The project
La Piscine museum has already had two lives: first as the Museum of Art and Industry, from 1835 to 2001, focusing on collections from the textile industry and its leading figures; and second, from 2001 onwards, under its new name, La Piscine, in the building on Rue des Champs.
Since 2024, under the direction of Hélène Duret and with the entire museum team, La Piscine has been writing a new chapter in its history. This new chapter is being written through a re-examination of two fundamental themes: the cross-disciplinary nature of the Museum of Art and Industry and the museum’s commitment to social solidarity.
Throughout this project, the aim has been to preserve the unique character of La Piscine, housed in Roubaix’s iconic Art Deco swimming pool.
At the crossroads between fine art and applied art
Applied arts and fine arts on an equal footing – From its very inception, the Roubaix Museum of Art and Industry has championed dialogue between applied arts and fine arts. In a 19th century preoccupied with the hierarchy of artistic techniques and genres, this was a bold move advocating for the possibility of seeing ‘art in everything’. This initial commitment is now more relevant than ever: painting, sculpture, graphic arts, ceramics, textiles, fashion and furniture can no longer be considered in isolation from one another.
A space for interdisciplinary exploration of the collections – Bringing together a portrait, a garment and a textile pattern allows us to capture and convey the spirit of an era, as well as the conditions under which it was created and produced. This interdisciplinary approach lies at the heart of the museum’s permanent exhibition, its temporary exhibitions and its acquisitions.
A place dedicated to the history of techniques – To serve as a meeting point between art and industry is also to champion the ambition of telling the story of artistic techniques. The reconstruction of Henri Bouchard’s studio showcases sculptural techniques – and work is underway to explore other techniques, from textiles to fashion, and from prints to ceramics.
The Community Museum
A museum open to everyone – La Piscine aims to be a place for all audiences, offering a proactive and warm welcome to people from all walks of life. It embraces the unique social context of Roubaix, a city that is often disadvantaged, but above all young and vibrant. Drawing on its experience in hosting groups, the museum is expanding its self-guided tour facilities as part of a universal design approach. The exhibitions are punctuated by invitations to explore other art forms: dance, theatre, music, circus arts, cinema…
A socially engaged museum – La Piscine not only conveys art history, but also aims to help visitors understand what the artworks reveal about society. Far from the outdated image of a place sheltered from the world’s upheavals, the museum is deeply engaged with society and its challenges. La Piscine seeks to encourage debate and curiosity, to provide well-founded insights and tools for constructive criticism, and to reject hate speech or discourse that favours oversimplification over simplicity. The museum is committed to addressing the climate emergency through a sustainable development strategy, encompassing both internal professional practices and public engagement.
By and for Roubaix – La Piscine could not have existed anywhere other than in Roubaix. The collection is inextricably linked to Roubaix’s rich industrial history, just as the inventiveness and boldness that gave the museum a new lease of life in its current building could not have been imagined in a city that had not faced such trials. La Piscine is also, and perhaps first and foremost, a neighbourhood museum, serving the people of Roubaix, and aims to return the swimming pool on Rue des Champs to the people of Roubaix by celebrating the memory of the site. It is committed to a policy of consultation that provides a space for neighbours to express themselves, so that this museum is truly theirs. Finally, working with Roubaix means reaching out to the region’s expertise, particularly the business community, with which La Piscine shares an unusual and special history.
A project currently being written
In 2025–2026, the team at La Piscine is drafting a new Scientific and Cultural Project, building on the iconic ‘Building a Museum of Solidarity’ project, written in 1991 by its founder, Bruno Gaudichon.
The new project is being developed against the backdrop of two major changes to Roubaix’s cultural landscape. On 1 September 2025, La Manufacture, now a municipal museum, will join forces with La Piscine under a shared management structure, paving the way for the collections to complement one another and for the creation of a variety of new dialogues.
At the same time, the creation of a Creative Quarter around the museum provides an opportunity to explore new synergies and fruitful partnerships. This Creative Quarter, which reflects the unique character of a post-industrial textile town with a rich cultural life, establishes Roubaix’s distinct identity within the Lille European Metropolis, addressing both cultural and economic challenges.
These changes present opportunities for growth and development in the future. For 24 years, La Piscine has demonstrated a success story unlike any other: both unexpected and unrivalled in its uniqueness. Its greatest challenge today is to embark on a new chapter, remaining true to its core social values whilst proving its ability to reinvent itself and look to the long term.
