Long used as a temporary exhibition hall called Anima G, the 31st story of the Marie-Guyart Building—Québec City’s tallest—has been home to Observatoire de la Capitale since 1998.
Standing 221 m above sea level, the Observatory offers visitors unique views of Québec City and the surrounding area, stretching all the way from the Appalachian Foothills to the Laurentians and from Île d’Orléans to beyond the bridges.
The Observatory has welcomed over 900,000 visitors since opening its doors.
Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec has managed Observatoire de la capitale since April 1st, 2008.
As of April 2011, the Observatory is presenting a brand new interpretive concept inspired by the 1960s, which was a pivotal period for Québec society and its capital.
Travelers will discover the rich history of Québec City through the latest technology: interactive touch screen terminals, sound booths, and 3D imagery. Each multimedia stop will bring key people and places from the capital’s history to life right before their eyes. By the time the trip is over, they will never look at Québec City the same way again.
For this new and promising interpretive concept, Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec has partnered up with Bergeron Gagnon, a cultural heritage and museology consultancy firm. This major makeover was made possible with the support of two financial partners, the National Assembly of Québec and DMR-Fujitsu. Marie-Guy
The Marie-Guyart Building towers over the heart of Parliament Hill. It took five years to build and was completed in 1972. Originally known as “Complex G,” it was renamed “the Marie-Guyart Building” in 1989 in honor of the founder of the Ursulines School, Marie de l’Incarnation.
The building houses an imposing 31 story concrete tower, three 5 story buildings, and an underground parking lot on four levels that can accommodate 1,500 vehicles. Its four facades are made up of enormous bay windows. The building is the highest summit in Québec City. Some 4,500 provincial government employees work there.
