At 12 Rue Donnacona in Old Québec, the Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines traces the Ursuline Sisters’ history and their work educating girls from their arrival in 1639. Exhibitions explore religious and social life in Québec, with art, musical instruments, preserved classrooms and bedrooms, and objects from the community’s collections. The chapel across the street is a separate highlight, with carved wood, religious paintings and gilded decoration. The museum is designed for self-guided visits; check in advance whether a guided tour is available.
The Ursulines’ teaching mission
The museum follows the Ursuline Sisters’ story from their arrival in Québec in 1639. Their work centred on educating girls in New France, and the exhibitions place that mission within the religious and social history of the city. The community’s school served girls as boarders as well as those considering life in the order. Displays about the students and the nuns give the visit a close view of daily life inside the institution, alongside its wider role in education.
Exhibitions and collections
The exhibitions bring together art, musical instruments and objects associated with the Ursulines’ history. Preserved classrooms and bedrooms show the spaces connected with teaching and boarding life. Permanent displays cover the community’s beginnings and its artistic work; temporary exhibitions add other perspectives on its history. The collection includes ethnographic and artistic material from North America. Together, the displays connect the community’s religious work with its educational and cultural contributions.
The chapel across the street
The chapel is across the street from the museum and can be visited separately. Its religious paintings and carved wood are among its central features, including decoration made by the Ursulines with gilded leaves. The chapel also displays older works of art and objects embroidered by members of the community. One painting depicts the exchange of money for Christian captives held by Muslim traders. The scene includes bound captives, figures gathered around the transaction and a divine figure above. The material provided does not give further information about the painting, so visitors looking for its full history may want to ask whether staff can provide context.
Planning a museum visit
The museum is set up for self-guided visits, and guided tours are not guaranteed. Contact the site before going if a tour is important to you. Its exhibits occupy several floors; an elevator and a small lift are available for visitors who need help with the stairs. The chapel is across the street, so allow time for both sites if you want to see the art and the museum displays. The museum is closed on Mondays and opens in the afternoon from Tuesday to Friday; it opens earlier on weekends.
FAQ
Where is the Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines?
It is at 12 Rue Donnacona in Old Québec, Québec City. The chapel is across the street.
Are guided tours available?
The museum is designed for self-guided visits, and guided tours depend on staff availability. Check ahead if you want to join one.
What can you see at the museum?
Exhibitions cover Ursuline history and education, with art, musical instruments, preserved classrooms and bedrooms, and objects from the community’s collections.
Is the museum accessible for visitors who cannot use stairs?
The museum has an elevator and a small lift for its interior steps. Wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms and parking are listed.
