La Piscine Museum, officially known as the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie André Diligent, is located in Roubaix, near Lille. The museum is housed in a former public swimming pool complex built between 1927 and 1932 by architect Albert Baert. The building is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, characterized by its monumental central pool, stained glass windows, and decorative tile work.
Following the closure of the pool in 1985, the site was repurposed into a museum by architect Jean-Paul Philippon. The renovation preserved the original pool basin, which now serves as a central exhibition space for sculptures, while the surrounding changing cabins were converted into galleries for fine arts, textiles, and ceramics, reflecting the industrial history of the region.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Reinforced concrete, Ceramic tiles, Stained glass, Steel
- Civilization
- French
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible with elevators and ramps
- Date(s)
- 1927-1932
- Condition
- Restored and repurposed as a museum
- Original Function
- Public swimming pool and bathhouse
- Key Figures
- Albert Baert, Jean-Paul Philippon, André Diligent
The Art Deco Pool
1927-1932Commissioned by the city of Roubaix, architect Albert Baert designed the complex as a 'temple of hygiene.' It featured a large swimming pool, private baths, and a laundry facility, all decorated in a lavish Art Deco style.
Closure and Conversion
1985-2001The pool was closed in 1985 due to structural issues and changing public needs. In the late 1990s, the city initiated a project to transform the site into a museum, led by architect Jean-Paul Philippon, who sought to maintain the building's unique atmosphere.
Museum Expansion
2018A significant expansion project was completed in 2018, adding new galleries dedicated to the history of Roubaix's textile industry and providing more space for the museum's growing collection of sculptures and paintings.
Cultural Significance
La Piscine is a landmark of industrial heritage preservation. It symbolizes the transition of Roubaix from a 'city of a thousand chimneys'—a major textile hub—into a center for culture and design. The museum's ability to integrate fine art into a functional industrial space has made it a model for adaptive reuse projects globally.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Discussions often center on the balance between preserving the original architectural integrity of the pool and the functional requirements of a modern museum, particularly regarding lighting and climate control for sensitive textile collections.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Tuesday to Sunday. Ticketed entry required. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for current exhibition schedules and holiday closures.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The museum is particularly atmospheric on sunny days when light filters through the large stained glass windows.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Flash and tripods are prohibited in gallery spaces.
Preservation Notes
The original tile work and stained glass are fragile; visitors are requested not to touch the surfaces or lean on the pool edges.
Nearby POIs
8 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]
- [2]Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage in France — Marie-Laure de Rochebrune. Journal of Architectural Conservation (2015)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Reinforced concrete, Ceramic tiles, Stained glass, Steel
- Civilization
- French
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible with elevators and ramps
- Date(s)
- 1927-1932
- Condition
- Restored and repurposed as a museum
- Original Function
- Public swimming pool and bathhouse
- Key Figures
- Albert Baert, Jean-Paul Philippon, André Diligent