La Piscine Museum
Hauts-de-France
La Piscine Museum, officially known as Musée d'art et d'industrie André-Diligent, is located in Roubaix, northern France. It is housed in a remarkable Art Deco building originally constructed as a swimming pool between 1927 and 1932 by architect Albert Baert. The museum's collections span applied arts and fine arts, including textiles, decorative arts, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and drawings primarily from the 19th century onwards. The museum originated from a textile sample collection started in 1835 to protect local manufacturers' designs, which evolved over time into a public museum recognized nationally. After periods of closure and dispersion of collections during the 20th century, the idea to convert the former municipal swimming pool into a museum was realized in the late 20th century, creating a unique cultural venue. La Piscine also offers educational activities, conferences, sensory discovery workshops, and houses a boutique and a tea room by the renowned Maison Méert. It is supported by the City of Roubaix and recognized as a Museum of France by the Ministry of Culture. This blend of industrial heritage and artistic richness makes La Piscine a captivating destination for art lovers and those interested in the textile history of the region.
Plan your trip to France with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during weekdays or outside school holidays to avoid crowds. It's advisable to check the museum's official website for current exhibitions and to book tickets in advance when possible. La Piscine offers reduced rates for students, seniors, and groups. Don't miss the museum's café and boutique for unique souvenirs. The museum is accessible via public transport from Lille and nearby cities.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool built between 1927 and 1932.
- •The original pool building was designed by architect Albert Baert, a Lille native.
- •The museum's collections originated from a textile sample archive started in 1835 for industrial protection.
- •La Piscine was officially recognized as a Museum of France by the Ministry of Culture.
- •The Canal de Roubaix, nearby, was reopened to boating in 2011 after closing in 1985, reflecting the area's industrial past.
History
The museum traces its origins to 1835 when Roubaix textile manufacturers began collecting samples to protect their designs.
In 1861, archivist Théodore Leuridan expanded the collection into a museum, which officially opened in 1865.
It became a national museum in 1889 linked to the textile engineering school ENSAIT.
The museum's collections grew until the early 20th century but declined after director Victor Champier's death in 1929.
Closed during World War II and subsequently declassified in 1959, many collections were dispersed.
The municipal museum founded in 1924 closed in 1981.
The idea to repurpose the former Art Deco swimming pool into a museum was developed in the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in the current museum opening, preserving both the art and industrial heritage of Roubaix.
Place Guide
Main Pool Hall1927-1932
The central feature of the museum is the grand Art Deco swimming pool hall, now used as an exhibition space showcasing sculptures and large artworks. Its original ceramic tiled walls, stained glass windows, and mosaic floors create a unique atmosphere blending sport and art.
Changing Rooms and Galleries1927-1932
The former changing rooms have been converted into smaller galleries displaying paintings, ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts from the 19th and 20th centuries. These intimate spaces contrast with the vast pool hall and allow detailed viewing of the collections.
Museum Boutique and Méert Tea Room
The museum includes a boutique selling books, art reproductions, and souvenirs related to the collections and Roubaix's heritage. The Méert tea room offers visitors a chance to enjoy traditional Lille pastries and refreshments in an elegant setting.
Contact
Phone: 03 20 69 23 60
