| Piscine Molitor | |
|---|---|
After closing in 1989, Piscine Molitor has been targeted by graffiti artists and vandals. |
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| Address | 4 Rue Nungesser et Coli, 75016 Paris, France |
| Opened | 1929 |
| Closed | 1989 |
| Architect | Lucien Pollet |
| Type | One open-air pool, one covered pool |
| Former names | les Piscines Auteuil-Molitor, les Grands établissements balnéaires d'Auteuil |
| Status | Monument historique |
| Length | 33 metres (108 ft) indoor, 50 metres (160 ft) outdoor |
Piscine Molitor (also known as the Piscines Auteuil-Molitor or the Grands établissements balnéaires d'Auteuil) is an abandoned swimming pool complex located in Porte Molitor, 16th arrondissement of Paris, Île-de-France, Paris, France. It is next to the park Bois de Boulogne, and between Stade Roland Garros and Parc des Princes. The complex was built in 1929 and inaugurated by Olympic swimmers Aileen Riggin Soule and Johnny Weissmuller. The pool is known for its Art Deco designs and the popular introduction of the bikini by Louis Réard on July 5, 1946.[1] The pool was classified as a French monument historique on March 27, 1990, after having fallen into disuse and closing in 1989.[2]
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From around 1920–1930, Paris saw the construction of numerous new public swimming pools, although the development of aquatic recreation in France still lagged behind Great Britain and Germany. However, public pools also hosted bathing facilities, as many French homes did not have their own bathrooms.[3] Piscine Molitor was built in 1929 by architect Lucien Pollet, who was working for Les Belles Piscines de France and had designed three other pool complexes. It was designed to resemble an ocean liner and was adorned with Art Deco stained glass by Louis Barillet. In the summer of 1929, Olympic athlete Johnny Weismuller, who was a lifeguard in his spare time, officially opened Piscine Molitor. The pool often housed fashion shows, theatrical performances, and training for figure skating. In 1946, the unveiling of the first modern bikini, designed by Louis Réard, was held at Piscine Molitor,[1] modelled by the Parisian Micheline Bernardini during a fashion show at the pool.[4] The establishment originally comprised two pools, one indoor and the other outdoor, arranged in a T-shape. The complex was used as an ice-skating rink until the early 1970s. The complex ultimately closed in 1989.[2]
The complex was the only building with two pools built by Pollet, inspired by the work of architect Robert Mallet-Stevens. Pollet also worked with master glassmaker Louis Barillet, who created the Art Deco stained glass windows adorning the pool complex. It had a conventional 33-metre (108 ft) long covered pool and an Olympic-level 50-metre (160 ft) long open-air pool. The open-air pool was turned into ice and used as a skating rink until the 1970s, and was surrounded by three levels of cabins, resembling a large ship. The complex also included a fitness room. Pollet called the complex "les Grands Établissements Balnéaires d'Auteuil" (the Great Seaside Establishment of Auteuil) because the complex was the site of various sporting events at the time, particularly on the outdoor pool, which was lined with sand. Architect Marc Mimram recently began a restoration project for the pool complex.[3]
In 1989, a housing project was proposed to the City of Paris. The project was advanced by the city and called for the destruction of the pool and its rebuilding as part of a hotel, with the rest of the original pool complex being turned into a parking lot. On August 31, 1989, the pool was permanently closed. The next day, the facade and main entrance were boarded up. A group of citizens founded the "SOS Molitor", trying to prevent the pool's destruction. They were successful the next year, with the entire pool complex being listed in the inventory of the French Monuments Historiques program (and, as a result, protected by the French government). However, although saved from impending demolition, the complex experienced damage from weather, poor maintenance, and even vandalism (mainly to its historic Art Deco decor) after being protected.
Various other housing projects were also stopped by the French Ministry of Culture, with their final decision on August 5, 2000 revoking the construction permit originally granted by the City of Paris.[5] After SOS Molitor gained ownership to the complex, a new organization called Piscines Molitor was created to obtain funding for the rehabilitation and reopening of Piscine Molitor. The organization has appealed to the administrative court of Paris.
In August 2007, the Mayor of Paris began to accept applications for the renovation of Piscine Molitor. On November 20, 2007, it was announced that three different groups were competing for the role of renovating the pool complex, Colony Capital, ICADE, and GTM Construction. The mayor, Bertrand Delanoë, called for the revival of the complex without spending taxpayer money.[6] On October 30, 2008, Delanoë announced that the group Colony Capital-Accor-Bouygues had been chosen for the project, with architects Jasques Rougerie, Alain Derbesse, and Alain-Charles Perrot. The group is planning for a 2012 reopening of the complex. The €64.8 million project would lease the property for 54 years and is to include a 4-star hotel, a health center, and a medical center, as well as retail, restaurants, and parking facilities.[7]