A captivating exhibition titled “René et Lévesque” showcases a diverse collection of 150 artifacts related to the late Quebec Premier and journalist René Lévesque at the National Archives in Montreal. Highlights include a quirky yellow chair from Cirque du Soleil, a wax statue of Lévesque, personal items from his son Claude, and a range of memorabilia that reflects Lévesque’s life and legacy. The exhibition runs until May 9 before moving to Gaspésie.
Exploring the Fascinating Exhibition of René Lévesque in Montreal
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A Unique Collection of Artifacts
This Tuesday, a captivating assortment of artifacts related to the late Quebec Premier and journalist René Lévesque arrives in Montreal. The exhibition, titled “René et Lévesque,” is a collaborative effort between the Musée de la civilisation de Québec and the René-Lévesque foundation. It is hosted in the remarkable yet lesser-known building of the National Archives located on Viger Street.
Upon entering, visitors will be amazed by the rich variety of items on display—150 in total! Among these treasures is a quirky yellow folding chair gifted by Cirque du Soleil, honoring Lévesque as a “fairy godmother” to the innovative troupe from Baie-Saint-Paul.
One can’t help but greet a lifelike wax statue of Lévesque, salvaged from the now-closed Grévin Museum, that stands impressively on its pedestal. As Sara Giguère, project manager at Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, puts it, “This exhibition allows objects to narrate the story and different facets of René Lévesque’s life.”
Claude Lévesque, René’s son, shares insights over the phone, stating, “My father was not an avid collector.” He has generously lent his father’s old typewriter and American army cap, the latter from Lévesque’s days as a reporter for the Office of War Information post-World War II.
Among the eclectic collection, visitors will find:
- A charming “naive” statuette of Jacques Parizeau
- A campaign poster from Lévesque’s Liberal candidacy
- A ballot that humorously presented another René Lévesque, causing confusion among voters
- A humble restaurant placemat signed by the resigners of the Quebec Liberal Party in 1967, including Lévesque himself
- A caricature sculpture depicting Lévesque as “king of Quebec” by artist Marcel Goudreau
Additionally, a painting titled “Comme dernier outrage à René Lévesque” portrays him with a cigarette in hand, reminiscent of Serge Gainsbourg, alongside his wife, Corinne Côté-Lévesque. On a poker table, a wallet belonging to Lévesque displays a gambling debt acknowledgment note from Claude Morin.
Notably, a miniature pepper shaker and a small bottle of Tabasco sauce, which the Gaspesian native always carried to enhance bland meals, are also part of the exhibit. A sleeveless shirt showcases his preference for comfort, as he often had his shirts altered to fit snugly under his jackets.
If you wish to explore every aspect of this remarkable exhibition—including video excerpts—plan to spend approximately two hours there. However, if you’re short on time like I was, you might find yourself returning for another visit!
The exhibition at the National Archives in Montreal runs until May 9, after which it will journey to Gaspésie.