La Piscine Museum Guide
La Piscine: Art Deco Beauty in a Former Pool Guide
La Piscine Museum, officially Musée d'Art et d'Industrie André Diligent, is a unique and captivating art museum located in Roubaix, France. Housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco swimming pool, the museum offers a stunning setting for its diverse collection of fine arts and applied arts. The juxtaposition of art and architecture creates a truly unforgettable museum experience. The building was originally a public swimming pool, built between 1927 and 1932 by architect Albert Baert. It was designed to be a place of hygiene and recreation for the working-class population of Roubaix, a city known for its textile industry. The pool closed in 1985 and was transformed into a museum in 2001. The original pool, with its mosaic tiles and stained-glass windows, remains a central feature of the museum, providing a dramatic backdrop for sculptures and other artworks. Visitors can explore the museum's collection, which includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and drawings. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events. One of the most popular activities is simply relaxing by the pool, admiring the architecture and the artwork. Roubaix, being close to the border of Belgium, has culinary influences from both France and Belgium. You can find delicious mussels and fries (moules-frites) in many restaurants.
Transportation
Roubaix is accessible by metro from Lille. Take Line 2 of the Lille Metro to the Roubaix Charles de Gaulle station. From the station, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to La Piscine Museum. Several bus lines also serve the area, with stops near the museum. Check local bus schedules for specific routes.