Envision a swimming pool. But this is no ordinary pool. This is La Piscine. It is a museum of art and industry in Roubaix. La Piscine’s story is quite unique.
Originally, this magnificent space was a municipal swimming pool. Construction finished in 1932. Albert Baert designed it. Locals enjoyed a luxurious indoor swimming area. It was the only Olympic facility in the area. La Piscine became a social hub. People from different social classes mixed here. However, the pool closed in 1985. The roof became fragile.
The building was renovated. It reopened as a museum in 2001. Jean-Paul Philippon was the architect. He masterfully preserved the Art Deco design. La Piscine quickly gained international recognition. It is especially popular in Great Britain. The museum often collaborates with British institutions.
La Piscine’s collection has early origins. In 1835, local textile factories began collecting fabric samples. By 1898, the collection was at the National High School of Arts and Textile Industry. It aimed to educate workers, foremen, and manufacturers. The collection included literature, fine arts, science, and industrial products. The school museum closed during World War II. It never reopened. In 1990, the collections moved to Roubaix’s town hall. This prepared the way for La Piscine’s opening in 2000.
In 2018, La Piscine reopened after a two-year restoration. The project cost nine million euros. The museum showcases fine arts, sculpture, and applied arts. The setting itself is a major attraction. Artworks reflect in the original swimming pool.
You can find works by famous artists here. Camille Claudel, Pablo Picasso, and Auguste Rodin are featured. La Piscine also hosts temporary exhibitions. These include Rodin Bourdelle Body to Body. Elsa Sahal Pool Dance is another. Topsy Turvy explores unconventional dress. Agnès b. We love graffiti showcases graffiti as art. Mahjoub Ben Bella Ceramicist celebrates his ceramic art. Chatty Clothes explores clothing as a medium for text.
La Piscine is located in Roubaix, northeast of Lille. Public transport makes it easily accessible. It is between Gare Jean-Lebas and Roubaix Grand Place metro stations.
Visiting La Piscine offers a unique cultural experience. It is an art museum in a former swimming pool. The museum embraces its aquatic past. This creates a stunning interior. It blends art, architecture, and history. Enjoy the museum’s gift shop. Relax at the café. Maison Méert runs it. The terrace overlooks a beautiful garden.