This museum wows you even before you’ve clapped your eyes on the exhibitions. It is a fascinating mix of modern design that incorporates pre-existing buildings with contemporary architecture. The permanent exhibits, such as the one on the cultures of Québec’s Aboriginals and the one titled ‘People of Québec: Then and Now,’ are unique and well worth seeing, and many include clever interactive elements. At any given moment there’s an outstanding variety of rotating shows.
This is really the only museum in town that regularly focuses on contemporary issues and culture. Recent special exhibits have focused on topics as diverse as Oceania, ancient Rome, the history of Radio Canada or the work of Québécois writer Michel Tremblay. It’s a big place with lots to see, so focus on only one or two exhibitions if you’re not planning to make a full day of it.
