About

History

The Centre d’interprétation de la diversité biologique du Québec in Bécancour was founded on May 5, 1997. In 2000, to make tourism signage more practical, the administrators decided to shorten the name to the “Centre de la biodiversité du Québec.”

Construction of the first building was made possible through funding from Hydro‑Québec when the Radisson-Nicolet-Des-Cantons high voltage line was installed as part of the “Aménagements paysagers et récréatifs dans les emprises de lignes de transport d’électricité d’Hydro-Québec” project. In addition to this Crown corporation, the Museum also benefits from a partnership with the City of Bécancour and the Ministère des Affaires naturelles et de l’Environnement.

To date, the Museum is a not-for-profit organization managed by a board of directors composed of seven passionate and committed individuals. The Museum develops its exhibits based on the St. Lawrence River and its environment. The contents of the exhibits, activities, and workshops are very important for seeking funding. The Museum is funded by independent revenue from visits to our thematic exhibits, as well as diversified educational programming and occasional development projects. Furthermore, we have numerous partners in addition to our two primary supporters, the City of Bécancour and the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications.

1993

Start of construction and employment of one full-time employee
1993

1997

Founding of the Centre de la biodiversité
1997

2000

Employment of a permanent team of three people
2000

2009

Official opening of the new premises after doubling the area of the previous location
2009

2012

The Centre is officially recognized as an anchor point on the Route des Navigateurs
2012

2013

Second expansion, with the opening of a new outdoor area, “Urban Fauna, Odd Neighbours!”
2013

2018

Third expansion, with the addition of a temporary exhibit room and a multipurpose room
2018

2019

Opening of the nighttime tour, “Echoes of Origins”
2019

2020

The Centre is certified by the Ministère de la Culture as a Scientific Museum
2020

2022

The 25th anniversary of the Centre and the launch of a new brand image
2022

Missions and values

The Musée de la biodiversité du Québec is a scientific museum with a mission to promote and protect the region’s natural heritage. More specifically, it works to protect, conserve, study, and showcase the species of Quebec. Through exhibits, workshops, and activities that immerse visitors in the natural world, the Museum seeks to promote, inform, and educate children and adults about the importance of living in harmony with nature and the animal kingdom. 

As a scientific museum of Quebec, the Museum offers many services for children from preschool age to high school age, as well as Cégep and university students. Adapted exhibits and workshops are developed and updated year after year to offer the best possible service for all visitors.

The team

Carole Bellerose

Executive Director
819 222-5665, ext. 3

Coralie Lacoursière

Head of Reception and Public Relations
819 222-5665, ext. 1

Isabelle Denis

Head of Activities and Communications
819 222-5665, ext 4

Pierre Bergeron

Head of Collections and Building Maintenance
819 222-5665, ext 5

Awards and honours

2001

  • Regional “Coup de Coeur” prize in 2000, awarded by the Grands prix du tourisme du Québec
  • Finalist for the regional prize at the Banquet des Seigneurs awards ceremony

2002

  • Winner of the regional grand prize at the 5th edition of J’affiche en français

2003

  • Recipient of the regional prize for tourism and cultural company at the Banquet des Seigneurs awards ceremony
  • Regional finalist at the Grands prix du tourisme in the 99,999 visitors and less category

2007

  • Finalist in the tourism company category at the Banquet des Seigneurs awards ceremony

2009

  • Finalist in the tourism company category at the Banquet des Seigneurs awards ceremony
  • Winner in the Médiat-Muse award category at GalArt

2010

  • Winner of the GalArt cultural development award

2012

  • Award for sustainable development awrded by the Société St-Jean-Baptiste

2013

  • Finalist for the regional grand prize at the 15th edition of J’affiche en français

2018

  • Prize for tourism and cultural company at Gala Inc. 2018
  • Heritage and museology prize at GalArt 2018

2020

  • Award for excellence from the Société des Musées du Québec, for “Echoes of Origins”

2021

  • Heritage and museology prize at the 17th edition of GalArt, for “Echoes of Origins”.