About la cité
La Cité de l’ÉnergieOur History
- 1947
1947
The Shawinigan Water & Power Company is planning to set up an electricity museum inside its first power station.
- 1985
1985
Founding of the Centre d’Interprétation Industriel du Centre de la Mauricie Inc.
- 1989
1989
First exhibition of objects on the industrial history of Shawinigan at La Rotonde.
- 1990
1990
Second exhibition at La Rotonde on the theme of the industrial epicenter of Quebec.
- 1991
1991
Hiring of a General Manager, Mr. Robert Trudel.
- 1994
1994
Official announcement of the financial contribution of the federal and provincial governments for a sum of 9 million dollars.
- 1995
1995
Construction of the observation tower begins.
- 1997
June 21, 1997
Official opening of la Cité de l’énergie to the general public.
- 2001
2001
Acquisition of the former Alcan aluminum smelter as part of its centenary.
2001 – 2006
Presentation of the night show, Kosmogonia.
- 2002
2002
Recognition of the historical importance of the former Shawinigan aluminum smelter by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
- 2003
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.
- 2004
2004
L’arche de Noé Exhibition, Espace Shawinigan.
- 2005
2005
Les éléments de la nature Exhibition, Espace Shawinigan.
- 2006
2006
Cai Guo-Quang Exhibition, Déroulement, Espace Shawinigan.
- 2007
2007
Carsten Höller Exhibition, Deux ans plus tôt, Espace Shawinigan.
2007 – 2011
Eclyps show
- 2008
2008
Ron Mueck, Guy Ben-Ner, La vraie vie Exhibition, Espace Shawinigan.
- 2009
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.
2009
Flagrant délit Exhibition, La performance du spectacle, Espace Shawinigan.
2009 – 2017
Second permanent exhibition : Energia.
- 2010
2010 – 2011
L’echo-l’eau Exhibition, Richard Purdy, Espace Shawinigan.
- 2012
2012
Opening of the Prime Minister Jean Chrétien Museum – Canada in the World.
2012
Exhibition Tout feu tout flamme, Espace Shawinigan.
2012 – 2014
Presentation of the night show, Amos Daragon, the first adventure.
- 2015
2015 – 2017
Presentation of the night show, Dragao, an adventure by Amos Daragon.
- 2017
2017
Relocation of the Prime Minister Jean Chrétien Museum – Canada in the World to the Science Center.
- 2018
2018
Renewal of the Science Center with the inauguration of its third exhibition and its multimedia Planet Energy.
2018
Presentation of the night show, Nezha, l’enfant pirate.
2018
The current Director General, Ms. Sandie Letendre, takes office.
la Cité de l’ÉnergieMission, Vision and Values
Our Mission
The Cité de l’énergie is an immersive museum complex whose mission is to promote, enhance and educate the public on the history, heritage and industrial development of Shawinigan and its region, as well as on scientific culture in the fields of energy and industry.
Our Vision
La Cité de l’énergie stands out for its immersive activities that place the visitor at the center of their experience. With its interactive exhibits, its multimedia show, featuring special and multi-sensory effects and a rotating stage, its city tour and its cruise to discover Shawinigan’s industrial past, its observation tower and visits to hydroelectric power plants, one of which is still in operation, the Cité de l’énergie offers a true journey through time in which the visitor actively participates. This is combined with a personalized pace and planning of the visit as well as the support of our competent and attentive guides.
In the evening, come and discover our night show, Nezha, l’enfant pirate, by Cirque Eloize presented against a natural backdrop in a rotating amphitheatre unique in Quebec.
Our Values
Excellence – Customer Orientation – Innovation – Respect
La Cité de l’ÉnergieOur Team
Sandie Letendre
General Director
Michel Trudel
Director of Operations
Hubert Vivien
Assistant Director of Operations
Mario Lachance
Coordinator of Welcome Center and Animation
Chantal Carignan
Coordinator of Communications and Marketing
Annie Désaulniers
Coordinator of Accounting and Administration
Josianne Gravel
Person in charge of trade shows and events
Marie-Josée Roy
Education and Mediation Coordinator
Valérie Gosselin
Administrative Assistant
Josiane Benoit
Reservation Manager
La Cité de l’ÉnergieAwards and Distinctions
Regional Award
2019
Numix Award, cultural production/museum production
Planète Énergie, La Cité de l’énergie
TRAM MÉDIA – Studio Normal – Dpt. – Audio Z2013
Grand prix du tourisme québécois
Tourist attraction award – 100,000 visitors and over2012
Gala distinction from the Shawinigan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cultural Enterprise Award2010
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 over2004
Grands Prix du tourisme québécois
Tourist Attraction Award – Bronze
50 000 visitors and over2004
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 over2000
Grands Prix du tourisme québécois
Tourist Attraction Award
100 000 visitors and over2001
Attractions Canada Award
Provincial Category1998
National Gold Award
Tourism Development and
Innovation Grands Prix du Tourisme québécois1998
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 québécois1998
Excellence Award from the Canadian Museum Association1998
Tourism Development and Innovation Award – Tourisme Mauricie-Bois-Francs1998
Gala Distinction – Public Tourism Award of the Centre-de-la-Mauricie1998
Gala Distinction – Business of the year in the Centre-de-la-Mauricie
Jury Mention
1998
Steel Construction Award of Excellence1998
“ Magic Touch Award” – Société des attractions touristiques du Québec1998
Promotion Award – Tourisme Mauricie-Bois-Francs1997
Exceptional mention for the
« Shawinigan illuminée » contest1997
Certificate of Excellence from the city of Shawinigan for its exceptional participation in the beautification of the city.