Pointe-à-Callière starts a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Christine Dufresne as Executive Director
Press release
For immediate release
(Montréal, Tuesday, September 15, 2026) - Daniel Desjardins, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Dufresne as Executive Director. Already a member of the management team, Ms. Dufresne most recently served as Director of Exhibitions – Technology and Multimedia. In this capacity, she contributed to many projects that have made Pointe-à-Callière what it is today and played an active role in positioning the institution as the largest archaeological museum in Canada.
She succeeds Anne Élisabeth Thibault, who stepped down on September 3 after 13 years of service. The Board of Trustees would like to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of Ms. Thibault, whose leadership and vision helped Pointe-à-Callière take decisive steps in its development. Her contributions left a lasting impact on the Museum and provided a solid foundation for this new phase.
“The appointment of Christine Dufresne as Executive Director reflects the Board’s confidence and particular pride in her proven leadership at Pointe-à-Callière. As Director of Exhibitions, Christine demonstrated an ability over meany years to mobilize teams, carry out ambitious projects, and develop the museum with creativity, diligence, and vision. We are convinced that she will guide the institution toward this next stage of its development,” said Daniel Desjardins, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Pointe-à-Callière.
“I accept this responsibility with great gratitude and enthusiasm. Pointe-à-Callière has been part of my professional journey for 20 years. I have had the privilege of developing extraordinary projects with exceptional teams here. Today, I am honoured to carry on this adventure in this new role. Together, we will continue to bring this unique place to life, to boldly tell our story, and to offer experiences that bring people together,” said Christine Dufresne, Executive Director.
BIOGRAPHY
Christine Dufresne has over 25 years of experience in the museum field. Trained in art history and museology, Christine was the director of Salle Augustin-Chénier in Ville-Marie before going on to become a project manager in visual and media arts at the National Gallery of Canada. A member of the Pointe-à-Callière team since 2005, she has been the project manager for several national and international exhibitions, including 1837-1838 Rebellions, The Aztecs, the multimedia show Generations MTL, and the permanent exhibition Come Aboard! Pirates or Privateers? In 2021, she was promoted to Director of Exhibitions – Technology and Multimedia. Among other projects in recent years, she oversaw the successful exhibitions Witches – Out of the Shadows, Sherlock Holmes: Cracking the Case, and Heroes of Greece: The Age of Troy.
Christine Dufresne took up her new duties as Executive Director on September 4. She is the third person appointed to head Pointe-à-Callière since it was founded in 1992 and the third woman to hold this position.
ABOUT
In 2027, Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, will celebrate its 35th anniversary. Inaugurated in 1992, on the city’s 350th anniversary, Pointe-à-Callière is today the busiest history museum in Montréal and the largest archaeology museum in Canada. Rising above a concentrated number of historic and archaeological sites of national significance—including the birthplace of Montréal—, the Museum has a mission to preserve its collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and fostering an appreciation for Montréal’s archaeological and historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various activities focused on conservation, research, presentation, education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives benefiting both Montrealers and visitors to the city.
Pointe-à-Callière, proud partner of the City of Montréal.
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Interviews can be arranged upon request
SOURCE: POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE, MONTRÉAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY COMPLEX
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