About la cité

Our History

La Cité de l’Énergie Our History

  1. 1947

    1. 1947

      The Shawinigan Water & Power Company is planning to set up an electricity museum inside its first power station.

  2. 1985

    1. 1985

      Founding of the Centre d’Interprétation Industriel du Centre de la Mauricie Inc.

  3. 1989

    1. 1989

      First exhibition of objects on the industrial history of Shawinigan at La Rotonde.

  4. 1990

    1. 1990

      Second exhibition at La Rotonde on the theme of the industrial epicenter of Quebec.

  5. 1991

    1. 1991

      Hiring of a General Manager, Mr. Robert Trudel.

  6. 1994

    1. 1994

      Official announcement of the financial contribution of the federal and provincial governments for a sum of 9 million dollars.

  7. 1995

    1. 1995

      Construction of the observation tower begins.

  8. 1997

    1. June 21, 1997

      Official opening of la Cité de l’énergie to the general public.

  9. 2001

    1. 2001

      Acquisition of the former Alcan aluminum smelter as part of its centenary.

    2. 2001 – 2006

      Presentation of the night show, Kosmogonia.

  10. 2002

    1. 2002

      Recognition of the historical importance of the former Shawinigan aluminum smelter by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

  11. 2003

    1. 2003

      Presentation in the buildings of the former aluminum smelter, known as Espace Shawinigan since 2006, of the art exhibition entitled Le corps transformé, which attracted 65,000 visitors in collaboration with the National Gallery of Canada.

  12. 2004

    1. 2004

      L’arche de Noé Exhibition, Espace Shawinigan.

  13. 2005

    1. 2005

      Les éléments de la nature Exhibition, Espace Shawinigan.

  14. 2006

    1. 2006

      Cai Guo-Quang Exhibition, Déroulement, Espace Shawinigan.

  15. 2007

    1. 2007

      Carsten Höller Exhibition, Deux ans plus tôt, Espace Shawinigan.

    2. 2007 – 2011

      Eclyps show

  16. 2008

    1. 2008

      Ron Mueck, Guy Ben-Ner, La vraie vie Exhibition, Espace Shawinigan.

  17. 2009

    1. 2009

      Complete renewal of the Science Center’s exhibitions with the presentation of a new multimedia exhibition entitled Energia, l’ame de la terre along with the exhibitions, Les Ages de l’énergie and Nos belles histories.

    2. 2009

      Flagrant délit Exhibition, La performance du spectacle, Espace Shawinigan.

    3. 2009 – 2017

      Second permanent exhibition : Energia.

  18. 2010

    1. 2010 – 2011

      L’echo-l’eau Exhibition, Richard Purdy, Espace Shawinigan.

  19. 2012

    1. 2012

      Opening of the Prime Minister Jean Chrétien Museum – Canada in the World.

    2. 2012

      Exhibition Tout feu tout flamme, Espace Shawinigan.

    3. 2012 – 2014

      Presentation of the night show, Amos Daragon, the first adventure.

  20. 2015

    1. 2015 – 2017

      Presentation of the night show, Dragao, an adventure by Amos Daragon.

  21. 2017

    1. 2017

      Relocation of the Prime Minister Jean Chrétien Museum – Canada in the World to the Science Center.

  22. 2018

    1. 2018

      Renewal of the Science Center with the inauguration of its third exhibition and its multimedia Planet Energy.

    2. 2018

      Presentation of the night show, Nezha, l’enfant pirate.

    3. 2018

      The current Director General, Ms. Sandie Letendre, takes office.

  23. 2022

    1. 2022

      25th anniversary.

Our mission

La Cité de l’énergie is an immersive museum complex with the mission to inform, showcase, and educate the public about the history, heritage, and industrial development of Shawinigan and its region, as well as the scientific culture in the fields of energy and industries.

Our vision

The City of Energy stands out with its immersive activities that place the visitor at the center of their experience. It offers interactive exhibitions and a multimedia show featuring special effects, multisensory experiences, and even a rotating stage. With its city tour and cruise that allow the discovery of Shawinigan’s industrial past, its observation tower, and visits to hydroelectric power plants, including one still in operation, the City of Energy offers a genuine journey through time where the visitor actively participates. With the guidance of our knowledgeable and attentive guides, you will experience a personalized visit at your own pace.

Our values

Excellence – Visitor orientation – Innovation – Respect

Our team

La Cité de l’Énergie Our team

Awards and Distinctions

La Cité de l’Énergie Awards and Distinctions

  • Regional Award

    • 2019

      Numix Award, cultural production/museum production
      Planète Énergie, La Cité de l’énergie
      TRAM MÉDIA – Studio Normal – Dpt. – Audio Z

    • 2013

      Grand prix du tourisme québécois
      Tourist attraction award – 100,000 visitors and over

    • 2012

      Gala distinction from the Shawinigan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
      Cultural Enterprise Award

    • 2010

      Gala distinction from the Shawinigan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
      Cité de l’énergie Award (Écho-l’eau)

    • 2008

      Grands Prix du tourisme québécois
      Tourist Attraction Award – 100 000 visitors and over

    • 2004

      Grands Prix du tourisme québécois
      Tourist Attraction Award – Bronze
      50 000 visitors and over

    • 2004

      Gala distinction Centre-de-la-Mauricie
      The body transformed
      Category : Outreach

  • National Award

    • 2013

      National Silver Award
      Grand Prix du tourisme québécois
      Tourist Attraction Award – 100 000 visitors and over

    • 2000

      Grands Prix du tourisme québécois
      Tourist Attraction Award
      100 000 visitors and over

    • 2001

      Attractions Canada Award
      Provincial Category

    • 1998

      National Gold Award
      Tourism Development and
      Innovation Grands Prix du Tourisme québécois

    • 1998

      National Silver Award
      Grand prix du tourisme québécois
      Tourist Attraction Award – 100 000 visitors and over

  • Honorable Mentions

    • 1998

      Excellence Award from the Société des musées québécois

    • 1998

      Excellence Award from the Canadian Museum Association

    • 1998

      Tourism Development and Innovation Award – Tourisme Mauricie-Bois-Francs

    • 1998

      Gala Distinction – Public Tourism Award of the Centre-de-la-Mauricie

    • 1998

      Gala Distinction – Business of the year in the Centre-de-la-Mauricie

  • Jury Mention

    • 1998

      Steel Construction Award of Excellence

    • 1998

      “ Magic Touch Award” – Société des attractions touristiques du Québec

    • 1998

      Promotion Award – Tourisme Mauricie-Bois-Francs

    • 1997

      Exceptional mention for the
      « Shawinigan illuminée » contest

    • 1997

      Certificate of Excellence from the city of Shawinigan for its exceptional participation in the beautification of the city.