THE MUSEUM
Our history
Founded in 1992 as an initiative of the Institut Armand-Frappier, the Fondation Armand-Frappier, and Ville de Laval, the Armand-Frappier Museum finally opened in 1994 under the presidency of Dr. Lise Frappier-Davignon, Dr Armand Frappier’s daughter. At the time, the Museum’s mission was to introduce the life and work of this great scientist on the very site of the research institute that he founded and to which he gave his name: the Institut Armand-Frappier.
1999 :
The Museum enriches its offering!
In 1999, the Museum wished to renew its permanent exhibition and reorient its mission towards disseminating scientific knowledge related to biosciences. The institution began offering an increasing number of educational programs, its clientele increased, and relationships with the researchers of the Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre multiplied.
The MicroZoo exhibition was introduced in 2001. Since then, the Museum has offered its clientele a wide variety of activities: exhibitions, laboratory activities, itinerant scientific workshops, science camps, initiation to research apprenticeships, and scientific conferences for the general public.
2014 :
20 years for the Museum!
« From a museum dedicated to showcasing Dr. Frappier’s work, the institution has met the expectations of its visitors and turned into a true centre for the exploration of health-related sciences. In 2014, the institution is recognized for its distinctive theme and educational approach, based on experimentation and personalized moderated tours. »
Message from the President, Rosemonde Mandeville, and the Executive Director, Guylaine Archambault, 2014 Annual Report (only in french).
A video was created to celebrate the Museum’s 20 years of achievement.
2019 :
The Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary!
« With 2019, we have completed a quarter of a century of scientific communication! Twenty-five years in which, inspired by Dr. Frappier’s work, we have stimulated and nurtured the curiosity of more than 333,000 visitors and participants about human health science! »
Message from the Executive Director, Guylaine Archambault, 2019 Annual Report (only in french).
2022 :
Armand-Frappier Museum becomes the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier
In 2022, the Armand-Frappier Museum will officially become the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier. This change in designation clarifies its thematic area. It has also acquired a new organic and contemporary brand image. More than ever, the Museum aims to be a dynamic player that arouses and nurtures curiosity about human health science.
2022 :
The Museum is moving!
In the fall of 2019, the City of Laval was awarded the mandate to design and build the future facilities of the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier. These new facilities, better adapted to museum functions, will be built adjacent to the Cosmodôme and will open their doors to visitors on January 31, 2023. This relocation will create a unique scientific culture hub and provide visitors to the Museum with larger and more accessible spaces.
In May 2022, the first members of the Museum team move into the new premises!
To learn more about our new facilities, visit our The Museum is moving! webpage.
2023 :
THE MUSEUM INAUGURATES ITS NEW FACILITIES!
The Museum inaugurated its new facilities on January 30. Built at a cost of $14 million, the new 1,800 m2 space has earned LEED Gold certification and will allow the Museum to deploy its unique programming to 50,000 visitors per year!
The Museum team and some 150 partners and artisans celebrated the completion of this promising project, “a major step in the life of the institution which will pursue its educational mission on a human scale while reaching three times as many visitors as before! » shared Ms. Rosemonde Mandeville, President of the Museum’s Board of Directors.
To learn more about this inauguration, read the press release A Dream Come True. The new Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier in Laval opening to visitors tomorrow!
Who is the Dr. Armand Frappier?
Born in 1904, Dr. Armand Frappier is the pioneer of preventive medicine in Quebec. An exceptional Pasteurian microbiologist, he devoted his life to fighting infectious diseases.