Description: This is a wonderful cultural and religious history museum of the French presence in North America and also the oldest museum in Canada. The museum uses a building that is part of the Seminary of Quebec, which was founded by Laval in 1663 . The former Chapel is a work of art in itself. Be sure to pay special attention to the lovely trompe l’oeil that decorates so beautifully the site where so much of the history of Quebec and the Seminary itself took place. Religion was a cornerstone of the founding of Quebec and that is what makes the Seminary where so many of th e early priests were trained so important. Religion effected almost every aspect of life in those early days and here you can celebrate the joy and the faith that made it possible for these brave pioneers to leave France and come to this cold and dangerous country.
There are several permanent exhibits including displays of scientific instruments, religious art and historic objects that seek to recreate the world of yesterday.
Through the end of September of 2002 there is a temporary exhibit called Heroes of Wax. These Wax figures, many form the former wax museum in Montreal have been acquired by the Musee de la Civilization. The Musee de l'Amerique francaise has been part of the Musee de Civilization for the last 7 years. This is a chance to see again some of the figures that have been stored since the museum closed in 1989. The first part of the exhibit deals with some of the more disturbing aspects of wax museums, it has 2 exhibits one of the catacombs in Rome and one of the Roman Circus. These pieces are the oldest in the collection. These were acquired from the Musee Grevin de Paris in the 1930s . The quality of the facial expressions in these pieces puts them in the realm of true art. The second part of the exhibit deals with the heros of New France, Jacques Cartier, Jeanne Mance and others who made it possible to colonize this formidable country. This is a once in a lifetime chance to see these historic wax figures, so if you have been debating about weather to visit this year or not, let this be the deciding factor not to mention the 40% extra your American dollar will buy you in Canada.
The museum is open daily June 24th-Labor Day 10am-5:30pm Sept.-June Tuesday –Sunday 10-5
Adults $4, children 12 and up $1 or buy a combination ticket for $8.50 and see the Musee de Civilization and the Interpretation Center at Place Royal.
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