Everything You Need to Know About the Québec City Biennial
A one-of-a-kind winter biennial in North America
Imagine an entire city transformed into an open-air gallery, where passersby encounter monumental sculptures, luminous projections, and performances in the snow. That is the experience of the Québec City Biennial – Manif d’art, the only winter contemporary art biennial in North America.
Every two years, artists, curators, and visitors turn Québec into a living laboratory of contemporary art, accessible to everyone.
👉 Discover everything you need to know about the Québec City Biennial!
What is an art biennial?
The word biennial comes from the Latin biennālis and means “taking place every two years.”
In the art world, it refers to a large-scale international event bringing together exhibitions, performances, public art, and encounters.
The best-known biennials are those of Venice, São Paulo, or Lyon — but Québec City stands out with its winter identity and strong local community roots. It offers a unique vision of contemporary art in dialogue with the city and its climate.
What does a biennial mean?
A biennial is not just an exhibition — it is a platform for collective reflection.
Each edition revolves around a central theme chosen by an invited curator, who brings together artists to address the major issues of our time: society, ecology, identity, politics.
At Manif d’art, the Biennial is guided by values of inclusion, innovation, and accessibility, making it a cultural milestone in Québec and across Canada.
How does a biennial work?
A biennial follows a specific structure:
- An invited curator designs the central theme.
- Local, national, and international artists are invited to respond.
- Works are presented across a constellation of venues: museums, artist-run centers, libraries, public spaces.
- A parallel program features talks, workshops, performances, and educational activities.
- This format encourages encounters between audiences and creators while providing international visibility to the Québec contemporary art scene.
Where does the Québec City Biennial take place?
The Biennial spreads across the city, turning Québec into a true art itinerary:
- At the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) for previous editions.
- At Espace Quatre Cents since the most recent edition.
- In artist-run centers (Le Lieu, Œil de Poisson, etc.).
- In municipal libraries.
- In outdoor public spaces, especially during the winter.
This strong presence in neighborhoods makes the Biennial an event rooted in the life of the city, for both residents and visitors.
How much does it cost to attend?
One of Manif d’art’s goals is to keep culture accessible:
- Many activities are free (public art walks, library exhibitions, talks).
- Exhibitions in partner museums often have affordable entry fees, with discounts for students and families.
The Biennial ensures that everyone can discover contemporary art without financial barriers.
What does the Biennial include?
Each edition features a wide variety of artistic experiences:
- Major exhibitions across institutions.
- Performances by Québec and international artists.
- Free outdoor public art routes open to all.
- Cultural mediation activities for families and schools.
- Professional gatherings that enhance the reach of the local art scene.
It is both a popular festival and a space for critical reflection in the art world.
What is the impact of a biennial?
A biennial generates multiple benefits:
- For artists: greater visibility and international opportunities.
- For audiences: an immersive way to experience contemporary art.
- For the city: economic and tourism impact, strengthening Québec’s reputation as a cultural capital.
Manif d’art also integrates eco-responsible practices, with sustainable materials, reduced waste, and climate-conscious initiatives — essential for the future of cultural events.
The uniqueness of Québec: a winter biennial
Unlike other major biennials, Québec City’s takes place in the heart of winter.
Light installations, ice sculptures, nocturnal walks — art comes alive in dialogue with snow, cold, and the city itself.
This seasonal dimension makes it the only winter biennial in North America, attracting not only art lovers but also visitors seeking a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
A biennial to experience and share
Every two years, the Québec City Biennial – Manif d’art transforms the city into a vast contemporary art laboratory. Accessible, inclusive, and bold, it invites everyone to discover the richness of today’s art practices.
The next edition will take place from February to April 2026 — a unique opportunity to experience Québec through the lens of winter and creation.
👉 Stay tuned by visiting the official Biennial page to follow announcements and prepare your visit.
