The Quebec City Fine Arts Museum has opened its doors to a rare collection of Habsburg family gemstones, allowing the public to view pieces that have remained out of sight for decades. The exhibit, scheduled for 2026, showcases the jewels that were taken to Quebec City in 1940 when Zita of Bourbon-Parma escaped the advance of Nazi forces.
Zita of Bourbon-Parma, the former holder of the collection, brought the gemstones across the Atlantic as she fled the conflict. Once in Quebec, the jewels were hidden and stayed concealed for 85 years. In 2025, museum officials recovered the stash, making it possible to present the historic pieces to visitors for the first time since their arrival.
The display offers a tangible link to a turbulent period in European history, illustrating how personal belongings of a displaced royal family found refuge in Canada. The gemstones, which include a variety of cut stones set in intricate settings, reflect the craftsmanship and style of the Habsburg era.
Museum curators have arranged the exhibition to highlight both the artistic value of the jewels and the dramatic circumstances of their preservation. By placing the collection within the Fine Arts Museum, the institution underscores the cultural exchange that occurred when the artifacts were transported to North America.
Visitors to the museum can now see the jewels that survived war, concealment, and the passage of time. The exhibition not only adds a unique chapter to the museum’s programming but also serves as a reminder of the personal histories intertwined with global events.
The opening of the Habsburg gemstone collection marks a significant moment for Quebec City’s cultural scene, bringing a piece of European royal heritage to a Canadian audience for the first time since the mid‑twentieth century.