Built over 200 years ago as the city’s first prison, the Morrin Centre now also houses one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. This National Historic Site is yours to discover.

Ramble through the sinister jail cells. See graffiti carved into the floors by inmates and the iron rings used to chain them down. In cell block A6, let our guides lead you through our exhibition entitled “Doing Time: the Quebec City Common Gaol (1808 – 1867).” This exhibition covers thefirst modern prison in Canada, part of which still exists in the heart of our building. Visitors will discover a hidden, dark and almost unknown part of the city’s history by exploring the building’s past, the life of its prisoners and the conditions of their imprisonment. Learn also about Morrin College, the city’s first English-language institute of higher education. Explore the science labwhile one of our guides tells you about the history of the college from its first class in 1862 to its closing in 1902.

Then, let yourself be spellbound by the haunting stories surrounding our charming Victorian library, home to a collection of literary gems, some of which date back to the 16th century.