Contemporary Art Galleries of Quebec: MNBAQ, Madeleine Lacerte, and the Must-Sees

April 29, 2026Carrera Café
Galeries d'art contemporain de Quebec
★ Art & Culture

Contemporary art galleries
of Quebec

Quebec is a vibrant artistic capital. From MNBAQ to the Madeleine Lacerte Gallery, through the emerging spaces of Old Quebec, art here dialogues with history.

Pole Position
National Art

The National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec establishes itself as the main art circuit in the capital.

The MNBAQ is housed in three pavilions in the Battlefields Park: the Lassonde Pavilion, the Girard-Rinfret Pavilion, and the former Gerard-Morisset Pavilion. Together, they form a major art circuit from the 19th century to the most contemporary creation.

The permanent collection covers Quebecois art with rare depth. Jean-Paul Riopelle, Paul-Emile Borduas, Jean-Paul Lemieux, as well as new generations of creators redefining Quebec's artistic identity.

Temporary exhibitions, often spectacular, attract international artists and create a fertile dialogue between Quebecois tradition and global trends. A visit to MNBAQ is a complete tour of the creative circuit.

Tight Turn
Reference Gallery

For over thirty years, the Madeleine Lacerte Gallery has charted the straight line of contemporary Quebecois art.

Located in the Saint-Roch neighborhood, the Madeleine Lacerte Gallery is one of the most respected galleries in Canada. It represents established and emerging artists with remarkable editorial flair, offering intimate and impactful exhibitions.

The gallery has helped launch careers, propelled works into major institutional collections, and maintained a constant dialogue between artists and their audience. It is a space where art is experienced, not just viewed.

Every opening here is an event. Art lovers from Quebec gather, debate, and discover. Before or after the visit, a stop at Carrera Cafe allows conversations to continue over a strong espresso, inspired by the rhythm of discoveries.

❖ Reference

Madeleine Lacerte Gallery

Thirty years of editorial finesse, artistic commitment, and discoveries that stand the test of time.

NeighborhoodSaint-Roch
SpecialtyContemporary Quebecois
FormatShopping Gallery
New Tower
Emerging Art

Zone Orange Gallery bets on boldness and novelty, a paddock for tomorrow's talents.

❖ Emerging

Zone Orange Gallery

A dynamic space dedicated to emerging artists, unexpected installations, and unlikely encounters between disciplines.

SpecialtyEmerging art and installation
AtmosphereYoung, urban, bold
Within the ramparts
Art at the heart of heritage

Old Quebec houses galleries that create a dialogue between contemporary art and five centuries of history.

★ Heritage

Petit-Champlain Art Gallery

Nestled in the heart of the oldest commercial district in North America, this gallery features Quebec artists in an exceptional heritage setting. A few steps from Carrera Cafe, it invites you to extend the walk with an artistic discovery.

LocationPetit-Champlain
StyleFigurative Quebec and landscape
❖ Shop

Tresor Street Galleries

Along Tresor Street in Upper Town, these open-air galleries present engravings, watercolors, and original illustrations. A Quebec tradition that has turned the street into a living gallery since the 1960s.

LocationUpper Town, near the Chateau
FormatStreet gallery, open air
Create your route
Artistic lap

From Lower Town to Upper Town, Quebec offers a rich and diverse art circuit. Here's how to compose your ideal day.

In the morning, start with the MNBAQ at the Battlefields Park: the large rooms, natural light, the museum cafe for a first break. Plan at least two hours for the permanent collection.

Late morning, go down to Saint-Roch for the Madeleine Lacerte Gallery. The neighborhood is lively, terraces start to come alive. A sandwich and a latte at a neighborhood cafe before continuing.

In the afternoon, head back towards Old Quebec, cross Tresor Street, enter the Petit-Champlain Gallery. Then, let your legs guide you to Place-Royale, Carrera Cafe for an espresso on the terrace, and a final stop in one of the Petit-Champlain galleries.

A glass of natural wine at Carrera Cafe at the end of the day, accompanied by a board of organic Charlevoix charcuterie, and the art day becomes a perfect day.

Barista's tip
★ Cultural Pit Stop

Espresso before the gallery

Before entering an exhibition, take a moment. A strong espresso at Carrera Cafe calms the mind, sharpens the gaze. Art is better experienced when you're not rushed. Our Circuit Iced Latte is also a good option in hot weather, to tackle the MNBAQ with the freshness of a driver at the start.

Experience the culture
Carrera Cafe, Petit-Champlain

Between two galleries, Carrera Cafe awaits you with its espressos, boards, and Italian atmosphere inspired by legendary circuits.

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