Stories from near and far: three fascinating exhibits to see at the Musée de la civilisation this summer

Located in the heart of Old Québec, the Musée de la civilisation offers plenty of educational, playful exhibitions, exploring different facets of human reality and the society surrounding it in creative and innovative ways. Plan to see these three can’t-miss exhibits this summer!

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum

The exhibit Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum, on display until September 22, 2024, will launch you head first into the fascinating world of the gladiators, whose fights–part of a larger-than-life spectacle–brought fame to their theatre, the Roman Colosseum. You’ll learn all about the origins of gladiator fights, the codes that governed life and death for these men as well as all the admiration lauded upon them. This exhibit presents more than 150 precious artifacts dating back to the ancient Roman period, that highlight the strength and courage of these fighters who often met tragic fates.

Wrestling: Québec in the Ring

Sports, theatre, circus and entertainment: wrestling creates a totally out-there world! The exhibit Wrestling: Québec in the Ring traces key periods of the history of wrestling, its characters and its mythical venues, from humble barns to Madison Square Garden. In Quebec, this history is even more fascinating because of the ties it has with society at large, for example, the advent of the television that launched wrestlers to international stardom. Visitors can admire a variety of objects that once belonged to professional wrestlers. This exhibit runs until April 20, 2025.

In Other Words, Québec

Built on the theme of encounters, the permanent exhibit, In Other Words, Québec, explores significant events that shaped Quebec from diverse perspectives. This exhibit is made up of six pavilions, each taking on a specific theme: inhabiting, living, exchanging, sharing, protesting and belonging. These action verbs come to life because of the depth of the historical, social, cultural and political matter they evoke, and the impressive 1300 objects that carry stories and bear witness to meetings past and present.