Quebec City’s Frescoes

julie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:10:47 +0000

Since they have mostly been created as trompe-l’oeil paintings, Quebec City’s frescoes are often unnoticed by tourists or citizens. However, once they have been discovered, it seems difficult to resist to the temptation of taking a photo. With the support of Commission de la Capitale Nationale, numerous frescoes are now scattered throughout the Québec City area.
Quebec City’s Hôtel-Dieu Fresco
The Hôtel-Dieu de Québec Fresco is situated in the heart of Old Quebec at the corner of Côte du Palais and Charlevoix Street. Painted on the outside walls of the hospital, the fresco represents the important events of Hôtel-Dieu, the oldest hospital in North America.

Source: Commission de la Capitale Nationale, http://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/
Gabrielle-Roy Library Fresco
Situated at the back of Gabrielle-Roy Library in lower town, this fresco was inspired by the history of public libraries in Quebec City. It was created to highlight the 20 years anniversary of the library.

Source: Commission de la Capitale Nationale, http://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/

Des Québécois Fresco
Even though it is a great trompe-l’œil, Des Québécois Fresco is difficult to miss since it is the largest one in the city. In the Petit Champlain sector, this mural painting recalls the history of Quebec City by the many historic figures portrayed on it.

Source: Commission de la Capitale Nationale, http://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/

Petit-Champlain Fresco
Also in Petit Champlain, the Petit-Champlain Fresco depicts the great moments of the history of Cap-Blanc, one of the oldest area of Old Quebec. This magnificent trompe-l’oeil is giving life to a façade that would be otherwise banal.

Source: Commission de la Capitale Nationale, http://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/

Pillars Frescoes
At the crossing of Charest Est Boulevard in Quebec City’s lower town, these concrete pillars have been transformed into true works of art as frescoes are now displayed on them. Each one of has its own theme going from marine wildlife to a representation of the Garden of Eden. The pillars frescoes are the perfect example of the face-lift effect that mural paintings can bring to a neglected part of a city.

Source: Commission de la Capitale Nationale, http://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/

Many other frescoes are spread through the Quebec City area and are worth to see if you are a fan of this type of art. You can look at the complete list of frescoes at the Commission de la Capitale Nationale Website: http://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/realisations/les-fresques.html

Quebec Tourism » frescoes

Quebec City’s Frescoes