Morrin Centre, Cultural center in Old Quebec, Canada
The Morrin Centre occupies a stone building in Old Quebec designed by François Baillairgé and built between 1808 and 1814 in the Palladian style, one of the first in the city to draw on British classicism. It houses the private English-language library of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, founded in 1824, along with heritage event spaces and interpretation services.
The building was designed by Quebec architect François Baillairgé and erected between 1808 and 1814 in the Palladian style, one of the first in Quebec City to draw on British classicism. It served as the Quebec City Common Gaol from 1812 to 1867. After a new prison was completed in 1861, the building was sold to Dr. Joseph Morrin and converted by architect Joseph-Ferdinand Peachy into a college for young anglophones, opening in 1868.
The library inside maintains an English-language collection that reflects the intellectual life of the region's anglophone community. Visitors can see how books and documents were organized and valued during the Victorian era.
The center sits in the heart of Old Quebec's street grid and is most easily reached by walking through the historic district. Plan for an afternoon visit, as guided tours are regularly available to help you understand the building and its collections.
The building was designed by Quebec architect François Baillairgé and erected between 1808 and 1814 in the Palladian style, making it one of Quebec City's first buildings to draw on British classicism. It was sold to Dr. Joseph Morrin after a new prison was completed in 1861 and converted into a college for young anglophones by architect Joseph-Ferdinand Peachy.
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