Located on Rue Saint-Jean, it was created by artist Marcel Gagnon as part of a public art project to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Quebec City’s founding.
The fresco measures 21 metres long and 5 metres high, depicting over 40 figures from various points in Quebec’s history. It begins with an image of Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada in 1534 and ends with a portrait of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. In between these two images are portraits of many influential figures: explorers, politicians, artists and more. The mural also includes symbols such as maple leaves and fleur-de-lis which are associated with Quebec identity.
The Fresque des Québécois has become one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Quebec City since its completion in 2008. Not only does it provide insight into the city’s past but it also serves as an important reminder about how far we have come since then – both culturally and politically. For example, there is an image dedicated to René Lévesque which pays tribute to his efforts towards creating greater autonomy for French Canadians within Canada during his tenure as Premier (1960–1976).
In addition to being visually impressive, this mural is also incredibly meaningful because it tells stories that would otherwise be forgotten or overlooked; stories about people who shaped our nation’s history yet often go unrecognized outside their home province.
