L'espace René-Lévesque à Montréal : Le parcours d'un homme d'exception

Explore the life and times of René Lévesque, who made his mark on the history of contemporary Quebec like no one before or since.

This activity marks the centennial of René Lévesque’s birth on August 24, 1922. It is part of Année Lévesque, an initiative of the Fondation René-Lévesque.

A three-part exploration of René Lévesque’s life and work

The exhibition comprises eight zones presenting the life of René Lévesque: from the man who grew up in the Gaspésie town of New Carlisle to the journalist and iconic political figure he became. He changed Quebec profoundly, and his accomplishments continue to shape our lives to this day. This part of the event includes a free smartphone-based audio guide available in English or French. In addition to your phone, bring your headphones. Free WiFi is available on-site.

Continue your journey into the life of René Lévesque at Place des Arts, with a screening of the short documentary film Quelque chose comme un grand homme by Luc Cyr. Relive the shockwave felt by every Quebecer upon Mr. Lévesque’s passing. After the screening, you are invited to share your thoughts or memories of the man by sharing your reflections and celebrations of his memory by writing a few words in the guest book.

In the evening, a video projection on the façade of UQAM’s Pavillon Président-Kennedy reveals René Lévesque as both profoundly human and larger-than-life, through the photographs of the legendary Yousuf Karsh.

To complement this activity, take a short detour to Hydro-Québec’s headquarters, the Jean-Lesage Building, in the Quartier des Spectacles, where you will find a bust of René Lévesque by sculptor Paul Lancz.

Enjoy!

Credits

Curator: Daniel Fortin

Exhibition: Espace René-Lévesque
Production: Médialog - Yves Routhier, Mario Longpré
Research and storyboard: Mélissa Longpré, Luc Cyr
Display design: Alain Babin
Graphic design: Mélissa Longpré, Jacinthe Roy, Johanne Mercier
Writing of interpretive content: Luc Cyr
Copy editing: Hélène Leclère, Alexandre Stefanescu, Louis Bernard
Proofreading: Sabine Anctil
Translation: Jeff Heinrich, Julie Garon Documentary film: Luc Cyr
Archival documents: courtesy of Radio-Canada and UQAM
Audio guide designer and technical director: Maxime Monrat

Video projection photograph: Yousuf Karsh Sculpture of René Lévesque: Paul Lancz

Co-producers: Espace René-Lévesque, Fondation René-Lévesque, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, Place des Arts, Université du Québec à Montréal