Save our heritage

A NATIONAL TREASURE AND PART OF OUR RELIGIOUS HERITAGE SAVED THROUGH SUPPORT FROM THE MUSÉE DE LA CIVILISATION FOUNDATION

See the whole photo gallery on Flickr

Musée de la civilisation, as protector of the national collections, has stepped forward to acquire the seven polychrome bas-reliefs installed near Oka over two centuries ago, and which until recently belonged to the Oka parish. These masterpieces had to be sold to pay for renovations to L’Annonciation d’Oka Church.

An essential partner
Saving these works was made possible thanks to the Musée de la civilisation Foundation, whose mission includes fundraising to develop the national collection. “We exist because of the generosity of our donors, and we use the gifts we receive to enrich the body of Québec’s cultural heritage and ensure that it remains accessible to all,” said Foundation president Christian Goulet.
 
For the Musée de la civilisation Foundation, this important acquisition was the right moment to launch its annual fundraising campaign, under the theme “save our heritage.” The funds raised will be entirely dedicated to funding the Calvary at Oka acquisition, as well as to the creation of a fund to develop and ensure the future of the Musée de la civilisation collections.
 
To give to the Foundation, please click on “Make your gift,” fill out the form, and select your preferred method of payment.

About the Calvary at Oka

François Guernon, also called Belleville, was born in Paris around 1740. In 1757 he set sail for New France as a soldier. Discharged after the defeat of the French troops, he became a sculptor. In 1775 he was commissioned by the Sulpicians of Lac des Deux-Montagnes to create a series of imposing bas-reliefs depicting the Stations of the Cross for the oratories and chapels of Calvaire d’Oka, the Calvary at Oka. Guernon or Belleville holds an important place in the early history of Québec art. Many of his works have come down to us and bear eloquent witness to the accomplishments of sculptors in the second half of the 18th century. The bas-reliefs were displayed in the chapels on the summit of Calvaire d’Oka Hill before being moved to the Oka parish hall in 1980.

A major Museum undertaking
Recognizing the importance of these bas-reliefs as religious heritage, their listing in Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec, and the considerable loss that would incurred by their sale, and in light of their exceptional nature and the community’s unanimous desire that they be saved and conserved, it was entirely natural that the Museum fulfill its mandate by ensuring their protection.

“Such national treasures, particularly Québec’s wealth of religious heritage, must be saved, conserved, and protected by our institutions for the public. Thus it was important for Musée de la civilisation to acquire this set of bas-reliefs,” declared Musée de la civilisation executive director Michel Côté. “As a national institution and in the spirit of its mandate, the Museum can thus ensure that the entire community will have access to this cultural heritage.” 

Restoring the masterpiece and returning it to its place of origin
The works, currently in storage, will travel to Québec City in the next few days, where some will undergo restoration over the coming months. An exhibition of bas-reliefs will then go on tour before the pieces return home to the church in Oka.

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Video interviews

Save our Heritage: an Interview with the Foundation President (in french)





The Calvary at Oka: an Interview with the Executive Director (in french)

Helping to Save Québec’s Heritage

Your gift will allow the Foundation to create a fund that will ensure the development and future of Musée de la civilisation’s collections, including the acquisition of objects such as the seven bas-reliefs of the Calvary at Oka.