Maison Saint-Gabriel

First up was a trip to Maison Saint-Gabriel, a museum and historic site in Pointe-Saint-Charles. I’ve been to the Point maybe twice, both times at night, and was definitely happy to leave. Yet on the 1.5km walk from Charlevoix metro to the museum my mom and I were impressed by the quiet neighbourhood feel, the wide boulevards, the English street names, and the beautiful parks. And then we arrived at Maison Saint-Gabriel and walked straight into the 17th century. The woman at the ticket booth was very welcoming and switched to an excited English when my U of T student card (which I will try and use as long as possible) suggested to her that we had come all the way from Toronto.

Our visit coincided with harvest festivities and in addition to a woman making and selling green ketchup there were three costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts and skills. I am not usually a fan of costumed interpreters or attempts to recreate history, but these people were interesting and informative rather than cheesy. After trying the delicious green ketchup our first stop was in the gift shop, which is strategically placed at the entrance to the temporary exhibition. “Silver Magic” displays the museum’s silver collection and discusses the evolution of silversmithing from its earliest days in New France until its contemporary incarnations. It wasn’t thrilling, but it was interesting.

While waiting for our scheduled tour, Mom and I walked around the garden. Who knew that there were so many kinds of thyme? One section had large didactic panels that explained the different varieties of plants found in the garden. The panels, which were created with well-spent corporate sponsorship dollars, provided just the right amount of information.

Our French tour guide did her best to speak to us in English and during her hour-long tour I learned more than that I have at other historic homes. She took us through the rooms of the 1698 building, which was the first school in Montreal. It was also where the filles du Roi or the King’s Wards made the transition to life in New France before being married off. In the dormitory we learned that people slept sitting up due to a superstition about lying down like the dead. In the attic our guide demonstrated how the giant foghorn was used to call over to Nun’s Island. Other points of interest: the ingenious kitchen sink, Marguerite Bourgeoys’ portrait, and some curious stories about dining room chairs.

The stunning architecture with well-restored interiors provided the atmosphere of the 17th century and our tour guide filled in the details. This place was charming and with so much programming happening there I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. Next time I would take a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in one of the Point’s parks as well.

1 down, 31 to go.
Next up the Musee d'art contemporain