Irrigated in 1931, Bain Mathieu had been left vacant as of 1990 for a period of approximately 10 years. As of the year 2000 it was delegated to SPAG, which renovated and transformed it into a multipurpose serving space.

Twenty three public baths were built in Montreal between 1883 and 1933 to assure and obtain necessary hygiene for its residents. Their construction helped counter act menacing epidemics caused by insalubrious lifestyles of the era. This also helped economically in the 1930’s during the Depression in creating jobs.  

Bain Mathieu showcases a permanent collection, free of charge, on the historical importance of public baths in Montreal. Period photographs, accompanied with descriptive texts permit to depict disregarded facts of our city’s rich history. The showcase was created and researched by M. Raymond Vezina’s in partnership with the city of Montreal.