OGILVY’S CHRISTMAS MECHANICAL WINDOW DISPLAYS
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.
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