Musée de la civilisation Museum

Address: 85 Rue Dalhousie, Québec, QC G1K 8R2, Canada

Website: https://www.mcq.org/

Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm, closed Mondays (check site for seasonal changes)

Admission: About CA$18 for adults (check site for current pricing and discounts)

Musée de la civilisation is a museum in historic Old Québec that presents exhibitions on the history, culture and contemporary life of Quebec and its peoples. It emphasizes interpretive, often interactive displays rather than a single-type collection.

Exhibits cover themes such as Indigenous cultures, Quebec society, and global connections to local history, with a mix of artefacts, multimedia and temporary displays. The museum stages educational programs and rotating exhibitions that address both historical and contemporary issues.

The institution was created by the government of Quebec in the late 20th century to centralize and communicate Quebec’s cultural history through a modern museum format. Since opening it has hosted a range of national and international exhibitions.

The museum is located in Old Québec on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, within walking distance of Place Royale and other historic sites in the walled city.

• Focus of the collection: The museum focuses on the history and cultures of Quebec, with permanent and rotating exhibitions about Indigenous peoples, Quebec society and popular culture.

Musée de la civilisation is in Old Québec along the St. Lawrence River and within easy walking distance of Château Frontenac and the Old Port (historic Quebec City core). It’s centrally located so many Old Québec sights are a short stroll away.

The museum is served by Quebec City’s RTC bus network; if arriving by air, Jean Lesage International Airport is a drive of roughly 20-30 minutes into central Québec City depending on traffic.

• Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon during summer cruise season to avoid the large tour groups that arrive midday.
• Because the museum sits in Old Quebec near Place‑Royal, combine your visit with a short walking loop through the historic district to see related sites and save time on transit between attractions.
• Check the museum's schedule before you go so you can catch temporary exhibits or talks that provide deeper context on Quebec's history and culture.