Zuiderbad

Upon viewing the Zuiderbad, you will undoubtedly be surprised to find that this building houses what you might not immediately expect: a swimming pool. For more than a century, the Zuiderbad has enjoyed a special place in the hearts of swimming enthusiasts. Originally built in 1897 as a covered riding school, this atmospheric building transformed into the beloved Zuiderbad in 1912. This national monument, under protection since 1996, is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable surviving swimming pools in the Netherlands.

When the first stone of the Zuiderbad was laid, it embodied a progressive feat of architecture in its time. Professor Otto Lanz aimed to get more people to swim with this innovative pool, believing that this had a beneficial effect on the nerves. Although such luxurious activities were usually reserved for the wealthy bourgeoisie at the time, the Zuiderbad also offered space for the 'ordinary citizen'.

In May 1978, visitor numbers were in danger of dwindling considerably, upon which loyal swimmers adopted the slogan "Keep the Zuiderbad wet" and initiated a vigorous protest against the proposed demolition of the bath. The municipality had plans to replace the bath with a railway station, the intended terminus of the Schiphol Line, which was ultimately never realised. After several successful actions, this sentiment even reached Amsterdam's Council Chamber, leading to the establishment of the "Friends and Friends of the Zuiderbad Foundation" in 1979. Pressure from the community led the city council to preserve the swimming pool and keep it open.