Temporary exhibition

OGILVY’S CHRISTMAS MECHANICAL WINDOW DISPLAYS

from Nov 30, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025
McCord Stewart museum

Montrealers have been spellbound by the mechanical displays in Ogilvy’s department store window for over 70 years — a Holiday tradition that began in 1947. The Bavarian scenes, custom made by the German toy manufacturer Steiff, feature dozens of handcrafted animals working and playing.

In 1911, the firm began producing mechanical windows featuring moving animals, which stores could rent or purchase – an effective way of entertaining children while promoting their merchandise. James Aird Nesbitt, who owned Ogilvy’s department store from 1927 to 1985, bought two – The Enchanted Village and The Mill in the Forest.

Similar to those of department stores in other parts of the world, such as Macy’s in New York or Galeries Lafayette in Paris, these window displays are among the last of their kind in North America. They were donated to the McCord Stewart Museum in March 2018 by Holt Renfrew with the goal of preserving and ensuring the continuation of the iconic Montreal displays.

Through a partnership with Place Montreal Trust, the Museum is proudly maintaining this holiday tradition that has amazed Montrealers of all ages for over 75 years!

For the holiday season, the Museum is offering a wide range of fun and creative activities for the whole family. Visit the Museum website for the full program.

Book

Exhibition

Temporary

Audiences

Adults
Children
Members

Prices

17 and under : Free

McCord Stewart museum

Address

McCord Stewart museum
690 Sherbrooke Street West,
Montreal, QC H3A 1E9

Regular Schedule

From Jan 1 to Jun 24
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 21:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
From Jun 25 to Sep 4
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 21:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
From Sep 5 to Dec 31
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 21:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00

Holidays Schedule

Oct 9
10:00 - 17:00
Dec 26
10:00 - 17:00
Jan 2
10:00 - 17:00
Mar 4
10:00 - 17:00

Facilities