Guided visit: In the Big House: Encounters Behind Bars.

Here is a new tour of the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières combining technology and real-life stories to get to know the premises and the living conditions in this 19th century institution. Four itineraries are offered, featuring different characters tied to this prison during its 164 years of operation. These itineraries have evocative names: Keeping One eye open (mid-19th century guard), Make Do With What you have (governor between 1925 and 1935), Being despised (prisoner between 1940 and 1960), and Play the Game (social worker between 1970 and 1980). Projections, sound effects, audio and other digital technologies help convey the points of view of the different protagonists, tell the story of this prison (which is now classified as a heritage building), and elicit the visitor’s emotions. 

During the summer, only one guided tour in English at 11:15 a.m.  Online reservation suggested. Click here

Should you visit with a baby under one year old, please bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller. The confined areas inside the prison do not allow enough space for a stroller. Please keep in mind that if your baby cries, the guide may ask you to leave, without a refund, in order to maintain the quality of the experience for the other visitors (there is a lot of echo in the prison). Thank you for your understanding.

This tour experience is financed by the contributions of the Québec Ministry of Culture and Communications.