Morrin Centre - Historic Places Days

Morrin Centre

Québec, Québec
Type
Cultural Heritage Centre
Address
44 Chaussée des Écossais, Québec City, QC, Canada
Get directions
Hours
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Phone
418-694-9147 ext. 222

The Morrin Centre is a nationally recognized heritage site and leading English-language cultural centre located in the heart of historic Old Quebec City. Built over 200 years ago as one of the city’s first common jails, it now houses one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Walk through foreboding jail cells and browse the books in the charming Victorian library. We also offer diverse events including an annual writers’ festival, concerts, children’s activities, readings and lectures.

Amenities

  • Family-Friendly
  • Guided Tour
  • National Historic Site
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fun Facts

Philippe-Aubert de Gaspé author of the first French Canadian Novel (Les Anciens Canadiens) became the Sheriff of the jail in 1816 and later became one of its prisoners in 1838 where he started writing his famous novel.

George Mercer Dawson taught at the Morrin College before becoming head of the Canadian Geological Survey. The capital of Yukon “Dawson” is named after him.

The Morrin Library holds the oldest commemorative monument to Wolfe. The wooden statue dates from 1779 and has one of the most interesting stories amongst our artefacts.

The LHSQ (Literary Historical Society of Quebec) founded many institutions. The National Archives were once kept here and they founded the Historic sites and Monuments board of Canada which led to the preservation of the Plains of Abraham and many other battlefields across Canada.

Location

44 Chaussée des Écossais, Québec City, QC, Canada
Get directions

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