Since 2018, Quebecers have had free access to museums on the first Sundays of each month. As of March 2, 2025, this measure will be changed to benefit only under 20 years of age, with a view to cultural democratization “With a specific audience”announced the ministry.
This new measure has created disappointment. Until now, nearly a hundred Quebec museums have participated in the free program, which benefited families awaiting on the first Sunday of each month, where festivities were also scheduled, were also scheduled. “One of our busiest days”explained the director general and chief conservative of the museum of contemporary art of Baie-Saint-Paul, Gabrielle Bouchard, and who denounces this new initiative of the government as being a “Disguised budget cut”.
The free of charge on the first Sunday of each month cost more than $ 4 million to the government, which reimbursed the museums the recorded entries. Free for those under 20 would thus involve less costs. “The 20 years and under are not the bulk of our visitors. Most of our visitors during the week are schoolchildren, so they already come. They will not return to the museum on Sunday “said Gabrielle Bouchard.
This government’s decision comes in a context of economic fragility in the cultural sector. Budget cuts were notably carried out at the Museum of Civilization and state museums have seen their annual subsidy reduced or even withdrawn. “I think the future of many museums in Quebec is currently not guaranteed”is alarmed by Gabrielle Bouchard.