The Musée de Charlevoix is the region's main museum, and it stands at 10 chemin du Havre in Pointe-au-Pic, the historic district of La Malbaie. Its own history page traces the story back to the 1930s, when the American painters Maud and Patrick Morgan organised art shows and promoted local artists, and to 1946, when the collector Roland Gagné founded a private museum honouring the novelist Laure Conan. The Musée régional Laure-Conan was created in 1975 and moved in 1977 into the former post office in downtown La Malbaie, and the present museum opened on 29 July 1990 on chemin du Havre. The building resembles a stylised lighthouse and offers large exhibition and storage spaces. The collection holds thousands of works and objects and focuses on preserving popular art, which is a main draw, with Roland Gagné's collection as its starting point. The museum presents current exhibitions, travelling shows and online exhibitions, so there is usually something new to see, and the permanent collection gives context for the landscapes and villages you drive through.
What to do
Start with whichever exhibition is current, then explore the popular-art collection, which gives an intimate picture of everyday life, craft and humour in Charlevoix. The museum is a good place to understand why artists settled here: the light, the river and the villages are a recurring theme.
Allow time to look at the building itself, which sits close to the river with a view of the shoreline, and take a break in the grounds if the weather is fine. Staff can point out highlights if you have limited time, and signage is available in both French and English.
Seasons and planning
The museum is open year round, typically Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and it closes for a stretch around the end of December and the start of January. Hours can change, so check the museum's site before you go.
Admission is charged, at around 15 Canadian dollars for adults with lower rates for students and seniors, a family rate and free entry for children aged six and under, and Charlevoix residents get a two-for-one rate with proof of address. These are the rates published by the museum and they may change, so confirm them when you plan.
Fitting it in
The museum is the first stop of Tourisme Charlevoix's coast road itinerary, so it fits neatly at the start of a day heading east, and it is only a few minutes from the Casino de Charlevoix and the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. It is an excellent wet-weather or cold-weather option, since it is indoors and open outside the main season.
Pair it with a walk around Pointe-au-Pic, a look at the historic villas along the river and a meal in La Malbaie. Families with older children will find the exhibitions engaging if they are given a short task, such as finding a favourite piece, and photography rules are posted at the entrance.
Practical notes
Many visitors spend more time than they expect in the popular-art rooms, so leave a flexible hour at the end of your plan, and check the museum's site for guided visits or workshops that fit your dates. The gift shop sells books and craft items that make good souvenirs of the region.
What to expect
The experience
A regional museum of art and popular traditions in a lighthouse-like building, with changing exhibitions and a permanent collection.
Best time
Any season, since it is open year round; it is a good choice on cold or wet days.
How long
One to two hours.
Tips
Check opening days and the holiday closure, and bring a camera only if photography rules allow it.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to understand the art and traditions of Charlevoix.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the popular-art collection if given a small task, and young children under six are admitted free.
- Couples
- A quiet indoor hour followed by dinner in Pointe-au-Pic.
- Pair with
- The coast road, the Casino de Charlevoix and a night at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Where is the Musée de Charlevoix?+
At 10 chemin du Havre in Pointe-au-Pic, La Malbaie. It is a few minutes from the Casino de Charlevoix.
Is it open in winter?+
Yes, the museum is open year round, though it closes for a stretch around the end of December and the start of January. Check the days and hours before you go.
How much does it cost?+
The museum publishes around 15 Canadian dollars for adults, lower rates for students and seniors, a family rate and free entry for children aged six and under. Rates may change.
What does the museum collect?+
It holds thousands of works and objects and focuses on preserving popular art, with Roland Gagné's collection as its starting point.
When did the museum open?+
The present museum opened on 29 July 1990 at chemin du Havre, after earlier museums honouring the novelist Laure Conan.
