The Musée de la Civilisation (MCQ) is one of Québec City’s most engaging museums. Opened in 1988, it combines striking modern architecture by Moshe Safdie with preserved historic buildings. Inside, it blends interactive exhibits, storytelling, and cultural exploration.
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River in Old Québec, it’s the perfect place to learn about history, society, and identity—whether you stay for an hour or a whole afternoon.
Official Website: Musée de la Civilisation
Getting Here & First Impressions
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Address: 85 Dalhousie Street, Québec City, QC G1K 8R2
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Architecture: Designed by Moshe Safdie, the museum integrates modern design with historic buildings like Maison Estèbe and the old Banque de Paris.
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Location: Right in Old Québec by the river, so you can easily pair your visit with a walk through Place Royale, Petit-Champlain, or along the waterfront.
Tips: You can also check the Moovit App or the Translink Website for bus and skytrain schedules.
Hours, Tickets & Admission
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Opening Hours:
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Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Closed Mondays (except some holidays – check ahead).
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Admission Rates (2024–2025):
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Ages 0–5: Free
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Ages 6–11: $5.50
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Ages 12–17: $9
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Ages 18–34: $21
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Ages 35–64: $26
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Ages 65+: $25
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Family Pass (2 adults + children under 17): $55
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Special Exhibitions: Some shows (like Titanic: The Human Story) require a special ticket. Buying online in advance saves about $3 per ticket.
What You’ll See & Do
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Featured Exhibition:
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Titanic. The Human Story – immersive, powerful exhibition (until Jan 11, 2026).
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Other Current Exhibitions:
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Finding Refuge – the story of refugees, told through an artistic and human lens.
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This is Our Story – a powerful look at First Nations and Inuit peoples of Québec today, their history, and cultural identity.
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Plus rotating temporary exhibits on topics from wrestling in Québec to playful interactive spaces for families.
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Services & Amenities
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Restaurant: A cafeteria-style restaurant inside the museum (check hours on-site). Visitors can also bring lunch; a dining area with a microwave is available in the basement.
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Boutique (Gift Shop): Books, souvenirs, and Québec-made crafts (usually open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
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Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, stroller-friendly, with adapted washrooms and free wheelchair rentals.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
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Buy tickets online in advance if you want to see Titanic—it often sells out.
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Arrive mid-morning or mid-week to avoid crowds.
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Start with the feature exhibition, then move on to the permanent and rotating galleries.
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Don’t miss the building itself: skylights, limestone walls, and integrated historic structures are part of the experience.
Getting Back & Nearby
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After your visit, explore nearby Place Royale or Quartier Petit-Champlain, just steps away.
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Public transit and walking paths make it easy to continue into Old Québec.
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If driving, several paid parking lots are available within a short walk.
Final Note
The Musée de la Civilisation is much more than a museum—it’s a place where past and present connect through powerful stories and creative exhibits. Whether you’re exploring Indigenous culture, reflecting on human migration, or immersing yourself in the Titanic’s history, it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave.