Museums, Exhibitions & GalleriesHistory

Louis St-Laurent
National
Historic Site

Location
Compton, Canada
Client
Parks Canada
Surface area
3767 sq ft
Completion date
1982
Overview

Over the years, GSM Project has worked with Parks Canada several times, including the landmark exhibition at the Louis St-Laurent National Historic Site in Compton, Quebec. Installed in 1982, this multimedia show was years ahead of its time, so much so that it is still running the same media content today, albeit on updated technology, nearly 35 years later.

GSM Project
Exploring the life of a former Canadian prime minister

A man of law, of politics, but also and most importantly, a family man, the former prime minister of Canada, Louis S. Saint-Laurent, grew up and lived in Compton, in the Eastern Townships in the province of Quebec. Besides the family’s main house, this historic site also includes the exterior garden and his father’s general store and warehouse.

GSM Project
Taking visitors back in time

Upon their arrival, visitors are immediately immersed in the period’s atmosphere by entering Mr. Saint-Laurent Senior’s general store. By the wood-burning stove, an audio installation allows visitors to hear conversations as though they were there, while the everyday objects all around, from rubber boots to soap boxes, remind us of the versatility and importance of such businesses in the lives of the city’s inhabitants. As for the main house, it is a time capsule of real family memories that, skillfully presented thanks to explanatory panels and showcases integrated to the decor and furniture, give a strong impression of family life at the time.

GSM Project
GSM Project
Transforming a warehouse into a multimedia theatre

It is in the warehouse transformed into a multimedia theatre that the visitor is fully immersed in the life of Louis Saint-Laurent. The scenography, a happy marriage of artifacts and graphics, comes to life thanks to an 18-minute show, entirely automated, combining slide projections, sound and light.

GSM Project

Summary

Over the years, GSM Project has worked with Parks Canada several times, including the landmark exhibition at the Louis St-Laurent National Historic Site in Compton, Quebec. Installed in 1982, this multimedia show was years ahead of its time, so much so that it is still running the same media content today, albeit on updated technology, nearly 35 years later.