Espace Riopelle

The Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain is a lasting tribute from the centennial celebrations for artist Jean Paul Riopelle (1923–2002), honouring the artistic legacy of one of the most influential Québec and Canadian artists of the 20^th century.

The new three-storey building in the heart of the museum complex will house a selection of pieces from the largest public collection of this world-renowned painter, sculptor, and lithographer. 

With its striking views of the St. Lawrence River and the Plains of Abraham, the Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain creates a unique harmony between art, architecture, and nature—the latter being an endless source of inspiration for Riopelle. Once it opens, you’ll be able to explore 4 new exhibitions and enjoy innovative experiences where senses and emotions are at the forefront.

This world-class building will be a major architectural and cultural legacy for all Quebecers. It also promises to be a must-see attraction for visitors from around the globe. 

The Espace Riopelle is the result of an unprecedented partnership between the Québec government and philanthropists to create a one-of-a-kind showcase for one of Québec’s most illustrious artists. 

It will be an exceptional home for the largest public collection of Riopelle’s work—recently expanded thanks to major donations of works from philanthropists Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa, and Pierre Lassonde— and a fitting tribute to an invaluable artistic legacy. 

The Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain itself will boast a stunning view of the Plains of Abraham and the St. Lawrence River, creating a unique opportunity to experience the magnitude of the art against an awe-inspiring natural backdrop.

Jean Paul Riopelle was one of the most influential Québec artists of his age.  As early as the 1940s, he helped revitalize the Canadian art world, with his free-spirited, gestural style raising the profile of Canadian art around the globe. To this day, he remains an important figure in the Automatisme and Abstraction Lyrique movements. His contribution to the history of art is both indisputable and extraordinary. 

Riopelle’s art transcends borders; his works can be found in public and private collections in over 60 cities in 18 countries on six continents. The artist had ties to figures like Joan Mitchell, Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, Sam Francis, and Zao Wou-Ki, and to this day his works remain some of the world’s most sought-after art by a Canadian artist.

With its striking architecture, exceptional location, and impressive curation, the Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain will be a showcase worthy of this artistic titan’s legacy. 

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec was the first museum to acquire one of Riopelle’s works: the 1956 painting Perce-neige. Today, it is home to the most important public collection of his art, with over 500 paintings, sculptures, and prints. Among others, the collection features masterpieces like Espagne (1951), Jardin (1957), Pangnirtung (1977), and Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg (1992).

Over its history, the MNBAQ has dedicated a number of exhibitions to Riopelle, including the 1967 retrospective Peintures et sculpture de Riopelle, followed by Riopelle: Impressions sans fin (2005–2006), Zao Wou-Ki: « Hommage à Riopelle » et peintures récentes (2008), Riopelle: Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg (1996), Around Jean Paul Riopelle (2014), and Mitchell/Riopelle: Nothing in Moderation (2017). 

In 1985, Riopelle dreamed of creating an exhibition space devoted to his own work in what is now the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion. With the Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain, his wish has come true. 

With more than 500 works, the MNBAQ houses the largest public collection of Riopelle’s art.

Over the past five years, major donations have added another 53 works to that collection, including 37 pieces donated by philanthropic couple Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa and 9 paintings donated by philanthropist Pierre Lassonde.

The Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain will feature more than 130 pieces from the collection, spanning more than five decades of the artist’s career. The pavilion will also be home to a new display of Québec’s modern art collection that highlights the work of some 50 artists, 24 of whom are women. It will focus extensively on the work of the Automatistes and draw illuminating parallels between Riopelle and the other painters in the movement.

Activities and events in the pavilion will also put Riopelle’s work in dialogue with that of contemporary and emerging artists.

Following a competition, Québec-based Les Architectes fabg was chosen to design the Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain. 

Among other things, the jury of international experts applauded the firm’s extensive experience in creating cultural spaces, the technical skill of its team, and the quality and originality of its solutions for creating a seamless and thought-provoking experience. 

The architect and designers struck a successful balance between the requirements related to art, the natural setting, and the neighbouring historic buildings, carefully integrating the building into the museum complex. They managed to capture Riopelle’s creative genius by designing a dynamic, ascending path through a signature building that will become a beautiful feature in the landscape. 

It gave our teams the time and conditions they need to complete the preparatory phase of the work, and especially to prepare and reorganize our storerooms. This is not something that can be done quickly, as there are more than 42,000 works in our collections.

Many works, especially sculptures and works made of glass or other fragile materials, needed to be relocated so they wouldn’t be damaged by vibrations from the construction. This long interlude is necessary for a transformative project of this scale.

All public and exhibition spaces in the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion will remain open.

The Musée’s main entrance is in the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion at 179 Grande Allée West. The central pavilion entrance is no longer accessible.

The parking lot behind the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion (the former prison) is open during construction on the Espace Riopelle, but there are fewer spaces available.

The parking lot may be full when you come to visit the Musée. If so, we encourage you to use the nearby public parking lots.

Otherwise, you can avoid the hassle of parking by taking public transit. The Musée is served by the 11 bus, which stops directly across from the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion. Metrobus routes 800 and 801 also stop nearby, on René-Lévesque Boulevard.

In summer, there is an àVélo bike-sharing station on De Bourlamaque Avenue, just a few metres from the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion. We also offer racks for personal bicycles to the left of the Musée’s main entrance, along the side of Saint-Dominique Church.

The pavilions and their galleries will gradually reopen in the months following the grand opening of the new pavilion. 

All our services are centralized. The cloakroom, Librairie-Boutique, restaurant, mediation activities, corporate activities, and group check-ins are now all in the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion.

Even though the layout of the complex is changing temporarily, we are continuing to offer a variety of programming. You can enjoy our cultural activities throughout the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion and in the Sandra and Alain Bouchard Auditorium, the Grand Hall, public spaces, and the new spaces created in the galleries.

Yes, all spaces in the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion can be rented during construction. Learn more about space rentals

Member satisfaction is our top priority, and our team wants to minimize the impact on our Members. The most popular benefits, like free and unlimited access to the Musée, priority access to major exhibitions, exclusive events for Members, and special rates on services and activities, are not changing. We are also adjusting some of the privileges offered to our Members to better align with their interests.

The membership packages will remain the same, with single (ages 18–30, 31–64, and 65+), Duo (two Members or one Member + one guest), and Allié (philanthropic) memberships.

You will be the first to know about any changes to the Musée’s offer.

Tickets will go on sale this summer, with priority being given to MNBAQ Members. Make sure to subscribe to the MNBAQ newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!

The Espace Riopelle Grand Opening promises to be exceptional. Join us for four days of festivities from October 22 to 25 to celebrate this historic moment and get to know the new pavilion. The MNBAQ team has prepared a special program for the occasion.

Please note that admission to Espace Riopelle is free for children 17 and under.

As a Member, you enjoy free access to the Museum’s exhibitions and collection as part of our regular programming. Admission fees for the Espace Riopelle have been raised to support the grand opening festivities. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore the new pavilion and celebrate a historic moment.

Please note that admission to Espace Riopelle is free for children 17 and under.

The MNBAQ wants to give as many people as possible the chance to experience the new Espace Riopelle. That’s why we are giving Members the chance to tour the pavilion with people who are not yet Members. Please note, however, that reservations are required and non-Members must purchase tickets at regular rates.