Grand Théâtre de Québec

A symbol of Quebec’s cultural identity and architectural ambition, the Grand Théâtre de Québec has been a cornerstone of the performing arts since its inauguration in 1971. A brutalist design by Victor Prus, the theatre complex features two performance spaces: the 1,873-seat Salle Louis-Fréchette and the 506-seat Salle Octave-Crémazie. These spaces host a range of performances, from opera to orchestral concerts, with the building itself reflecting the bold, progressive spirit of the Quiet Revolution.

Central to the theatre is Jordi Bonet’s massive concrete mural, one of the world’s largest, integrating a controversial inscription by poet Claude Péloquin. However, the building’s aging concrete exterior necessitated a transformative restoration. Completed in 2020, a glass envelope designed by Lemay and Atelier 21 now encases the structure, preserving its integrity while amplifying its architectural impact.