The chair of the board of directors of Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, Me Daniel Desjardins, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Élisabeth Thibault as Executive Director of the Museum. Ms. Thibault has served as the Director of Exhibitions and Technology Development at Pointe-à-Callière since 2016. She succeeds Francine Lelièvre who has held the position of Executive Director since the Museum was founded in 1992 and who announced her retirement last spring, after 30 years at the institution’s helm.

The board of directors undertook a rigorous assessment process in the search for a unifying and visionary candidate who will be able to continue to pursue Pointe-à-Callière’s mission, while furthering its development and reach.

“We are delighted that Anne Élisabeth Thibault is taking up the challenge of occupying the position of Executive Director of Pointe-à-Callière. We are convinced that the clear abilities she has demonstrated as Exhibitions Director, her vast knowledge of the Museum, and her experience in managing major cultural projects make her the ideal candidate for this position,” said Daniel Desjardins.

“I would also like to sincerely thank the woman who built Pointe-à-Callière and who allowed us to discover the birthplace of Montréal. Under the stewardship of Francine Lelièvre, the Museum achieved international renown and grew to become the Montréal archaeology and history complex we know it to be today, an institution that is deeply rooted in Montréal and close to its citizens,” concluded Mr. Desjardins.

With a background in Art History, Anne Élisabeth Thibault has more than 20 years of experience as a director of projects and organizations in the museum sector and in the field of multimedia and new technology. As the Director of Exhibitions and Technology Development at Pointe-à-Callière since 2016, she has been responsible for planning and producing the Museum’s exhibitions. Notably, she successfully helmed the renewal of the permanent exhibitions, which should be complete by the spring of 2021. Her involvement in the international development of exhibitions resulted in the remarkable North American tour of the Queens of Egypt exhibition, which helped further Pointe-à-Callière’s reputation throughout the United States.

She previously served as a producer at Moment Factory from 2014 to 2016 where, among other things, she oversaw the creation of illuminated forest pathways, including the first in the series, entitled Foresta Lumina. She also carried out a number of large-scale projects in the United States for the firm FLOAT4, as well as at Pointe-à-Callière during an initial period of employment from 2008 to 2012, where she distinguished herself by leading the development of the Yours Truly, Montréal! multimedia show and several exhibitions.

“I am honoured by the board of directors’ expression of confidence. As the Director of Exhibitions and Technology Development, I have been at the front lines as Pointe-à-Callière has grown and thrived. Now that I have been given the opportunity to guide it towards the future, to make sure that it continues to assume its role among Montréal’s biggest museums, I look forward to taking up the challenge, which is in keeping with my attachment to this institution and to Montréal. Together with the Museum’s wonderful team, I intend to continue to develop the institution, its collections, and its outreach. The presentation of high-calibre exhibitions, educational initiatives, and cultural activities for all Montrealers will be at the core of my commitment. The development of Phase 3 of the Montréal Archaeology and History Complex expansion project will be one of my priorities over the next few years,” stated Anne Élisabeth Thibault.

Anne Élisabeth Thibault will take on her new role in early January 2021.