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The Cité de l'Énergie

Visitors touring one of the sections of The Ages of Energy ExhibitVisitors to The Ages of Energy Exhibit
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Tramway-style bus preparing to allow visitors to disembark in the historic sectorVisitor Transportation
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Photo of the Hydro-Québec observation tower at duskThe Tower in All Its Splendour
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Two young girls exploring The Ages of Energy exhibitYoung Girls and Discovery
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Visitors touring objects on exhibit at the N.A.C. generating stationInside the N.A.C. Generating Station
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Artist executing a jump during the ECLYPS evening showECLYPS Evening Show
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A section of the Stories from our Lives exhibitStories from our Lives Exhibit
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A guide presents the Pringle PlanPresentation of the Pringle Plan
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Artisits in action during the ECLYPS showClair de Lune (moonlight)
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Richard Purdy poses proudly in front of the L'écho-l'eau Exhibit (water echo exhibit)L'écho-l'eau Exhibit (water echo exhibit)
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Passengers leaving the bus at a City Tour bus stopCity Tour
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Magnificent floral landscaping graces the historic sectorThe N.A.C. Generating Station and Its Flowers
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A breathtaking view of the observation tower along the shores of the Saint-Maurice RiverA River and the Tower
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Parents and their two daughters taking in the exhibitFamilies and the Cité de l'énergie
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A guide happily making his presentation before the publicA Guide's Smile
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Visitors cruising the Saint-Maureice RiverA Great Moment during a Cruise
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Visitors waiting patiently for the ECLYPS show to beginA Busy Evening at ECLYPS
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The idea of showcasing the industrial history of Shawinigan dates back to 1947 when Shawinigan Water and Power planned to develop a museum in an old disused power plant. But the project did not materialize. The idea was raised again in 1970, but the project only began in earnest in 1985, with the foundation of the Centre d'interprétation de l'industrie corporation. In the fall of 1988, Robert Trudel was hired as director general and he quickly set up a working team. Less than 10 years later, in June 1997, the Cité de l'Énergie opened its doors to visitors. Since its inauguration, the establishment has welcomed an average of 100 000 visitors per year.

The Cité de l'énergie is a touristic complex. Its mission consists of popularizing the themes of energy and industry from scientific and historic standpoints. Efforts also focus on the development of the industrial heritage of Shawinigan. The site offers visitors an enriching and entertaining experience. Tours begin with a multisensoral show unique in Canada. The show features the very latest multimedia technology, drawing visitors into the fascinating world of raw energy. An exhibit hall then addresses mastery of the untamed energy by man. The 115-metre observation tower offers an impressive view of Mauricie scenery. Visitors can learn more about the daily lives of the people of Shawinigan at the Nos Belles Histoires exhibit.

The Cité de l'énergie is proud to offer access to a hydropower generating station built in 1899, in cooperation with Hydro-Québec. Here, visitors can explore the world of industrial technology. Presentations include aluminum casting, the production of newsprint and magnetic levitation. In addition, visitors have access to the Shawinigan-2 generating station, in operation since 1911.

The Cité de l'énergie also proposes a tour of the city and a cruise on the Saint-Maurice River, where visitors can learn more about the many facets of the river and Shawinigan. Likewise, the Cité de l'énergie site is home to the Jardins de la synergie, where visitors may view an impressive collection of colourful landscaping layouts.

In an exceptional natural environment, the Cité de l'Énergie presents an evening show featuring theatre, music, dance and circus arts. The heated, revolving and covered outdoor amphitheatre adds a touch of magic to the fanciful atmosphere of the show. Likewise, to the delight of contemporary art enthusiasts, each year since 2003 Espace Shawinigan has presented an art exhibit in the building housing the first aluminum smelter in Canada, now recognized as a national historic site.