Musee de l'Amerique Francaise, Quebec

This museum is now part of the Civilization Museum.

The museum has a large collection of artefacts showing the development of the French civilization in North America.

Also not to be missed, the wooden chapel in teh Grand Seminaire. It's beautiful.

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La Musee de l'Amerique francaise, or the Museum of French America, is the oldest museum in Canada. It grew out of the old Seminary, founded in 1663 by Monsignor Francois Laval to train priests. It contains a priceless collection of old coins, weapons, maps, religious icons, and other relics of the French colonial era. Be sure to visit the old reconstructed chapel.

One thing about our May, 2005 accommodations in the heart of Old Quebec City was it's very close proximity to a number of interesting attractions. We spent one windy and cold afternoon exploring what the Musee de l'Amerique Francaise had to offer! Located on what is now part of Laval University, and encompassing the historic buildings of The Seminary (one of the first religious orders in Quebec stemming from the mid-1600s), it basically outlines the history of French exploration throughout North America.

At a cost of C$5 each (~US$4), the self-guided tour starts with a display of artifacts uncovered from the site of Quebec City's first house, built by Louis Hebert in 1642. After passing through an adjoining Chapel, a passageway to a separate building leads to a number of exhibits on 3-floors dealing with the history of the large stone-constructed multistorey Seminary buildings. They were rebuilt many times over the centuries following disasters such as fires and bombardment by the British attackers. The final segment of the tour on the top floor is actually the most interesting, containing a number of exhibits covering different parts of the continent and detailing the impact of French explorers such as LaSalle. Quite an interesting and amusing short film is shown as a Quebecois expounds on his views of the trials and tribulations of life in Quebec over the centuries. I enjoyed this afternoon tour! The photo shows the old rounded building, with it's adjoining chapel, where you enter to buy your tickets and begin the tour.

Musee de l'Amerique francaise focuses on the history of the French-speaking people in North America. It was built on the historical site of the Quebec Seminary dating to 1663. The neo-classical style building was built in 1838 by architect Thomas Baillairge.

There are about a dozen paintings from as early as the 15th century. And a 3500 years old mummy is also on display.

Adult admission is $4. But you can get a discount if you plans to visit Musee de la Civilisation and Centre d'Interpretation Place-Royale.

The oldest museum in Canada, the Musée de l'Amérique francaise is located on the historic site of the Séminaire de Québec dating back to 1663. It traces the history of French settlement and development in North America.