The Maison des sciences, presented in 2022, was to be installed on the 6th floor of the Camille-Roy pavilion, in Old Quebec. A place, it was said, “symbolic of the history of science in America”.
As part of the “major Cité du Séminaire project”, this new space dedicated to scientific knowledge, supported by the Museum of Civilization, was to complete the future Blue Space of the National Capital.
However, to replace the Blue Space, whose death was recently announced by the Legault government, the Prime Minister announced last week the creation of the National Museum of the History of Quebec, the opening of which is planned in the same building, in spring 2026.
According to the Quebec government, it will take over an important place in the pavilion, renovated at great expense. The National Museum of the History of Quebec will occupy “almost the entire building. with the exception of a few premises which will remain the property of the Seminary,” specifies the office of the Minister of Culture, Mathieu Lacombe. Among them, a promotions room, a large lounge and other meeting rooms, we detail.
A new site could therefore accommodate the House of Sciences. According to information from Sun, she could be called upon to drop anchor a few stone’s throw away.
Without saying too much, the Museum of Civilization promises “an update” in the coming weeks, by summer. His desire to complete his project seems intact, while he assures that “the project is not in danger”.
The precise budget of the project could be known at the same time. While a private fundraising campaign is still underway and aims to raise the sum of 5 million by 2026, the City of Quebec has already confirmed its contribution. Its ten-year capital plan 2024-2033 reserves an amount of 2.5 million.
Concerned opposition
The official opposition at Quebec City Hall was concerned earlier this week about the fate of the Maison des sciences.
“We wonder what happens to this project,” questioned chef Claude Villeneuve at a press briefing on Monday.
Claude Villeneuve, leader of the official opposition (Caroline Grégoire/Archives Le Soleil)
Saying he hoped for the realization of this “interesting facility” desired for a long time in Quebec, the municipal elected official nevertheless wondered about the place where it could take place. “If it’s not at the Camille-Roy Pavilion, where is it supposed to be?”
Given the amounts budgeted by the City, Mr. Villeneuve asks to be kept informed of potential modifications made to the Maison des sciences. “Does the National History Museum project marginalize this project? We want to know what it is,” he asks. With the collaboration of Olivier Bossé and Léa Harvey
