Review: La Piscine - Musée d'Art et d'Industrie André Diligent

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
Also known as “La Piscine,” the Art and Industry museum in Roubaix, not far from Lille, is set inside the town's former Art Deco municipal pool. The former solarium in the museum acts as a textile botanical garden today, and a water basin (where the pool was once) sits in the center of the main viewing room as a nod to its former vocation as a fun and hygienic gathering place for industrial workers in Lille in the 1930s. Around it is the sculpture garden. Overall: it's an Art Deco relic that has been preserved to honor the city's industrial and working class past.

Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it?
There are sculptures, paintings, ceramics, drawings, and more, all related to the textile industry. It's an atypical museum experience, but a fascinating look at northern France's artistic and industrial heritage.

But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits?
The central atrium with the solar stained glass and the water basin often hosts fashion shows, and there are often several temporary collections viewing simultaneously. The space itself is incredible and brings the pieces to life in a bold way.

What did you make of the crowd?
Many northern France residents and European travelers, all taking their time to take in each piece.

On the practical tip, how were facilities?
Simple navigation with benches and other places to sit if needed throughout. Some benches double as trunks, storing games for kids that help them better understand the works in the museum and engage in interactive ways.

Any guided tours worth trying?
There are guided group tours or audio guides (around $1 for the permanent collection, and $3 for temporary exhibits), which is worth using to fully understand the context of the museum and the works it displays.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
This is a better-than-average gift shop with design, art, and industry books, stuffed animals and games for kids, paper products, textiles, and anthologies of previous collections. Worth a browse.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
Good news: this isn't your average cafeteria food: it's Méert, the Roubaix outpost of the historic Lille pastry shop and tea salon. The menu changes names with every temporary exhibit, and features many of the same classic savory and sweet options you'd find at their other locations.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
This isn't the Louvre; it's entirely feasible to experience the highlights in under two hours.