Espace Riopelle will be built at a cost of $84 million, nearly double the projected cost

The budget allocated to build Espace Riobelle now stands at $84 million, in contrast to the $42.5 million initially announced.

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Following the call for bids launched on December 7 for the construction of Espace Riopelle, the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (MNBAQ) received bids from three companies. After conducting the analysis, the contract will be awarded to CONCREA, which was the lowest bidder.

Work is scheduled to begin in the spring to allow the future pavilion to open in 2026. With the architectural competition over, MNBAQ was able to conduct a full evaluation of the project, whose value has increased from $42.5 million to $84 million.

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Last January, Le Journal reported that costs had already approached $70 million, after additional public funds were granted.

“When the project was announced in December 2021, the cost assessment was only 40% complete. During the integrated design process, the final stage of work with fabg’s architects and the professionals assigned to the project, it was determined that Exact details of costs.

“In light of the detailed assessments undertaken, it was necessary to adjust the budget accordingly,” she added.

Financial arrangements

The Quebec government, through the Ministry of Culture and Communications, will inject $44 million. For its part, Quebec City will increase its financial support to $5 million. The Jean-Paul Riopelle Foundation has committed to providing $20 million, which can be increased to $25 million. MNBAQ Foundation increases its contribution to $10 million.

A major fundraising campaign will also be launched next fall in order to advance financial goals with donors.

Image courtesy of Les Architectes fabg (CNW Group/Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec)

“With a total investment of $44 million, the Government of Quebec is making a contribution commensurate with its commitment to our culture. “Espace Riopelle will transcend time and generations to enrich our cultural heritage, commensurate with the giant that Jean-Paul Riopelle represents in our collective imagination,” said Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications. .

“The future Espace Riopelle will be an exceptional showcase of our culture and an additional attraction for citizens as well as for tourists passing through Quebec. We are honored to have the collections of this larger-than-life artist placed in our State Museum,” added Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Quebec.

Site preparation

Work has already been carried out to prepare the site prior to construction. Nearly 9,000 works were transferred for protection or future display purposes. All exhibition halls located on the same site where construction will take place have been dismantled.