Les petits Baigneurs facts for kids
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 Location in Montreal
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| Coordinates | 45°33′13″N 73°32′18″W / 45.5535°N 73.5383°W |
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| Location | Morgan Boulevard |
| Designer | Alfred Laliberté (1878-1953) |
| Type | Monument |
| Material | Bronze granite, stone, cast iron |
| Width | 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) |
| Height | 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) |
| Beginning date | 1915 |
| Opening date | 1916 |
The Les petits baigneurs (which means 'The Little Bathers' in French) is a famous monument located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was created by a talented artist named Alfred Laliberté and was first shown to the public in 1916. This special statue can be found near the entrance of the old Maisonneuve public baths, a historic swimming pool building in Montreal. It was later fixed up and made new again in 1992. You can find it on Morgan Avenue, not far from another interesting monument called La Fermière.
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What is the Les Petits Baigneurs Monument?
This monument is a beautiful piece of art made mostly from bronze. It also includes parts made of granite, stone, and cast iron. The statue stands about 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) tall and is 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) wide. It shows a group of young children, or "little bathers," which is how it got its name.
Where Can You Find It?
The monument is located on Morgan Boulevard in Montreal. This area is known for its historic buildings and public spaces. It's placed right at the entrance of what used to be the Maisonneuve public baths.
History of the Monument
The idea for the Les Petits Baigneurs monument began in 1915. It was completed and officially shown to the public in 1916. Its purpose was to welcome people to the new and impressive Maisonneuve public baths.
The Maisonneuve Public Baths
The Maisonneuve public baths were a very important place for the community. They were built to give people a clean and safe place to swim and bathe. In the early 1900s, not everyone had a bathroom at home, so public baths were essential. The monument helped make the entrance to these baths feel grand and inviting.
Restoration in 1992
Over many years, statues and monuments can get worn down by weather and time. In 1992, the Les Petits Baigneurs monument was carefully restored. This means it was cleaned, repaired, and brought back to its original beauty so that future generations could enjoy it.
Who Was Alfred Laliberté?
Alfred Laliberté (1878-1953) was a very famous Canadian sculptor. He was born in Sainte-Élisabeth-de-Warwick, Quebec. Laliberté created many important sculptures throughout his life, often showing scenes from Canadian history, culture, and everyday life. His work helped shape the art scene in Quebec during his time. The Les Petits Baigneurs is just one example of his many contributions to public art.
Want to Learn More?
In Spanish: Les Petits Baigneurs para niños
