Frequently asked questions

Yes, you have to go through the MNBAQ ticket counter to receive the bracelet that will allow you to enter the galleries. 

Tickets are non-refundable. 

Tickets may be changed in exceptional situations, subject to availability. However, the type of activity cannot be changed. Changes can be made by telephone or at the MNBAQ ticket counter. 

Gift certificates can only be purchased at the MNBAQ ticket counter. 

If you fall into one of these categories, admission to the MNBAQ is free:

• Children aged 12 and under
• Québec residents under 20 (on the first Sunday of the month)
• Media representatives, on presentation of a press card
• ICOM (International Council of Museums) cardholders
• Members of the Société des musées du Québec
• Accès-Musée program participants and companions
• ROAM cardholders
• Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo program members
• People taking part in the Emprunter un Musée (“Borrow a museum”) program (partnership with Québec City libraries)
• Members of the Quebec City Tour Guide Association
• Members of the Canadian Museums Association
• Destination Québec cité Privilege Card holders
• Museum staff via the Accès intermusée program
• Members of the Association of Art Museum Directors
• Members of the National Assembly 

Yes, the MNBAQ has two parking lots:

• The first is near the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion
• The second is next to the Saint-Dominique church
• There is also short-term and paid street parking available nearby. 

Yes, a free cloakroom is available at the entrance to the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion (179 Grande Allée W., Québec City). 

The following items are not permitted in the galleries:

• Food and drinks
• Umbrellas
• Oversized backpacks and large handbags
• Cameras with flash 

No, because food and drink are not allowed in the galleries. 

Yes, wheelchairs are available at the MNBAQ. They are free of charge and do not require a reservation. 

• Talk to the cloakroom or ticket counter staff.
• Outside opening hours, you can contact MNBAQ security at 418-643-8119. 

Yes, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi access on your laptop or smartphone. 

Yes, the MNBAQ Librairie-Boutique is free to access without a ticket during opening hours. 

Yes, there are two places to eat at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec: Café Québecor or the to-go smart fridge. We’d be happy to serve you even if you’re not visiting the Musée!

Generally, the MNBAQ is less busy at lunchtime and at the end of the day. 

It depends. It generally takes about an hour to visit a single exhibition, but it can take an entire day to visit the museum campus and its pavilions.

• These tours are free with a ticket, but it’s best to book them on the MNBAQ website or over the phone. 

• You can also join tour groups at the MNBAQ if there are places available. 

   

The MNBAQ does not lend audio guides, as the audio content for exhibitions can be accessed from the MNBAQ website on your smartphone. 

The MNBAQ does not lend headphones, but they can be purchased at the Librairie-Boutique if needed. 

Yes, you can take photos in the galleries, but tripods and flash photography are prohibited. 

• You are welcome to draw in the Musée’s collection rooms, using pencil or coloured pencil only.
• However, you must not set up large objects in passageways or in front of emergency exits. 

Only service animals are permitted, namely:

• Mira-certified animals
• Guide dogs from the Lions Foundation of Canada 

Accessibility is one of the MNBAQ’s priorities. Visit this page to learn about our accessibility policy.

Entry is free for children aged 12 and under, but you must reserve a ticket. 

We regularly offer tours designed specifically for families. Please check the programming for more information

Yes, strollers are available at the MNBAQ. They are free of charge and do not require a reservation. 

• The MNBAQ has a nursing room, a quiet, softly lit space where families can feed and change their little ones.
• Many of the restrooms also have changing tables.
• Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult to access the galleries. 

• No running.
• No touching the artwork.
• No shouting.
• Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult to access the galleries. 

The MNBAQ only authenticates and appraises works as part of its acquisition process, when works are being prepared to join the national collection. 

• For reasons of independence and impartiality, the MNBAQ cannot favour one company over another, nor can it provide references. If you are looking to have art appraised, we recommend that you contact:
• A gallery owner
• An antique dealer
• An auctioneer
• Most of Canada’s major commercial galleries are members of the Art Dealers Association of Canada. 

• To submit an acquisition proposal, please send your file to collections@mnbaq.org.
• Be sure to include at least one photo for each piece you are submitting, along with the following information: artist’s name, title of the piece, dimensions, and date the piece was created.
• Add all relevant documents: invoices, appraisal reports, certificates of authenticity, history of ownership.