This engaging museum can be both a geographic and cultural touchstone for a visit to Québec City. It sits prominently in the center of Lower Town, between rue St-Paul and Dalhousie (entrance side) and promises info-packed, interactive permanent and touring exhibitions. Open since 1988, this is the lead of three related museums whose objectives include ethnographic collecting, preservation, and stimulation of an evolving cultural conversation about the history of Québec and its peoples. (The other two are Musée de l'Amérique Francophone and Musée de la place Royale; you can get a discount for purchasing admission to all three.) The permanent exhibit, “People of Québec . . . Then and Now,” winds the clock back more than 400 years with audio recordings based on accounts from actual historic figures. Archival documents, flags, clothing, furniture, musical instruments, and toys are also on view with interpreation in French and English. Another newly added permanent exhibit, “Our Story: First Nations and Inuit in the 21st Century,” introduces Québec’s 11 Aboriginal nations through five themes that evolve chronologically from paleohistory through present day. Plan a few hours to a half day for this museum as there are usually about five concurrent exhibits. The onsite cafe overlooks the St. Lawrence and serves wine and beer.