Museum of French-Speaking America

The Musée de l'Amérique francophone, also known as the Museum of French-Speaking America, is located in the Old Quebec neighbourhood of Quebec City, Canada. This museum holds the distinction of being the oldest museum in Canada, making it a significant part of the country's cultural heritage.

Collection Highlights

The museum's collection is diverse and rich, featuring books from the Séminaire de Québec's library, some dating back to the 16th century. It also houses a restricted section called 'Enfer' or 'Hell' in English. In addition to books, the museum's collection includes artifacts from Cyprus, paintings, first-edition publications of The Birds of America and Encyclopédie, and a recreation of the organ from the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec.

Museum Management and Name Changes

The Musée de l'Amérique francophone's collection has been under the management of the Musée de la civilisation since 1995. The museum, which opened its doors on 22 October 1806 as the Musée du Séminaire, is the oldest museum in Canada. It underwent a name change in 1993 to become the Musée de l'Amérique française and later became part of the Musée de la civilisation in 1995. In 2013, the museum was renamed to its current name, Musée de l'Amérique francophone, as part of a modernisation campaign by the Musée de la civilisation.