Don’t think you’ll be able to take a dip in its pool! The Roubaix swimming pool, which was the city’s swimming pool in the 1930s, has had a completely different destiny since 2001. This Art Deco gem has become a wonderful community museum. And it will dazzle you!
An Art Deco swimming pool near Paris, transformed into a museum
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The Roubaix swimming pool, a jewel of Art Deco style, was once a sublime swimming pool that welcomed many swimmers for over 50 years. Visitors went there to swim a few laps, wash in the bathtubs, do their hair, and even do their laundry. However, due to the dilapidated state of its decor, including a vaulted ceiling that was in danger of collapsing,it had to close its doors in the 1980s. After extensive renovation work carried out by the Roubaix city council, the swimming pool has been transformed and given a new lease of life as an art and history museum.
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And when you see its absolutely breathtaking decor, you understand the emotion of the locals and their fight to save this piece of their heritage. It must be said that the Roubaix swimming pool is truly exceptional. Its architecture was inspired by Cistercian abbeys as well as the Neo-Byzantine style. It is a delight to behold at any time of day, thanks to the stained-glass windows that symbolize sunrise and sunset!
@museelapiscine Art Deco swimming pool Paris
Here, sculptures and works from the 19th and 20th centuries have replaced the swimmers. The museum, now called the André Diligent Museum of Art and History,houses old collections from the former National Museum of Roubaix, as well as some beautiful paintings by Roubaix painter Jean-Joseph Weert. A fabulous place, unique in France, to discover during a nice getaway.
📍Location: 23 rue de l’Espérance, 59100 Roubaix
🚆 Distance: about 2 hours from Paris by train