La Piscine - Musée d'art et d'industrie André Diligent de Roubaix — Attraction in Lille

La Piscine – Musée d’Art et d’Industrie de Roubaix 🇫🇷

Step into the stunning Art‑Deco allure of La Piscine, a former 1932 municipal swimming pool reborn as a breathtaking museum. The transformation masterfully preserves the elegant mosaic-lined basin, glass roof, and marble façades, now reflected in a thin layer of water—a serene centerpiece surrounded by sculptures and sculpture-filled cubicles .

Inside, explore an extraordinary blend of decorative arts, fine arts, and textile heritage—from Sèvres ceramics and 19th/20th-century paintings to industry-related ethnographic collections . Major works include Rodin, Claudel, Picasso, and vibrant tapestries that celebrate Roubaix’s industrial past .

In 2018, a thoughtful expansion added modern galleries and better visitor spaces, seamlessly continuing the original architecture while enriching the collection display .

Why it’s special: • Spectacular architecture: The former pool is now a reflective, sculpture‑lined hall bathed in stained-glass light . • Rich, varied collections: Exhibits span industrial textiles, ceramics, paintings, and sculpture across eras . • Cultural landmark: Over 200,000 visitors a year, and ranked among the most fascinating museums worldwide . • Interactive & family-friendly: Includes thematic trails, sensory tours, and rotating temporary exhibitions by artists like Picasso and Claudel .

Visitor Tips: • Entry fees apply; however, it’s free on the first Sunday each month—plan ahead! • Combine your visit with the on-site Meert tea salon for a sweet break. • Arrive early to appreciate the calm, architectural beauty before the crowds.

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Overall Verdict: 5/5 La Piscine is not just a museum—it’s an architectural masterpiece, a tribute to industrial heritage, and a cultural jewel in Roubaix. A must-visit for architecture lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a uniquely beautiful museum experience.

#LaPiscineRoubaix #ArtDecoWonder...

An art gallery in a delightful converted 1930's swimming pool in Roubaix, Northern France. I have visited La Piscine numerous times over several years. It has an excellent eclectic permanent collection of fine art and applied art, as well as an archive of very interesting printed and woven textile sample books. The textile samples clearly illustrate how Roubaix made its wealth in the 19th and 20th centuries. As well as the permanent art collection, they have a rolling programme of contemporary art and design. The current art exhitions include the works of Hervé di Rosa, Pablo Picasso and Alberto Giacometti. It has recently reopened after being closed for months whilst new galleries have been created. There is also an excellent restaurant in La Piscine owned by Meert. I would advise booking a table for lunch as it is very popular by both visitors and locals. Definately an enjoyable place to spend...

Fantastic museum. It reminds me of the Guggenheim in Venice. It's housed in a beautiful, art deco swimming pool and is thoughtfully curated. A rotating exhibition of gorgeous fabrics from across the ages is on display, upstairs. My only gripe is the restaurant. One has to order a full meal before 15:00, at which time it becomes a salon de thé. It's not possible to just sit down with a cuppa until then, regardless of how many empty tables there are. One can leave, go to the café next door, and return but that means reclaiming one's coat, returning the audio guide and going out in the rain. And then queuing up to get in again and going through the whole coat/bag check for a second time. That's the only bad part because one could spend hours here. And it cost 5,50 euros for the world's...