Ogilvy’s Christmas mechanical window displays - McCord Stewart Museum
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Installation

FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2023 TO JANUARY 7, 2024

Ogilvy’s Christmas mechanical window displays

Free for ages 17 and under | Relive the magic of The Enchanted Village indoor and of The Mill in the Forest outdoor of the 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 İÖGO nanö, the Museum is proudly maintaining this holiday tradition that has amazed Montrealers of all ages for over 75 years!

Two animated displays

  • The Mill in the Forest | Free of charge at all times
    You are invited to (re)discover The Mill in the Forest, presented outside the Museum on the Victoria pedestrian street and decorated for the occasion
  • The Enchanted Village | Free admission for children 17 and under.
    Come inside the Museum to see The Enchanted Village presented in the Museum Theatre and take part in a captivating game of Seek and find.
    Voluntary donation recommended for adults.
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum
  • © Marilyn Aitken – Musée McCord Stewart Museum

The castle ball

A sumptuous castle of dolls is being added to the indoor window display for even more magic this holiday season!

From the private collection of Liliane Stewart (1928-2014), Montreal philanthropist and wife of the Stewart Museum’s founder, David. M Stewart (1920-1984), this enchanting castle presents an 18th century ball where guests dance in their finest attire. The creator of this piece, the professional soldier Rudolf Szálasi, became a manufacturer of dollhouse furniture after the Second World War. Located in the town of Tann in the German state of Bavaria, his family business, Boutique Szálasi, was known for its line of ornate Rococo style furniture manufactured from the 1950s to the 1980s. These richly decorated pieces replicate the Baroque furniture found in 18th century German palaces. This little marvel is worth the detour on your next visit to the Museum!

  • Manufacturer: Rudolf Szálasi, Germany, 1975, On loan from the Macdonald Stewart Foundation
  • © Thibault Carron - Musée McCord Stewart Museum

Not to be missed!

What people are saying about it

« A beacon of holiday cheer » CBC News
« The Museum [...] kept the magic alive » Montreal Times
Installation presented by
Major Partner
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