The Quebec City Fine Arts Museum has opened its doors to a rare collection of Habsburg family gemstones, allowing visitors to view pieces that were concealed for decades after the end of World War II. The exhibition, which began in 2026, showcases the historic jewels that were hidden for more than eighty years.
The story of the gems begins in 1940, when Zita of Bourbon-Parma escaped the turmoil of Europe and arrived in Quebec City carrying a suitcase filled with family jewels. The precious items were kept out of sight for decades, their whereabouts unknown to the public.
In 2025, museum staff uncovered the concealed suitcase, revealing the long‑lost gemstones that had remained hidden since Zita's arrival. The discovery prompted the museum to curate an exhibition that highlights both the artistic value of the jewels and their historical context.
Visitors to the Fine Arts Museum can now see a range of gemstones that reflect the Habsburg dynasty's legacy. The display includes a variety of cuts and settings typical of the era, offering insight into the craftsmanship and wealth associated with the former imperial family.
Curators emphasize that the exhibition provides a tangible link to a period when many European aristocratic families were forced to flee their homes. By presenting the jewels to the public, the museum aims to preserve an element of cultural heritage that might otherwise have been lost.
The exhibition is scheduled to run throughout the year, giving residents and tourists alike the opportunity to encounter a piece of European history within the heart of Quebec City. The museum hopes that the public will appreciate the rarity of the collection and the circumstances that kept it hidden for so long.