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 one of the first museums 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. 

The construction work was carried out by Tisseur.