Architecture is central to the experience of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, which comprises four separate buildings: the Gérard Morisset Pavilion (1933), the central pavilion (1991), the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion (1867) and the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion (2016). It was entirely natural for the Family Gallery to be transformed into a workshop to enable visitors young and old alike to immerse themselves in the world of architecture. From December 15, 2018 to September 2, 2019, the Murmures exhibition proposes a timeless interactive voyage, a stimulating incursion into the heart of creation and the first art. The adventure is free of charge and repeat visits are encouraged.
Designed by Francis Fontaine, Luca Fortin and Bertrand Rougier, Murmures proposes an introduction to the work of the architect, which is similar to artistic creation. Through four stimulating interactive areas, including a large child-height work table, play on scale, an adjustable model and a life-sized exploration area, children can learn about the language and tools of architects.
They will even be asked to imagine a pavilion to house the work by Alfred Pellan, an imaginary animal borrowed from the mini-bestiary that Pellan designed between 1972 and 1975, which sits imposingly in the garden adjacent to the space dedicated to the family at the MNBAQ.
The three designers have created an open, comfortable space in which visitors young and old can engage in an array of experiences and explorations. Moreover, it is through play that they wanted to spark dialogue and reflection among young people about architecture. The designers will offer creation workshops to guide participating families in imagining the noteworthy construction of an outdoor pavilion in the Pellan Garden that will take shape around the imposing work of public art. They will coordinate this activity in the Family Gallery on January 3, February 3 and March 24, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The new structure, in the wake of the exhibition, will be built in the Pellan Garden in the summer of 2019. What is more, the designers will draw inspiration from the many drawings that the children produce.
Lastly, for those who are wondering, what does Murmures signify? The exhibition’s name evokes all of the walls that talk, the walls that whisper a story, the walls that are witnesses to an era, all of these walls that speak of our times and architectural trends. What a pleasure for families to explore such a meaningful theme.
More information about Murmures is available via the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec website, linked here.