Collections
The Canadian character of the furnishings and works of art enrich the heritage value of the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle. They are part of Canadian history and they showcase Canada’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions.
Furniture
Most of the furniture at the Citadelle, with a few exceptions, was made in Canada. Some pieces displayed in the old wing have been part of the residence for a very long time; here, we find pieces of French inspiration, of Classical Revival and of eclectic styles. In the new wing, we find traditionally made Québécois antiques.
Works of Art
All artists represented at the Citadelle are Canadian; many have received honours awarded by the governor general. Fines examples of modern and contemporary 20th-century works of art are displayed in the State rooms. They offer a contemporary background to ceremonies held at the residence, while living in harmony with the antique furniture pieces and other historical objects that surround them. This combination of old and new is often seen in today’s interior décor trends. The residence also showcases a fine collection of Inuit artwork.
The Crown Collection and the Canadiana Fund
Some pieces of furniture and works of art displayed in the residence belong to the Crown Collection, and are therefore part of our national heritage. The Crown Collection is managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), in Ottawa. It is comprised of thousands of pieces of furniture and works of art, including antique and contemporary works, traditional Canadian pieces, and items from Europe and from the Far East. The Crown Collection is displayed throughout the seven official residences of Canada.
The Canadiana Fund was established in 1990 to enhance the State rooms of Canada’s official residences through donations of the finest examples of historical furnishings, paintings and objets d’art. The chosen pieces reflect Canada’s heritage and artistic traditions, or are historically associated with, or complement, the architectural style of each residence. The Grant de Longueuil Epergne is a fine example of an historic artefact acquired by the Canadiana Fund.
Canadians can contribute to the Crown Collection by making donations to the Canadiana Fund. Each year, individuals and artists donate or loan items to the fund. These new acquisitions are then integrated into the Crown Collection. In this way, we can all help to create a welcoming and inspiring interior in each of the official residences, where foreign dignitaries and many Canadians are received.
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is responsible for the collections displayed in the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec. PWGSC updates the inventory and ensures the safety of the objects, sending them for restoration when required.
Through the years, PWGSC has also acquired many pieces of furniture and works of art, which form the permanent collection at the Citadelle. Such is the case of Jean-Paul Riopelle’s
Les 24 heures de l’Isle-aux-Oyes, donated to PWGSC by the artist and now exhibited in the Frontenac Dining Room.
Other Collections Represented at the Citadelle
To broaden the range of works displayed at the Citadelle, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General manages an art loan program. Loans come from various museums and other cultural institutions from across Canada. About 30 works on loan are displayed in the residence today.