Take a stroll in a large park and look through different lenses to see significant events of Québec’s history, ranging from its territory, its occupation, its battles and its evolution to its current modern issues.

This exhibition about Québec is centred around the theme of encounters: encounters from the past that shaped the present and the future; encounters between peoples, nations and communities, individuals, beliefs and mindsets; heated, identity-based, festive, hurtful and uniting encounters; encounters that were hoped for, impromptu, celebrated or hidden . . . many occasions to learn, to question ourselves, to be surprised and amazed!

An exhibition designed and created by the Musée de la civilisation with the financial support of the ministère de la Culture et des Communications. In other words, Québec is presented in collaboration with the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec and Aliments du Québec.

Logos des partenaires de l'exposition le Québec, autrement dit : Le Gouvernement du Québec, Aliments du Québec et La Commission de la capitale nationale

Collection objects

This reference exhibition on Québec contains 1,300 objects filled with history, witnesses of past and present encounters. And 930 of them are linked to a digital label that shares more information on the object and its environment. A novel way to learn about Québec’s heritage.

Pavilions of the exhibition

Covering 1,570 m2, making it the biggest area ever used for a Musée de la civilisation exhibition, In Other Words, Québec features six pavilions with different themes:

Inhabiting

Inhabiting includes the Cartier-Roberval archaeological site, where two worlds meet, presented by the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec.

Québec is a spectacular, vibrant territory filled with history. This first pavilion explores the many peoples who, over thousands of years, have inhabited the region and met through their journeys.

The Inhabiting pavilion also contains the Cartier-Roberval archaeological site, where two worlds meet, presented by the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec. This part of the exhibition relates the first French colonization attempt on the Cap-Rouge promontory in 1541.

An immersive experience and artefacts found on the archaeological site allow the public to travel to a fascinating era and highlight the first encounters between Europeans and Indigenous peoples on the territory that is now known as Québec.

Living

Four seasons—five or six based on the Indigenous perspective—set the pace for encounters with family, friends and lovers, and for sports, religious and school gatherings.

This pavilion present the cyclical movement of seasons, namely with a captivating projection with seasonal landscapes.

Exchanging

From Indigenous fairs to general stores, to supermarkets, factories and businesses, this pavilion presents the encounters that take place through work, trade, negotiations and spending.

The different trade methods used to obtain goods and services show the economic, geographical. social and political history of populations over time.

Sharing

The aid history reflects the evolution of values and social changes in Québec.

The Sharing Pavilion displays a crucial space for mutual help and solidarity in Québec: a home. A safe space for personal, family and collective life where the different rooms create an ideal space for gatherings and mutual help between family members . . . in the broad sense of the word!

A yellow birch, Québec’s emblematic tree and ultimate symbol of sharing, is also a main element of the pavilion.

Protesting

Upon entering the pavilion, the public is immediately swarmed with archive images of protests, giving them the impression of being there.

Indigenous protests, colonial protests, the women’s right to vote, the right to strike, we meet in solidarity to create a societal change.

To make it happen, we use peaceful actions such as marches or visual arts, but sometimes vandalism, civil disobedience and even weapons are involved.

Belonging

Many people born here identify as Quebecers or Canadians, some even identify as both, and others first identify themselves as members of the First Nations or citizens of the world!

Identity is built around many factors, including gender, family, culture and neighbourhood of residence, and is defined by a specific period and context. This last pavilion is based on this notion.