The Manège Militaire de Québec was the home to Canada’s oldest French infantry regiment.  It was built in 1884 and designed by Eugène-Étienne Taché  who also designed the Parliament buildings and the old Quebec Courthouse.

The building possessed Canada’s largest suspended ceiling and housed a museum.   On the evening of 4 April 2008, after renovation work had been completed for the day for Quebec’s 400th Anniversary, a fire started.  The roof collapsed within two hours.  Fortunately, due to quick thinking by the Museum Curator and actions of the fire brigade, approximately 100% of the documents, and 90% of the artifacts were able to be rescued.  However, 80% of the structure was destroyed, along with the storage and exhibition facilities.  Numerous artifacts from the Second World War were also lost.

Contributing Factors

Built: 1828-1835

Fire: 25 August 2006

Damage:  US$1.12 million

Menage Militaire Fire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYYE-354rcg&feature=related