Preschool and Elementary

Open the door to their imagination. We invite preschool and elementary children to get curious as they learn about art through experiences specially designed for them. The tours are punctuated with observation games, inspiring stories, and exploration activities to awaken students’ imagination and encourage expression. At the Musée, art is brought to life with a friendly, engaging approach.

Kindergarten and Grade 1
Duration: 90 minutes 
Rate: $150/class
Capacity: Maximum of 2 classes at a time
Language: French
The tour is followed by a craft workshop.

Come discover the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion with our youngest visitors! This walk invites them to explore the spaces, admire the works, and awaken their curiosity. Along the way, they get to enjoy educational games and activities, turning an introduction to art into a fun, interactive experience. It’s the perfect way to get to know the Musée, marvel at its collections, and experience art while having fun!

  • A group of elementary school students visiting the exhibition Nous. Left: Marie-Claude Pratte, Portraits de société, 1999–2000 (CP.2020.14) © Marie-Claude Pratte

Grades 2 to 6
Duration: 90 minutes
Rate: $150/class
Capacity: Maximum of 2 classes at a time
Language: French
The tour is followed by a craft workshop.  

Animals, whether furry or feathered, have inspired artists throughout the ages. As your students explore the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, they’ll encounter wild, domestic, imaginary, and symbolic animals through fascinating works of art. These painted and sculpted animals will start conversations where they learn how to engage with the works and expand their knowledge of the animal kingdom. 

  • Creative workshop with two children sitting at a table doing crafts at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

Grades 5 and 6
Duration: 90 minutes
Rate: $150/class
Capacity: Maximum of 2 classes at a time
Language: French
The tour is followed by a craft workshop.

How do artists bring their ideas to life? On this tour, your students will consider the ways that shapes, colours, and materials are transformed to tell unique stories. As they admire different types of art—from painting to sculpture, from design to Inuit art—they will be encouraged to make observations, ask questions, and compare different artistic approaches to understand how each artist expresses how they see the world.

  • A school group visiting the exhibition Nous. Center: Théodore Hamel, Adolphe, Auguste, Eugène, and Alphonse Hamel, nephews of the artist, 1947 (1967.05)

Kindergarten and Grade 1
Duration: 90 minutes
Rate: $150/class
Capacity: Maximum of 2 classes at a time
Language: French
The tour is followed by a craft workshop.

Get to know Jean Paul Riopelle in a space dedicated to one of Québec’s greatest artists. This tour through the brand-new building is filled with observations, games, and discoveries about the Musée and Riopelle himself. Through the lens of his work and that of other artists, students will discover the many different ways that artists can combine shapes, colours, materials, and techniques to bring their visions to life. Their curiosity and sense of wonder will be awakened, making this introduction to the MNBAQ and the world of Jean Paul Riopelle unforgettable.

  • A group of kindergarten students at the museum

Grades 5 and 6
Duration: 90 minutes
Rate: $150/class
Capacity: Maximum of 2 classes at a time
Language: French
The tour is followed by a craft workshop.

Follow in Riopelle’s footsteps as you tour the brand-new building dedicated to this titan of Québec art. Your students will get to know him better through his own paintings, sculptures, and lithographs, as well as works by other artists that provide complementary perspectives on his time and his artistic approach. Through observation and discussion, students will learn about his sources of inspiration, as well as his relationship with nature, the creative process, and materials. It’s a fascinating journey into Jean Paul Riopelle’s world.

  • A group of elementary school students at the museum

2nd and 3rd Grades
Duration: 90 minutes
Rate: $250 per class
Capacity: Maximum of one class at a time (35 students)

Give your students a unique experience where they can both explore the Musée’s galleries and practice yoga. This activity gives them the chance to admire works from the collection, then take that inspiration into a yoga session where they’ll be introduced to movement, breathing, and relaxation. They’ll start with a tour of our galleries and then enjoy a 45-minute yoga session. Yoga mats are provided by the Musée. Comfortable yoga attire (gym clothes) recommended.

  • A group of students participating in a school museum-yoga activity

Preschool and Elementary
Rate: Free

Would you like to explore the collections or temporary exhibitions with your class on your own? Book a self-guided tour and explore the MNBAQ at your own pace, without a guide.

  • A group of elementary school students on a self-guided tour

Kindergarten to Grade 2
Duration: 45 to 55 minutes 
Rate: $70/class
One class at a time
Language: French

Go on an incredible adventure through the Musée’s virtual galleries and lead a captivating investigation alongside our guides. Our works of art weave a fascinating tale, and your students will decide how the story ends.  

  • Jacques Leblond de Latour, Saint Michel terrassant le dragon, between 1695 and 1705 (1974.256)

Grades 3 to 6
Duration: 45 to 55 minutes
Rate: $70/class
Capacity: One class at a time
Language: French

Many works of art tell stories filled with intriguing characters and extraordinary settings. Come learn about the myths and legends they recount and get lost in their worlds as you imagine a fantastical story. As your students interact with our guides, they’ll be challenged to think creatively about different concepts using the group’s observations on works of art and their interpretation.

  • Henri Julien, La Chasse-galerie, 1906 (1934.254)
Available dates*: November 20, December 4, 2026; January 22 and 29; February 5, 12, and 19; April 9 and 23; May 7, 14, and 21; June 4, 2027
 

Ages 6 to 12
Duration: 60 minutes (prévoyez 15 minutes de plus pour l’accueil et le vestiaire)
Rate: $150/group
Capacity: Up to 40 children for the activity / Up to 80 children if the activity is held in rotation with a self-guided tour

Did you know that the artist Jean Paul Riopelle claimed to have depicted more than 2,000 owls during his career? This painter, sculptor, and drawer’s favourite bird takes centre stage in this festive workshop. Using cutting and pasting techniques, create an owl hat to wear with pride. Will your owl stare back curiously, or perhaps with an air of mystery? Grab your scissors!

* Subject to availability on the desired date.

  • Owl Hat activity for childcare services at the MNBAQ

Reservations can only be made over the phone at 418-644-6460, ext. 5541. Reservations will be confirmed in writing approximately one month before the tour.  

Monday to Friday  
 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

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