The museum is evolving
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) will open a new chapter in its history with the creation of the Espace Riopelle (Riopelle's Space)*, a pavilion dedicated to Jean Paul Riopelle that will be integrated into the Musée’s existing complex. To support this transformation project, the Fondation du MNBAQ has launched a major fundraising campaign to which all Quebecers are invited to contribute.
Project Overview | News | Major Fundraising Campaign | Architectural Competition | Budget and Schedule | Discover Jean Paul Riopelle | FAQ
Project overview
Riopelle' s dream
The bond between Jean Paul Riopelle – painter, sculptor, and engraver – and the MNBAQ began many years ago. In 1956, the MNBAQ became the first museum to acquire one of Riopelle’s works, and it has been passionately committed to promoting the artist ever since. Today, the MNBAQ houses the largest public collection of works by the painter and sculptor. In the 1980s, Riopelle himself dreamed of creating an exhibition space devoted to his own work in dialogue with the work of other artists, in what is now the Charles-Baillairgé Pavilion. In 2026, in almost the same spot, his dream will become a reality...
Located at the end of Wolfe-Montcalm Avenue and overlooking the Plains of Abraham, the new pavilion will replace part of the current Central Pavilion. With its breathtaking views of the river, the building’s exceptional location will reflect the distinctive qualities of Riopelle’s work, particularly its deep connection with nature.
Highlights
- New nerve center of the museum complex that will offer unique, spacious, and inspiring living spaces opening onto the park
- Display and enhancement of the largest public collection of Riopelle’s work
- Creation of new dialogues between Riopelle’s work and that of contemporary artists from all disciplines
- Digital art and outdoor installations that will ultimately make this meeting place a key venue in Québec City
- The gateway to the MNBAQ’s education through art centre devoted to research and education that seeks to heighten awareness among all clienteles of the importance of art in our society
- Unique sensory experience of his masterpiece, L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg
“The Espace Riopelle at the heart of the museum complex will give concrete expression to our vision of a dynamic, inclusive museum. The building’s outstanding location will help to make it a site conducive to exploration and reflection while enriching the iconic collection of Jean Paul Riopelle’s work. Every contribution is essential to the creation of this space, which will underpin varied cultural discoveries and enhance the MNBAQ’s international profile.”– Jean-Luc Murray, Director General of the MNBAQ
News
Photo: Louis Hébert, MNBAQ
The Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec has launched its major fundraising campaign
September 26, 2024 ¤ The Musée national des beaux‑arts du Québec (MNBAQ) today launched the biggest fundraising campaign in the history of cultural philanthropy in Québec. The members of the campaign cabinet, who will watch over the destiny of the MNBAQ and the Fondation du MNBAQ through their exemplary commitment, have been announced.
- Official Groundbreaking of the Espace Riopelle Pavilion - May 4, 2024
- Construction to begin of the Espace Riopelle Pavilion - April 4, 2024
- An unprecedented partnership bewteen François Chartier and the MNBAQ - January 30, 2023
- Future Espace Riopelle: Les architectes fabg wins the architectural competition - September 7, 2022
- A unique setting for L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg - July 4, 2022 (French only)
- Architectural Design Competition Finalists Revealed - May 19, 2022
- Architectural Design Competition for MNBAQ's Future Espace Riopelle Officially Launched - March 31, 2022
Major fundraising campaign
The biggest fundraising campaign in the history of cultural philanthropy in Québec
The Fondation du MNBAQ’s +D’ART DANS NOS VIES campaign seeks to support the MNBAQ during a crucial phase of its history. It will not only enable the realization of the Espace Riopelle and the implementation of all related activities, but also the creation of the education through art centre, which will be located in the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion and will be deployed throughout the museum. We are making a promise for the future to all Quebecers, who will inherit three lasting legacies:
- The biggest public collection of artist Jean Paul Riopelle’s works;
- The Espace Riopelle, a distinctive new pavilion that will enrich visitors’ experience through new major exhibitions, interactive workshops, and memorable cultural events;
- The education through art centre, an indispensable educational hub that will focus on accessibility and inclusion by offering educational activities devoted to the family, the school environment, and the community sphere.
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project by donating today.
Architectural competition
WINNER
FINALISTS
JURY
BUDGET AND SCHEDULE
This major project will be completed thanks to a unique partnership between the Government of Quebec, the MNBAQ, and the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation.
- Contribution from the Government of Quebec: $44 million
- Contribution from the City of Québec for the creation of a brand new room dedicated to his monumental L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg (1992): $5 million.
- Contribution from patrons of the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation: $25 million
- Contribution from Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec: $10 million
Key Phases
DIscover jean Paul Riopelle
Nearly 450 works online
The celebrations of the centenary of Jean Paul Riopelle’s birth will culminate in the inauguration of the new pavilion at the MNBAQ. But the museum has not waited until now to honour Riopelle’s work, having devoted numerous exhibitions and publications to the artist over the years. In 1956, the MNBAQ became the first museum to acquire one of Riopelle’s works, and it has been passionately committed to promoting the artist ever since.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find questions and answers about the Espace Riopelle.
*The Espace Riopelle (Riopelle Space) is the provisional name. The official name will be announced when it is chosen.