In 1962, Gérard Lavallée, a fine arts teacher at the Collège de Saint-Laurent, founded the Nova et Vetera Gallery (New and Old Realities) in order to initiate his students to the arts and know-how of the past. The works of avant-garde artists Guido Molinari and Rita Letendre were displayed beside beautiful antique furniture.

Gérard Lavallée renamed the gallery, Musée d'art de Saint-Laurent, in 1977. In the 25 years after its opening, the founder enriched its permanent collection to more than 3000 objects.

Presently, the collection of the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec groups objects relating to the arts and popular traditions of Quebec dating principally from the 18th and 19th centuries. They document many centuries of "French Canadian" history and pay homage to its masters and artisans.

Information on more than 6000 objects from the permanent collection is available at

Artefact of the month!