The Image Mill is an architectural projection produced and performed, in Quebec City, by Robert Lepage and Ex Machina. Representing the largest projection ever done, it requires the use of fine technology to project a huge quantity of images and films on the grain silos of the Quebec Harbour, an oversized screen, 600 feet wide by 30 meters high! In the hands of the creators, this huge mass of concrete is in constant transformation, which gives us the strange impression of it being alive and talking to us. Leaving the usual clichés behind, we discover the fascinating history of Quebec City with its upheavals, its controversies, and its great political and popular moments.
The Image Mill was created as part of the festivities surrounding the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. Following the success of the 2008 edition, the work has been extended for another five years. There will be three phases of creation over these years; in 2009, 2011 and 2013, during which 20% of the content will be redesigned, improved or enhanced with new material.
“Because of its geographical location, urban planning and its history, Quebec City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Extremely photogenic, it was first mapped and then drawn, engraved, painted, photographed and filmed. We have invented a mill that transforms, animates, presents and celebrates the 400 years of images of Quebec City. The images are almost all taken from archives that carry us as far as when Samuel de Champlain first drew Quebec City.” Robert Lepage
Where to see and listen to The Image Mill

To experience and appreciate the work at its best and in all its dimensions, people are encouraged to position themselves on the docks, between the Old Port Market, Dalhousie Street, and Quay Saint-André Street.
The Mill frequency: 97,5 FM
Those who want to watch the mega project from outside this area should tune in to 97,5 FM on their personal walkman to hear The Image Mill soundtrack simultaneously. You can also download the The Mill Frequency radio show in MP3 which contains thorough interviews with The Image Mill creators (in french).
Our partners
Le Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the National Film Board of Canada and la Société Radio-Canada have provided most of the archives used for The Image Mill.
For the 2009 edition, two partners have contributed directly to the creation of a segment of The Image Mill: INO (Institut national d’optique) offers a remarkable laser effect, and Ubisoft made a 40-minute segment illustrating the industry of the video game in Quebec.
Thanks to the City of Quebec and its important investment, the project was renewed for the next five years.
We wish to thank Hydro-Quebec for its unwavering support and Bunge Canada, the Port of Quebec and the Abraham-Martin co-ownership for their amazing collaboration, without whom the project could not have been realized.
The film The Image Mill Revealed paints a portrait of the last three months preceding the première of The Image Mill.