| Work Detail |
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) in Québec City announced that the contract for the construction of the Riopelle Space has been awarded to CONCREA. A precise time frame will be established once the contract has been officially signed. Work should, therefore, begin this spring with the opening of the future pavilion slated for 2026. It is worth noting that during the integrated design process, the final stage in the architecture competition, which took place from October 2022 to December 2023, a comprehensive assessment of project costs was conducted. Now that the essential drawings and specifications stage has been completed, the MNBAQ has a more accurate estimate of the cost since the state of advancement of preliminary plans was only on the order of 40 per cent. The budget earmarked for the construction of the Riopelle Space stands at $84 million. Demonstrating the exemplary commitment of public decision-makers to this major cultural project for Quebec’s real estate heritage, the Quebec government, through the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications, will inject $44 million. For its part, Québec City will increase its financial support to $5 million. “With a total investment of $44 million, the Québec government is making a contribution commensurate with its commitment to our culture. The Riopelle Space will transcend time and generations to enrich our cultural heritage, in keeping with the giant that Jean Paul Riopelle represents in our collective imagination,” said Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications. The generous patrons of the arts from the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation have reiterated their commitment and desire to see this tremendous bequest to Quebecers completed. Their financial support, established in principle at $20 million, could be increased to a maximum of $25 million subject to certain conditions and according to the project’s final cost in order to satisfy the needs that the rigorous integrated design process established. “On the eve of the launching of the biggest fundraising campaign in our history, our enthusiasm is directly proportional to the ambition that inspires us. What could be more thrilling than to mobilize not only Québec businesspeople but everyone who values this institution in respect of such a mobilizing project? The donors and partners are already actively engaged in the construction of a pavilion that will coalesce remarkably with the MNBAQ’s unique environment and experience.” said Julie-Anne Vien, chair of the Board of Directors of the Fondation du MNBAQ. The Fondation du MNBAQ, which had pledged to complete the financial package, is increasing its contribution to $10 million. A major fundraising campaign will be launched next autumn, to reach even higher financial targets with donors, patrons of the arts and the business community, and to ensure the sustainability of all educational activities surrounding the creation of the future Riopelle Space. Québec City Mayor Bruno Marchand is delighted to witness the biggest investment in culture in the Capitale-Nationale since the opening of the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion. “The future Riopelle Space will afford an remarkable showcase for our culture and offer an additional attraction for residents and tourists visiting Québec City. We are privileged that the collections of this outstanding artist are being entrusted to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.” Jean-Luc Murray, Director General of the MNBAQ, expressed his thanks to the Québec government, Québec City, and the generous patrons of the arts from the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation and the team from the Fondation du MNBAQ. “Our partners’ exceptional resolution in pursuing this infrastructure project reflects their deep-seated conviction of the value of the bequest that they will leave to all Quebecers. This project propels the MNBAQ toward the future by offering a unique building that will highlight the work of an outstanding artist and illuminate it as never before.” |
