One of my favourite restoration project in Quebec City was recently unveiled: the Maison de la Littérature de Québec. Part of this institution of litterature is housed in what used to be the Wesley Temple, a methodist church build in 1848. A new building covered in metallic gold mesh was also built right next to the church.
The House of literature houses a public library, a permanent exhibition on Quebec literature as well as writing cabinets, a comics workshop, a design studio, a writers' residence, etc. It also offers a varied program on Quebec's literary scene all year round. This kind of institution, though not as obvious as a museum, really strengthens the cultural foundation of a city.
This project really is a fantastic restauration example. In fact, Quebec's architects seem to have become experts in restaurating old churches based of the conversion of these churches into libraries, reception halls and even a circus school
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