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 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.

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.

2024 addition: Selection of toys

View a selection of toys from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, including an elephant and a cat on wheels. In addition, admire the ever-so-elegant fashion doll Miss Lily Darboy from 1863, complete with part of her luxurious and impressive  trousseau  of accessories including dresses, shoes, coats, hats and even swimsuits.

These treasures come from the Museum’s Material Culture collection, which boasts the largest toy collection in the country, with over 11,600 objects spanning nearly three centuries of history.