Unstable weather this summer: increase in attendance in several museums in Quebec

Thanks to changeable and often rainy weather, art lovers headed to major exhibitions throughout Quebec this summer. Some museums have experienced a sharp increase in attendance compared to the summer period of last year and sometimes even a return to pre-pandemic attendance.

The summer of 2023 was particularly rainy in Quebec, as well as marked by smog warnings and heatwave episodes. These temperature differences have influenced the behavior of visitors in museums. “This summer, we observed greater differences in attendance. When it rained, it was very busy. When the weather was nice, we observed that there were a lot fewer people,” explains Sophie Lemelin, director of communications and marketing at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

The summer results are clear: certain museums in Quebec received more visitors than last year. Other museum institutions are instead observing a stabilization of their attendance after more difficult years due to the pandemic. In addition to the unstable weather, the resumption of tourism had a positive influence.

A positive outcome

As for the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the summer results are on the rise. From June 21 to August 21, 2023, more than 89,209 people visited the establishment. For the same dates in 2022, we are talking about 79,342 people. “That’s an increase of almost 11%. We do not consider 2022 to be a normal year in terms of attendance. The return after the pandemic is happening gradually,” indicates Amélie Lapointe​, head of institutional outreach at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The featured exhibition this summer? Thoughts and splendors of indigenous Colombia – The universe in the palm of your handswhich allows you to explore Colombian art.

At the Montreal Science Center, there is a clear increase in attendance during the summer period. From June 21 to August 7, 2023, the institution sold 103,898 tickets compared to 93,287 tickets for the same period in 2022. “We had a fairly unusual and changing summer in terms of weather. For our part, the summer was fruitful! », Comments Steven Poitevin, public relations manager for the Société du Vieux-Port de Montréal. “The exhibitions all received great interest. I am thinking particularly of Hockey: faster than everwhich has attracted more than 134,000 people since its activation in April,” he adds.

Same story on the Trois-Rivières side. 17,109 people passed through the doors of the museum, compared to 16,998 last summer. “When the weather isn’t nice, I’m happy,” says Michelle Bélanger, general director of the POP Museum, with a laugh. “From June 25 to August 12, 2023, we are at a 1% increase compared to last year which was one of our record years. » In addition to the old prison and the numerous exhibitions, including Tie up your hat! A breathtaking trip into Quebec culture and Peaux d’âmes which highlights the works of François Bertrand, the museum has also increased activities to mark its 20th anniversary this summer.

Positive state of mind also on the Pointe-à-Callière side. “For the moment, we can say that this summer’s traffic is comparable to that of 2022 which was a record summer, with more than 368,000 visitors! We also welcomed 81,000 people for the Public Market in the atmosphere of the 18^e century, on August 26-27, when we were expecting 70,000,” explains Katia Bouchard, director, communications and marketing of Pointe-à-Callière, located in the Old Port of Montreal.

At the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, more than 60,000 people visited the exhibitions from June 21 to August 21, 2023. Figures similar to those for the summer period of 2022. This summer, the exhibition Alexander McQueen – Art meets fashion, which highlights the work of the British designer who died in 2010, was a great success.

The Musée de la civilization de Québec also had a great summer period. This summer, visitors were able to see the exhibition This is our story, which highlights the worldview of First Nations women and men. Anne-Sophie Desmeules, who plays the role of public relations officer, specifies: “The results are consistent with tourism performance in the Quebec region. We are continuing the recovery of 2022, where we returned to our pre-pandemic traffic averages. The rainy and uncertain weather certainly helped attract visitors. »