The New L'Imagier Exhibition Centre opens its doors

The team at the Imagier exhibition centre opened the doors of their new building to the media on May 21. 

A modern building that highlights natural light, the centre stands out from its former building without letting its heritage be overlooked. 

Parts of the old building decorate the entrance hall, suspended in front of the new exhibition hall, long wooden facades recall the historical influence of the Drivers on the region and at the back of the hall there is a large window to take a look at the marina and the imaginary park.

The project to rebuild the centre cost a total of approximately $3 million, including $1,392,523 from the Department of Culture and Communications, $826,509 from Canadian Heritage, $30,000 from the Conférence régionale des élus de l'Outaouais and several private donations from residents.

MP Greg Fergus and MNAs André Fortin and Robert Bussière as well as municipal councillors Audrey Bureau, Gilles Chagnon and Mike Duggan were present to say a few words and congratulate the centre's team.

In the words of Robert Bussière, MNA for Gatineau, "The completion of this project demonstrates the government's desire to give Quebec's regions access to cultural sites that meet the needs of all. »

The building now includes an exhibition room that meets museum standards, an adapted cultural meditation space, a reception area for various audiences and universal access.

But the work has only just begun, according to the president of the Imagier exhibition centre, Michel Bédard, "A building is beautiful, it's good, but we haven't invested to rest on our laurels (...) we want to make it a bridge of excellence in the region, in the province and why not across the country".

The public opening will be held on Friday, May 24 with the opening of the group exhibition, entitled Trames narratives, and will continue throughout the weekend with a variety of activities.