QUÉBEC CITY, Oct. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) began a new chapter with the grand opening of the Espace Riopelle – Michael Audain Pavilion. The new building is a lasting tribute from the centennial celebrations for artist Jean Paul Riopelle (1923–2002), honouring the work of one of the most influential Québec and Canadian artists of the 20^th century.

Designed by multi-award-winning Québec firm Les architectes FABG, this three-storey, over 5,600 m² building is the largest space entirely dedicated to a Canadian artist. The $84M project is the result of a major partnership between the Government of Québec, the City of Québec, and the philanthropic community. It is intended to promote and preserve the artistic legacy of the internationally renowned painter, sculptor, and lithographer.

This building on the historic Plains of Abraham is the fourth in the museum complex. The visitor experience extends both indoors and out: the interior features spacious galleries and pleasant common areas, while the outdoor terraces and gardens are landscaped to reflect the rich diversity of Québec plant life.

With its breathtaking views of the Plains and the St. Lawrence River, the Espace Riopelle offers a unique interplay between art, architecture, and nature, where the grandeur of the landscape amplifies the magnificence of the art to fully immerse visitors in Riopelle's world.

MORE THAN 230 MAJOR WORKS TO ADMIRE

Jean Paul Riopelle (1923–2002) was an artist associated with the Automatiste movement whose body of work, which drew deeply on Québec's natural world, earned him a prominent place in the history of modern art. As early as the 1940s, his free-spirited, gestural style raised the profile of Canadian art around the globe. He remains an important figure in the Automatiste and Abstraction Lyrique movements to this day. The new space houses more than 130 works by Riopelle (including paintings, sculptures, and prints) drawn from the largest public collection dedicated to his art. Visitors can also experience around 100 pieces by other artists who shaped the history of modern art in Québec in a new display of the national collection.

SPOTLIGHT ON AN EXTRAORDINARY DONATION

The new pavilion, named in honour of Michael Audain, features numerous recent acquisitions, including select works from an exceptional collection of 63 pieces—46 of which are by Riopelle—donated by the philanthropist and his wife Yoshiko Karasawa, as well as by Pierre Lassonde. These include extremely rare works by Riopelle, as well as pieces from his early and late career that illustrate the full depth and richness of his body of work. The major donation is now valued at more than $125M.

AN EMOTIONAL, SENSORY JOURNEY

In the four inaugural exhibitions over three floors, innovative outreach initiatives meet immersive exhibition design that puts emotional and sensory experiences at the forefront.

The first exhibition is Riopelle. The Expression of Gesture, a major retrospective that illuminates the breadth and diversity of Riopelle's 50+ year career. Themed sections explore his Automatiste paintings, his famous "mosaics" from the 1950s, and pieces from his bestiary. It also features numerous lithographs inspired by France and Québec—his two home bases—as well as his astonishing mixed-media works from his later years. The sheer depth and breadth of the works on display make this exhibition one of the largest ever dedicated to the artist.

Next, Challenging offers a new take on the national modern art collection, bringing together works from some 50 artists who shaped Québec's modern art scene. The exhibition focuses on the Automatistes and explores the multidisciplinary nature of their practice. Visitors can also use the Musée's AI-powered chatbot to dive deeper into the works on display in both exhibitions.

On the third floor, a light-soaked room serves as a stunning backdrop for a nearly 360° display of the monumental Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg (1992), which spans over 40 metres. This new presentation allows visitors to truly surround themselves with the artist's masterpiece. It is complemented by Breathing in Riopelle, an experience developed by Chartier World LAB— a leading authority on the science of molecular harmonies —that offers six olfactory creations inspired by the work.

Meanwhile, on the ground floor, the Art and Emotions special exhibition houses an interactive research project developed by the Université Laval-affiliated Co-DOT Lab that is studying the public's emotional responses to Riopelle's art. Finally, a new restoration laboratory and storage area give the public a look behind the scenes, providing insight into the little-known work of the Musée's restoration teams.

THE ULTIMATE LEGACY OF THE RIOPELLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

The centennial celebrations for Riopelle (1923–2002), which ran from 2019 to 2025, were developed and organized by the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation in partnership with prestigious cultural partners in Canada and beyond, orchestrated by General Commissioner Manon Gauthier. They constitute the greatest tribute ever paid to a Canadian artist.

The centennial's theme was Grandeur nature [Larger than Life], and it included some 50 cultural activities to firmly situate the artist within our pantheon of great artists. Seen as an "ode to freedom, collaboration, and creation" by its designer, the festivities included performing arts shows for the openings of some 20 exhibitions in Canada and beyond, including at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The centennial brought together a wide array of disciplines—from public art and arts education to commemoration, philately, and numismatics—to fully centre Riopelle in our collective memory.

Its crown jewel is the new Espace Riopelle, the ultimate home for the monumental donation that started it all: a treasure trove of Riopelle works from the collections of Michael Audain and Pierre Lassonde.

QUOTES

"This new building showcases the Musée's collection of Riopelle's art in all its glory. His masterpieces are joined by rarely seen works like his striking enamelled lava sculptures, along with an extraordinary selection of lithographs, archival materials, and pieces from periods that people might not know as well. By sharing this exceptional artistic legacy with the public, we are hoping his work will continue to move and inspire present and future generations alike."
— Eve-Lyne Beaudry, Director of Collections and Research, Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

"With its remarkable natural and historic location, the Espace Riopelle – Michael Audain Pavilion is a place of contemplation and discovery like no other. We wanted to design a dynamic and transparent architecture that reflects Riopelle's energy, his thirst for freedom, and his love of nature. We are proud of this project for the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, which celebrates local craftsmanship and the work of a great artist."
— Éric Gauthier, Associate architect, Les architectes FABG

"Dispersed across over 60 cities around the world, the works of Jean Paul Riopelle now find a true home in Quebec City. Espace Riopelle highlights the freedom and creative audacity of one of our greatest Canadian artists. The ultimate legacy of his centenary celebrations, this visionary space will allow an ever-wider audience to admire his free and powerful work. With my fellow leaders in this great adventure, mainly Pierre Lassonde, André Desmarais and France Chrétien Desmarais, I warmly thank the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec for having realized this ambitious dream: that of building a place that lives up to Riopelle's timeless legacy."
— Michael Audain, Chair of the Audain Foundation

"More than 75 years after the publication of the Refus global manifesto, the Automatiste legacy is still very much alive. Riopelle, one of its most illustrious ambassadors, now has a place to celebrate his work and his immense contribution to modern art. I am delighted that Espace Riopelle – Michael Audain Pavilion will be able to highlight his legacy and that of the artists who have shaped our culture. This place of memory and discovery will continue to bring together, move and inspire generations to come."
— Pierre Lassonde, president of the Lassonde Family Foundation

"The Espace Riopelle proves just how powerful philanthropy can be when it serves a common vision. The +D'ART DANS NOS VIES campaign rallied major patrons and hundreds of donors, and their generosity turned a dream into a tangible piece of heritage that all can enjoy. The Fondation du Musée is proud to have brought these forces together to create a space for Riopelle that is truly worthy of his art and his influence."
— Fabrice Alcayde, President and CEO, Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Espace Riopelle – Michael Audain Pavilion would not have been possible without the crucial contributions of the Government of Québec; the City of Québec; patrons Michael Audain and his wife Yoshiko Karasawa, Pierre Lassonde, and André Desmarais and France Chrétien Desmarais; as well as that of the hundreds of donors mobilized by the Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec through its +D'ART DANS NOS VIES campaign.

The Musée and its foundation would also like to thank the Heffel Foundation for its generous support as a presenting partner of the opening celebrations and the Riopelle. The Expression of Gesture exhibition.

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is a public corporation funded by the Government of Québec. 

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Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
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SOURCE Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec