Canada
Quebec
Quebec City
Things to do in Quebec City
Morrin Centre

Morrin Centre, Quebec City: Hours, Address, Morrin Centre Reviews: 4.5/5

See all things to do

Morrin Centre

See all things to do
See all things to do
Morrin Centre
4.5
717
#6 of 214 things to do in Quebec City
Historic Sites • Libraries
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Visit website
Call
Email
About
Come visit the Morrin Cultural Centre, Quebec City's best-kept secret! Built over 200 years ago as one of the city's first jail, it now houses one of the world's most beautiful libraries. This national historic site is yours to discover. Walk through foreboding jail cells and browse the books in the charming Victorian library. We also offer various events; including a Writers' Festival, concerts, readings and lectures. Consider renting the Centre as the perfect place to hold your events.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Morrin Centre
See all
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Quebec City
Best nearby
Restaurants
801 within 5 kms
Beclub Bistro Bar
407
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Masaru Sushi
217
0.3 km$ • Sushi • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Le Continental
1,593
0.3 km$$$$ • French • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Chez Boulay-bistro boreal
2,619
0.2 km$$$$ • French • Diner • Canadian
Chocolato rue Saint-Jean
225
0.2 km$ • Dessert • Cafe • Fast food
Restaurant Le Saint-Amour
1,556
0.2 km$$$$ • French • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
La Pizzaio
681
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Paillard
3,134
0.1 km$ • Bakeries • French • Canadian
Chez Jules
987
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • French • European • Canadian
Chez Rioux & Pettigrew
1,620
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • French • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
See all
Attractions
180 within 5 kms
Literary and Historical Society of Quebec
29
0 mLibraries
Maison de la litterature
35
46 mArchitectural Buildings • Libraries
Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church
14
48 mChurches & Cathedrals
Place d'Youville
88
0.1 kmParks
Pole Culturel du Monastere des Ursulines
268
0.2 kmHistory Museums
Terrasse Dufferin
3,594
0.2 kmNeighbourhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Librairie Pantoute
17
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
1,042
0.2 kmHistoric Sites
Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Sacre-Coeur
19
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Porte Kent
3
92 mHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
See all
Popular mentions
4.5
717 reviews
Excellent
472
Very good
203
Average
34
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Karen G
Vancouver, Canada437 contributions
Lack of communication
Sep. 2020 • Couples
I walked in today, there was a sign saying “come in and make a reservation for your visit”. So we did, they asked my name and phone number and that’s it. They didn’t say anything else, so I thought we were making reservations to limit the quantity of people because of COVID. But when we arrived for our reservation we had to actually pay for a tour. I only wanted to see the library, I asked if we could just walk around and they said no. Ok, I paid and after around 10 minutes listening to the tour guide outside, he showed us a picture of the library and said we couldn’t go there because it’s closed. I got extremely disappointed and interrupted the tour, so he offered me a refund.
I only gave 2 stars because the the staff were really friendly, because I think this is a huge fault. The tour was actually being interesting, cool information, but if you are not getting the entire tour, they should tell you from the beginning, especially when you’ll miss the most interesting part.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RandomActsOfArt
Vancouver, Canada10 contributions
English Haven
Jul. 2020
This library/ former penitentiary is historic and contemporary at the same time. The architecture is beautiful and it is situated in the heart of everything.
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan
1 contribution
Amazing safe visit!
Jul. 2020
Since we aren't traveling because of Covid19 this summer, decided to grab my daughter and see what the modified Morrin Centre Visit was like--it was really great!!! Having a private visit for just the two of us, with Anthony dispensing information and answering questions with just the right mix of knowledge and humour, was just perfect. We could go at our own speed and focus on the stuff that really interested us, didn't get to see the chem lab or the library but pictures and stories filled in, and most importantly spending time in the prison (with films after). We will definitely be back with the rest of the family.

Should also say, we felt completely safe--distancing, hand sanitizer, and masks; the guides were well prepared and ready.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deborah S
38 contributions
Great Place .. a real surprise .. includes a prison in the basement
Jun. 2019
I actually organized an event here - it was such a fun place, the guided tours shows you all, from turn of the century Science classes to a superb old library and a prison in the basement with dingy cells ... great visit ..
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ⓜ️ MrMoreLight
Montreal, Canada1,538 contributions
Best bang for your buck in Old Quebec
Dec. 2019 • Couples
I know Quebec City very well but had never heard of the Morrin Centre before. Make no mistake, if you found it here on TripAdvisor, make sure to carve out time, this is one of the best tour you’ll get and a fascinating journey down the rabbit hole of colonial time.

Tour is well worth it and our tour guide (I believe Sarah?) was exceptional, with good stories that make the rooms come alive with relevance, at $12, this is one of the best investments we made.

From time to time, Quebec’s first prison, first university with women and now a cultural centre, only the tour guide will tell you about the story Wolfe’s statue - funny & fascinating.

2 hours well spent, it is easy to miss within Old Quebec city’s walls, but you won’t forget your visit. Hidden gem.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gem
Belle Mead, NJ14 contributions
quick getaway
Nov. 2019
We did this last minute and decided to join the tour. Thought changing our shoes for Crocs was interesting but then understood when we saw the carvings in the prison floor. Very interesting tour of the old jail and informative tour guide. The small library is very beautiful and inviting. Wished we had more time to take a book and curl up in one of their cushy chairs.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jamesahlan
Toronto33 contributions
Cute Little Public Library
Dec. 2019
Enter Morrin Centre, walk up the stairs to your right to find the Morrin public library. Free entrance to the public. Seating space is limited. Small spiral stairs to its balcony is roped off. Photography without flash and tripod is permitted in this 1824 historic library.
Written December 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adam Brunning
Sudbury, UK309 contributions
Superb tour!
Dec. 2019 • Couples
Haven’t been on a bus tour the day before where we were told about the Morrin Centre and that it was Quebec’s first jail we had to take a look!
Fiona was our guide and she was simply amazing, bringing all the history alive! Well worth a visit if you can spare the time!
Written December 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
moiinnj
nj389 contributions
Morrin Centre Discovery Tour
Nov. 2019
Someone had mentioned this to me otherwise I probably would not have known about it. It is right in the heart of everything so easy to get to. We did the Discovery Tour which was very well done. We saw the old jail cells and the tour guide was quite enthusiastic and dramatic making for a very enjoyable and informative visit. We saw the classrooms, and to me the really lovely part was the library itself. After the tour you can re-visit the areas toured. They have a few different tours offered and I am sure they are all good.
Written December 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stacey D
3 contributions
Interesting
Nov. 2019
We went in to check out the library, but we did not have time to take their tour, which we heard it's great.
Written November 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 548
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing