An unforgettable summer day at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec: Rembrandt, McNicoll and other treasures

Summer is the perfect season to immerse yourself in art and culture and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) is the best place to do it. Why not plan an enriching and inspiring day at the museum?

Picture yourself strolling peacefully through the exhibition halls, letting yourself be wrapped up in the beauty of the works of art as you take in their fine culture. After this artistic exploration, take the time to relax and enjoy a delicious meal at Café Québécor par Laurent Godbout, then explore the Librairie-Boutique, where you’re sure to find a souvenir to take home to make the day’s joys last. 

Here are the exhibits that are sure to make an impression on you this summer.

Rembrandt, bonafide master engraver

The name Rembrandt is synonymous with painting, but the artist also revolutionized the art of etching and is considered one of the premier engravers of all time. This headlining exhibition presented until September 2, titled Rembrandt: Etchings from the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, contains 80 selected works that highlight Rembrandt's exceptional skill, including master works like The Hundred Guilder Print (circa 1648), The Three Crosses (1653) and The Little Tomb (circa 1657).

Journeys and female independence

Another featured exhibition at the MNBAQ, Helen McNicoll. An impressionist journey, will introduce you to a little-known Canadian impressionist artist (she was born in Toronto and grew up in Montreal). McNicoll favoured painting outdoors and examined the effects of light and the atmosphere. She sets herself apart thanks to her love of travel and the discovery of new spaces. The exhibit includes more than 60 works on themes surrounding female independence, risk-taking, friendship and women’s freedom. Opens June 20.

Discover the museum’s collections

Among the museum’s other exhibitions, don’t miss the chance to see the largest work ever created by the famous artist Jean Paul Riopelle, a monumental fresco of thirty paintings titled Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg. Set aside a moment to admire the museum’s permanent collections that spotlight the masterpieces of the national collection, Inuit art, design and decorative arts and Quebecois contemporary art.