Bon Accord Baths, Art Deco swimming pool in Aberdeen, Scotland
Bon Accord Baths is an Art Deco building that opened in Aberdeen in 1940 and shaped the city's swimming culture. The main pool spans roughly 36 meters and ends with a five-story concrete diving tower at the deep end.
The building opened on August 30, 1940 during World War II, providing much-needed leisure facilities for Aberdeen residents during difficult times. After closing in 2008, it received a permit for maintenance and interior work in 2020.
The building displays local granite on its street facade and curved walls with sycamore timber paneling in the entrance lobby. These crafted details from the construction period still shape how the space looks today.
The venue is not regularly open to the public at present, as the building remains in restoration and public access is limited. It is worth checking ahead about its current status and any special events, as it is occasionally used for concerts and performances.
The former swimming pool now hosts concerts during the Aberdeen Jazz Festival, with musicians performing inside the empty basin. This unexpected use of the space shows how historic buildings can take on new purposes.
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