Museum of Civilization (Musee de la Civilisation), Quebec City (must see)

The Museum of Civilization is found in the heart of Quebec City's port district, not far from the shores of the Saint Lawrence River. Inaugurated in 1988, the museum explores the history (much as the present and the future) of human civilization and that of Quebec, in particular.

Architecturally, the venue comprises several historic buildings, such as the former Bank of Quebec edifice, the Guillaume-Estèbe house (Maison Guillaume-Estèbe) – now home to the museum shop and administration, and the vaulted cellars of the Pagé-Quercy house. Albeit generally in line with the traditional style of this part of the city, the museum's main building's modern exterior – the roof, the windows, and the bell tower – strikingly contrasts the neighboring architecture.

Designed by Moshe Safdie, the mastermind behind Montreal's revolutionary Habitat 67, the museum's front entry is tucked away into an incline, which gives it a bit of a natural touch, with a glass roof and greenery sprouting along the sides. Once inside, you will find yourself in a well-lit spacious lobby, clad in glass and dominated by Astri Reusch's "La Débâcle" sculpture. This environmental piece is said to be inspired by the springtime accumulation of ice in the Saint Lawrence river.

The three-story building accommodates ten different exhibits simultaneously, three of which are permanent and rooted in the region's history. The one called “The Time of Quebecers” (“Le Temps des Québécois”) is a summary of significant events that have shaped modern Quebec, from the days of the first nations and Inuit culture to the present.

Located in the basement are the so-called “discovery spaces”, interactive activity sites intended mainly for the young audience. Here, the exhibit called “Once upon a time” allows children to dress up as their favorite characters and recreate tales in an interactive environment, while the on-site Creaform lab introduces visitors to the issues of the digital world such as robotics, basic programming, and electrical circuits.

Vast on the inside, the museum is capable of holding hundreds of people at a time, so you'll never feel cramped. There's something for everyone, regardless of age and specific interests. Many exhibits offer "hands-on" experience. Although both English and French tours are available, visitors are free to walk through and explore on their own.

Tip:
If you arrive at 4 pm for the last hour, you can get in at a half price, but note: to see the core exhibits, you should allow yourself at least three hours. Alternatively, you can get a discount if you visit this museum and the National Museum of Fine Arts (Musée National des Beaux-Arts) on the same day.