François Legault has committed to the implementation of the Maison de la chanson et de la musique du Québec (MCM) project in June 2022 in the former Saint-Sulpice library in the Latin Quarter. The matter is now confirmed: a decree was signed and published in the official gazette last December.
The government will pay 48.5 million to replace this heritage site, located at 1700, rue Saint-Denis, owned by the Bibliothèques et archives nationalaux du Québec (BAnQ) since 2016. The remaining funds will be provided by the City of Montreal. and the sale of land owned by BAnQ to Hydro-Québec.
Spaces for making and practicing music, but also artist residencies, school workshops and master classes will be set up in the coming months.
“It will be a place of memory, creation, animation and multimedia distribution,” he said Pres Monique Giroux is the instigator of this project, benefiting from the invaluable support and kindness of Luc Plamondon. At the cutting edge of technology, we will offer visitors a dynamic visual tour. »
Quebec's MCM hosts permanent and thematic exhibitions, as well as various events related to song and music, in an immersive room, auditorium or studio. “We will host conferences, launches, symposiums, interactive installations, film screenings and targeted concerts,” says Monique Giroux.
Documents containing operational and technical plans and cost estimates were submitted to the government last September. Once plans and specifications are finalized and approved, renovation work should begin within twelve to fifteen months.
MCM, which is the tenant of the complex, is developing the project in collaboration with the Bibliothèque et Archives nationalaux du Québec. BAnQ's collections and funds related to song and music can thus be highlighted and made available to researchers and experts for consultation purposes.
The restoration of this 1914 building will no doubt reassure heritage preservationists. In March 2021, La Presse reported that the Saint-Sulpice library suffered from “the effects of abandonment” and was in urgent need of work.
Monique Giroux believes that once it opens, the venue will become a haven for music lovers and song lovers, enjoying a privileged location. “My mission is to build bridges between artists, their works and the public. We make Quebec's MCM a lively place not only for artists, but for all generations and the general public. »
