Musee des Ursulines de Quebec
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Ursulines Monastery and Museum

4.6
·160 reviews·Québec, Canada

Discover the Ursulines' legacy in Quebec's history, from education to art, within a serene monastery and museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Musee des Ursulines de Quebec

Ursulines Monastery and Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the Ursulines' legacy in Quebec's history, from education to art, within a serene monastery and museum.

4.6
(160 reviews)

"The chapel is pretty, peaceful, and free, offering a quiet space away from the hordes of tourists."

Vertical photo
TIP

Chapel is Free & Peaceful

The chapel is free to enter and offers a quiet, beautiful space away from the tourist crowds. 🙏

Check for Guided Tours

Guided tours can greatly enhance understanding, but availability varies. Inquire upon arrival. 💁

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 174 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Captivating Chapel Painting

The Captivating Chapel Painting

Chapel

A powerful, historically significant painting depicting redemption and the complex history of slave trade. A must-see.

Sisters' Choir Chapel Glimpse

Sisters' Choir Chapel Glimpse

Chapel

Though inaccessible, catch a glimpse of its stunning stained glass, gilded wood, and spectacular dome.

Educational Exhibits

Educational Exhibits

Museum

Discover the Ursulines' vital role in educating young women in Quebec's early history.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

While the Ursulines Monastery and Museum offers a serene escape, visiting during peak hours can diminish the tranquil atmosphere. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to fully appreciate the historical exhibits and the chapel's quiet beauty. Check for guided tour availability, as they can significantly enhance your understanding of the Ursuline order's rich history.

Enhance Your Self-Guided Experience

The museum is primarily designed for self-guided exploration, so come prepared to immerse yourself in the history. While guided tours are sometimes available, they depend on staff presence. Consider doing some light reading beforehand about the Ursuline order to enrich your visit, especially regarding the chapel's captivating paintings.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Journée culturelle🔵⚜️ s/o @kinji00 #quebec #quebecois #quebeclibre #fyp #journeeculturelle
@phillaporte
17.4K likes • 141.4K views

Chapel is Free & Peaceful

The chapel is free to enter and offers a quiet, beautiful space away from the tourist crowds. 🙏

Check for Guided Tours

Guided tours can greatly enhance understanding, but availability varies. Inquire upon arrival. 💁

Research the History

Doing some reading beforehand enriches the self-guided museum experience. 📚

Visit Augustines Too

Consider visiting the Augustines Monastery nearby for a comparable experience. 🚶

Tips

from all over the internet

Chapel is Free & Peaceful

The chapel is free to enter and offers a quiet, beautiful space away from the tourist crowds. 🙏

Check for Guided Tours

Guided tours can greatly enhance understanding, but availability varies. Inquire upon arrival. 💁

Research the History

Doing some reading beforehand enriches the self-guided museum experience. 📚

Visit Augustines Too

Consider visiting the Augustines Monastery nearby for a comparable experience. 🚶

What Travellers Say

4.6
(160 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Ursulines Monastery and Museum to be a peaceful and historically rich site, particularly appreciating the chapel and its significant artworks. While the museum offers valuable insights into the Ursuline order's educational legacy, some guests express a desire for more detailed information about specific exhibits, especially the chapel's captivating painting. The free access to the chapel is a notable positive for many.

"This chapel has a forgotten captivative painting, a must see! It depicts redemption or the purchase of white Christian slaves from the Muslim slave traders. A stunning piece of forgotten history. Front and centre of the painting is a large pile of gold coins. It is surrounded by three main characters, semingly making the trade. Two men dressed in traditional Muslim dress sit opposite of three man standing, dressed in traditional christian attire. Behind the two sitting figures, a large group of men all in disarray. White slaves are bound by their hands with chains and whipped above their heads with a whip held by their captors dressed in traditional muslim turbans. In the far background, two separate scenes depicting the torture of slaves. And in the opposite upper corner is a divine figure looking from above the clouds. The whole seen is tragic, yet, so inspiring!
I would love to know more about this painting, is unfortunately there was no information provided. Hopefully the museum will change that soon."

Real Mama

"I visited the Ursulines and Augustines monasteries on the same day and paid the same entry fee. The experiences though were not the same. The Augustines exceeded my expectations, the Ursulines did not meet them. The difference? The guided tour. While the Ursulines sometimes offers guided tours -if that day the staff is available- the museum was conceived for self-guided tours. It's a shame because the history of the place and the story of its people deserves to be known.
The chapel you may visit without hesitation; it's pretty, peaceful and free."

Helena Andújar

"We happened upon this chapel while walking around Old Quebec, and was glad we had.
The collection of pre-french revolution paintings hung in the chapel for the public are worth the stop as is a glimpse into the Sisters Choir chapel. This side chapel has no access to the public but appears to have beautiful stained glass windows, gilded carved wood and spectacular dome.
A quiet, bight and holy space, away from the hordes or tourists."

Brenda Berry Berry

What People Like

Peaceful chapel
Captivating painting
Historical exhibits

What People Dislike

Limited exhibit info
Tour availability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Ursulines Monastery and Museum is located in Old Quebec. It's easily accessible by walking if you're already in the historic district. Public buses also serve the area. Parking can be challenging in Old Quebec, so consider public transport or walking if possible. Reddit

Information on wheelchair accessibility can vary. It's best to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific access points and any limitations within the historic buildings. ♿

Opening hours can change seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit. 🕐

Yes, the chapel is often accessible for free and can be visited independently of the museum. It's a peaceful space to explore. 🙏

Parking in Old Quebec can be limited and expensive. There are several public parking garages nearby, but walking or using public transport is often more convenient. 🚗

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees apply for the museum portion. However, the chapel itself is often free to enter. Check the official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts. 🎟️

Booking in advance is generally not required for the museum, but it's always a good idea to check the official website, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. 💻

While specific combination tickets might not always be advertised, consider visiting the nearby Augustines Monastery, as some visitors have noted paying a similar entry fee for both. 🔗

Your admission ticket typically grants access to the museum's exhibits detailing the history and mission of the Ursuline order, as well as their educational contributions. 📜

The chapel is often free to enter, offering a serene space for reflection. However, it's always wise to confirm this upon arrival. 💵

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore exhibits on the Ursuline order's history, their role in education, and view significant artworks, including a captivating painting in the chapel. You can also glimpse the Sisters' Choir Chapel. 🎨

The museum is primarily designed for self-guided tours. Guided tours are sometimes offered, but their availability depends on staff presence. 🚶

This refers to a significant painting in the chapel depicting redemption and historical themes related to slave trade. It's a focal point for many visitors. :frame_photo:

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage within the museum and chapel regarding where photography is permitted, especially for the artworks. 📷

A visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and whether you take a guided tour. The chapel can be a quick, peaceful stop. :timer:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are typically no dining facilities within the monastery or museum itself. However, Old Quebec is filled with numerous restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of culinary options. 🍴

You'll find a variety of dining experiences, from traditional Quebecois cuisine and French bistros to international flavors and casual cafes, all within walking distance in Old Quebec. 🥐

Yes, while Old Quebec has upscale dining, you can also find more affordable options like bakeries, sandwich shops, and casual eateries if you explore a bit further from the main tourist paths. :moneybag:

Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into museums and chapels is discouraged. It's best to consume them before or after your visit. :water_wave:

Don't miss trying poutine, tourtière (meat pie), and maple-infused desserts. Many restaurants in the area will feature these local specialties. :maple_leaf:

📸 📸 Photography

The chapel, with its unique painting and architectural details, is a prime spot. The courtyard and exterior architecture also offer great photographic opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Photography rules can vary. While some visitors have shared photos, it's crucial to look for signage or ask staff about restrictions, especially concerning the artworks. :no_photography:

A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the chapel. A versatile lens will help capture both the grand architecture and intricate details of the art. :dslr:

Focus on the details of the chapel's painting, the stained glass windows, gilded wood carvings, and the dome for unique shots. The historical artifacts in the museum are also noteworthy. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more atmospheric photos. The light filtering through the chapel windows can be particularly beautiful. 🌅

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