Ogilvy’s Christmas mechanical window displays

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 windows for over 75 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.

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 | Starting November 14! 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 | Starting November 6! Free admission for children 17 and under.
  Come inside the Museum to see The Enchanted Village presented on the second floor, and take part in a captivating game of Seek and find.
  Voluntary donation recommended for adults.

Santa figurines collection

Presented at the Museum for the first time, the Macdonald Stewart Foundation’s collection of Santa Claus figurines will complement the experience of the famous mechanical Christmas windows. Assembled over the years by Liliane Stewart, these 21 handcrafted pieces celebrate this quintessential symbol of the holiday season in a wide variety of forms, costumes, expressions and settings.

Go to the Museum’s second floor to see them, alongside The Enchanted Village!

Family seek and find

Take a close look at Ogilvy’s mechanical Christmas windows and see if you can spot all the adorable characters hiding inside! Free activity sheets are available at the Admissions Desk, starting November 6.