Écomusée du fier monde in Montreal, Québec

Opened in 1927, this bathhouse named Bain généreux was at the heart of a working class neighborhood. Back then, most residences in Montreal did not have access to a bath or a shower. In an effort to increase workers' hygiene and to control illnesses, many public baths were opened throughout the city. Bain généreux distinguishes itself from other bathhouses, as it is the only one with Art Deco architecture. Designed by renowned architect Jean-Omer Marchand, the Bain généreux was converted into a museum and renamed Écomusée du fier monde in 1996. The museum hosts a permanent exhibition on the history of the bathhouse and the evolution of the surrounding working class neighborhood, as well as temporary art exhibitions. The building has preserved much of its initial architecture and layout and provides a unique way of learning about the history of early 1900s Montreal.

Jun 7, 2025 - 11:30

Écomusée du fier monde in Montreal, Québec

The Beaux-arts interior with Pool layout still visible.

Opened in 1927, this bathhouse named Bain généreux was at the heart of a working class neighborhood. Back then, most residences in Montreal did not have access to a bath or a shower. In an effort to increase workers' hygiene and to control illnesses, many public baths were opened throughout the city. Bain généreux distinguishes itself from other bathhouses, as it is the only one with Art Deco architecture.

Designed by renowned architect Jean-Omer Marchand, the Bain généreux was converted into a museum and renamed Écomusée du fier monde in 1996. The museum hosts a permanent exhibition on the history of the bathhouse and the evolution of the surrounding working class neighborhood, as well as temporary art exhibitions. The building has preserved much of its initial architecture and layout and provides a unique way of learning about the history of early 1900s Montreal.