Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

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.

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.

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.

The contemporary building is small but mighty! Wonderful compact three Foote exhibit space. The best pet was their stellar Canadian Industrial Design exhibit on the third floor.

What a good museum! Multiple floors in three buildings, joined by a pedestrian tunnel. From historic to contemporary, works from Quebec artists, Quebec scenes. Impressive exhibition of works by Inuit artist, Manasie Akpaliapik. Entire gallery for each of several artists, including Pellan, Lemieux, Riopelle, Leduc, etc. Fun pictures as part of Mimèsis, where people re-created paintings in their own homes. Creative use of the former jail cells in the Baillairgé pavilion, currently for displays about the Rohingya. I spent two hours, but it would be easy to spend longer. Nice gift shop. The café on the ground floor of the main building didn’t appear to offer any vegan meals.

Very good museum in Quebec. Bourdais exposition was fascinations as we were able to meet a québécois artist. The staff was very very kind, they showed they really like their job and the museum

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!

National Art Museum of Quebec. Beautiful interior design with many Famous art pieces and open and quiet environment during visit. Kids friendly. Worth to go. Their permanent exhibitions are free admission now til April.