a great price too! (I didn't get one, I'm just visiting)

Tareq Nasser

Super organized and beautiful place to visit if you have an interest in art or it is you major you will need two day to go through everything in here . Highly recommended.

Alice Kulyn

World class. The buildings that house the art, are fascinating. The grounds are amazing, and the exhibitions are varied from 16th century to contemporary art, from glass to Inuit sculptures, from religious to irreverent.a must stop . If it's a one time visit allow at least 2 hours, if you are an art lover. Better yet, come at opening, have lunch, and then explore the grounds.

T A

Enjoyed our rainy day outing

Nora ajak

Beautiful place to visit, it's free every first Sunday of the month Hope you'll enjoy it

Judith Gamus

We went to the Picasso exhibition. It was connected to a local one of body diversity. Amazing

Tom Herbert

Disappointing. Picasso exhibit was ok but their standing exhibits pretty full. Oh and unless you enjoy spending you're evening with your head in the toilet do NOT eat in the cafeteria ????

Elden Lebarbier

Enjoyed the Miro exhibit. The 3 buildings that make up the museum are each unique and that alone is worth seeing. Wonderful exhibit about real fugitive slaves placed along side an exhibit of portraits of people who would have owned slaves. the contrast provided important context. Great exposition permanent and seasonal The restaurant in the old part is very good and not a sandiwch restaurant like in the new part Great place to lunch and visit

George

Some of the exhibitions were great and there was a large variety and amount of exhibitions so I'm sure everyone can find something they like. Some of the captions for the contemporary stuff was rather overly pretentious, but that might just be me.

Miriam Snowbell

I found the museum disappointing. There wasn't much of substance beyond the Picasso exhibit. And that exhibit was unimpressive. I think it was because there were no live guides to enrich the experience. Due to covid, no provided audio guide either. The was some QR code audio guide. I couldn't figure it out on my phone, and the staff were not able to help. My husband could pick up the QR audio guide, but since it didn't tie into the display items but was general, it wasn't helpful.Its too bad the museum of art relies so much on personal technology to deliver an experience to its visitors , especially as, ironically, the display outside the museum was of a burning television set. Really, knowledgeable inspiring human guides would have been very valuable, rather than guards hanging about uselessly. The rest of the museum had a sterile feeling to it. I came away feeling that my visit was a waste of time.

A Stratton

Really nice museum. We visited all the buildings. Nicely connected underground. We had children with us and they really enjoyed as well. Cafes inside the museum were also nice for a quick break. I wouldn’t skip it if I visited Quebec City again.

Amina Ali

I'm really interested in Quebeçois culture and I really would prefer going to that museum to learn about French-Canadian (Quebeçois) culture

Tom Niles

Wonderful exhibition space, interesting special events, dining on site enjoyable.

Brian Munro

Wonderful Gallery. Impressive collection, especially Clarence Gagnon & Marc-Aurelle - Cote, Etc. The Picasso collection was eye opening to his diverse skills with colour. Would visit it again! Often.

Osvaldo Campos Ruiz

Beautiful museum. Very modern and elegant. Easy to navigate. The exhibitions were perfect when I was there. It was also not very busy so it helped to be able to see it all quickly. Some extremely rare pieces on exhibition from private collectors as well. All in all, a place I recommend visiting while in Quebec City. Finally, the price is reasonable to enter the exhibition.

Thomas Public Thuene

This is a wonderful museum. Not too big an intimidating, but with interesting exhibitions. We went during the Picasso: Figures exhibition. You may or may not agree with the premise of this exhibition, but having so many original Picassos together in one place surely is a treat

Robert Vincent

Wow such a large museum with a number of different exhibits. Picasso exhibit was worthwhile. Small cafe at the front as well.

Naomi Litwack

Best art museum I have ever visited, hands down. Fascinating art, beautiful architecture and interior design, and a thorough lesson on the visual history of Quebec.

Andrew Leong

Amazing art museum. It focuses on Quebecois art so there is not a lot of classical or historical work, but once in a while, there might be an exhibition. I easily spent 3 hours here looking at the collection they have here. This is must-go if you enjoy modern and contemporary art.

Rebecca O'Brien

Theres a long corridor down the too wide stairs that leads to even more exhibits, so don't miss that!

patrick nunes

My personal favourite museum in the city. It was large, informative and all exhibits had a story

Brian Murphy

Interesting museum to spend 1-2 hours.

Naomy Rose

Yes the exhibits are lovely, but the staff is also to be highlighted, made for a great experience, thank you ????

Zoë Grabowski

MNBAQ is well worth a trip. With approximately a dozen galleries, everyone is sure to find some exhibit that catches their imagination. It is particularly nice during a rainy day as there are tunnels between all the buildings as well as a restaurant and a cafe. I would recommend the Pellan gallery in the modern art gallery and the Fugitives exhibit in the historical wing, which both very much spoke to me

John Otto K

A wonderful building and fantastic display of Art.