An Official Residence in the Heart of the Old Capital
For nearly 250 years, the City of Québec was the political capital and place of residence of the colony's governors. After Confederation in 1867, Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, became the new official residence of the governor general of Canada.
In 1872, Lord Dufferin decided to occupy quarters at the Citadelle of Québec. In so doing, he re-established the tradition of a residence for the governor general in the City of Québec, which dated back to the beginning of New France. Ever since, all governors general have spent a part of each year at the Citadelle in the course of their official duties.
Steeped in 300 years of military history, the Citadelle is part of the historic district of Québec, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Built between 1820 and 1831, it was occupied by the British until 1871, when it was transferred to the Canadian government. Since 1920, it also serves as the home of the Royal 22e Régiment.
High atop Cape Diamant
When Lord Dufferin moved in, the residence was simple and modest. Over the years, additions were made to the original building (1831), including a ballroom and a sunroom.
In February 1976, a fire destroyed the east wing of the residence. The governor general's private quarters located in the original section of the residence, while spared, were heavily damaged by smoke and water.
Repairs to the wing began immediately. A contemporary (1984) interior design concept was developed, inspired by the cool colours of Quebec winters. Canadian materials figure prominently throughout the residence: walnut, granite, aluminum and wool.
The major architectural feature is the Fleuve de lumière or "river of light". Inspired by the St. Lawrence River, this spectacular lighting system is approximately 30 metres long.
A Showcase of Canadian Culture
The Canadian character of the furnishings and works of art enriches the residence's heritage value. The marriage of period furniture and contemporary artwork creates a decor that reflects the country's history and its various artistic and cultural traditions.
Throughout the residence, tribute is paid to Canadian artists. Visitors can admire such paintings as Les 24 heures de l'Isle-aux-Oyes, by the renowned Jean-Paul Riopelle; a collection of Inuit sculptures; and a superb heritage treasure, the Grant de Longueuil Epergne, a silver table centrepiece created in 1759.
The Governor General: A Canadian Tradition
The institution of governor general is Canada's highest and oldest public office, dating back to the earliest days of New France. Today, the governor general carries out the responsibilities of Canada's Head of State as the representative of the Crown in Canada.
The governor general plays an active part in the country's democratic life by performing such functions as the summons, prorogation and dissolution of Parliament, and by ensuring that the country always has a prime minister. The governor general also receives leaders from around the world, meets Canadians in their communities, and serves as the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces.
Both at Rideau Hall and at the Citadelle of Québec, the governor general presents Canadians with the country's highest national honours, in recognition of acts of bravery and devotion, or for exceptional achievement in the arts, literature and community service.
The Scene of Historic Events
During the Second World War, Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and William Lyon MacKenzie King were welcomed at the Citadelle by then-Governor General the Earl of Athlone as part of the Quebec Conferences of 1943 and 1944. It was during these meetings that D-Day was conceived, and the plans to rebuild Europe were developed.
The Canadian character of the furnishings and works of art enrich the heritage value of the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle. They are part of Canadian history and they showcase Canada’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions. Highlights of the collections are presented during the Art Tour.
Furniture
Most of the furniture at the Citadelle, with a few exceptions, was made in Canada. Some pieces displayed in the old wing have been part of the residence for a very long time; here, we find pieces of French inspiration, of Classical Revival and of electrical styles. In the new wing, we find traditionally made Québécois antiques.
Works of Art
All artists represented at the Citadelle are Canadian; many have received honours awarded by the governor general. Fines examples of modern and contemporary 20th-century works of art are displayed in the State rooms. They offer a contemporary background to ceremonies held at the residence, while living in harmony with the antique furniture pieces and other historical objects that surround them. This combination of old and new is often seen in today’s interior décor trends. The residence also showcases a fine collection of Inuit artwork.
The Crown Collection and the Canadiana Fund
Some pieces of furniture and works of art displayed in the residence belong to the Crown Collection, and are therefore part of our national heritage. The Crown Collection is managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), in Ottawa. It is comprised of thousands of pieces of furniture and works of art, including antique and contemporary works, traditional Canadian pieces, and items from Europe and from the Far East. The Crown Collection is displayed throughout the seven official residences of Canada.
The Canadiana Fund was established in 1990 to enhance the State rooms of Canada’s official residences through donations of the finest examples of historical furnishings, paintings and objets d’art. The chosen pieces reflect Canada’s heritage and artistic traditions, or are historically associated with, or complement, the architectural style of each residence. The Grant de Longueuil Epergne is a fine example of an historic artefact acquired by the Canadiana Fund.
Canadians can contribute to the Crown Collection by making donations to the Canadiana Fund. Each year, individuals and artists donate or loan items to the fund. These new acquisitions are then integrated into the Crown Collection. In this way, we can all help to create a welcoming and inspiring interior in each of the official residences, where foreign dignitaries and many Canadians are received.
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is responsible for the collections displayed in the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec. PWGSC updates the inventory and ensures the safety of the objects, sending them for restoration when required.
Through the years, PWGSC has also acquired many pieces of furniture and works of art, which form the permanent collection at the Citadelle. Such is the case of Jean-Paul Riopelle’s
Les 24 heures de l’Isle-aux-Oyes, donated to PWGSC by the artist and now exhibited in the Frontenac Dining Room.
Other Collections Represented at the Citadelle
To broaden the range of works displayed at the Citadelle, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General manages an art loan program. Loans come from various museums and other cultural institutions from across Canada. About 30 works on loan are displayed in the residence today.