When you visit Old Quebec, step into history at the Musée de l'Amérique francophone, Canada's oldest museum. Located right beside the historic Séminaire de Québec as part of the Musée de la civilisation complex, this fascinating destination occupies a building originally blueprinted in 1838 by Thomas Baillairgé with a distinctive round facade and an attached former chapel. Inside, you will discover extraordinary collection pieces that range from ancient Cypriot artifacts to fine paintings by artists like Joseph Légaré and Jean Paul Lemieux.
Explore rare treasures including a four-volume first edition of Audubon’s The Birds of America, a copy of Encyclopédie, and a reconstructed 1753 chapel organ set on the second-floor balcony. History buffs will love exploring the museum's famous Enfer (Inferno) section, a collection of pre-1920 restricted books featuring handwritten notes, redactions, and letters from bishops granting or denying reading permissions. You can also wander through engaging exhibitions like On the Road: The Francophone Odyssey, which traces the journey of French-speaking migrants across North America.
Whether you are inspecting 16th-century texts at the French America Reference Centre or admiring fine art, this museum offers an unforgettable glimpse into North American heritage.
What to see at Musée de l'Amérique française
- Explore the forbidden pre-1920 Enfer book collection with original notes and bishop letters.
- View rare first-edition publications of Audubon's The Birds of America and Encyclopédie.
- See ancient Cypriot ceramic artifacts and sculptures ranging from the Neolithic to Medieval periods.
- Admire the reconstructed 1753 chapel organ installed on the second-floor balcony.
- Discover exhibits detailing French-speaking migration across North America.
Visiting tips
Head up to the second-floor interior balcony to see the reconstructed 1753 chapel organ built specifically for the museum.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Musée de l'Amérique française is easy to reach on Quebec City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Quebec City travel guide.
See the full Quebec City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.