In 1929, the Sachsenbad first opened its doors. It was a beacon of modernity in Dresden’s Pieschen district. Imagine stepping back in time to that era. The Sachsenbad, designed by Paul Wolf, stood as a testament to the “Neues Bauen” architectural style. Its sleek, unadorned facade, with rows of uniform windows and flat roofs, exuded a sense of streamlined elegance. Reliefs by Gustav Bach, depicting water nymphs and fish, added a touch of whimsy to the otherwise functional design. The Sachsenbad was more than just a swimming pool. It was a symbol of progress and a commitment to public well-being.
The Sachsenbad was designed to be the heart of a larger sports complex. This complex, envisioned as a “Sportpark,” was to include an outdoor pool, residential buildings, and a library. Sadly, only a portion of this ambitious plan was ever realized. Nevertheless, the Sachsenbad, nestled between Wurzener and Rehefelder Straße, remains one of the few examples of Neues Bauen architecture in Dresden. Inside, the Sachsenbad offered a range of amenities. A 25-meter-long swimming pool dominated the main hall. A gallery allowed spectators to watch swimming competitions. On the ground floor, visitors could indulge in the Roman bath and steam room, followed by a relaxing massage. The upper floors housed additional baths and a spacious gymnasium.
The Sachsenbad buzzed with activity. It wasn’t just a place for swimming. It hosted fitness classes, gymnastics, ball sports, and even cultural events. The building featured underfloor heating and a restaurant, adding to its appeal. A striking feature of the Sachsenbad was a steel saddle roof construction supporting the staggered extensions. On either side of the main entrance, slightly projecting side wings framed the entrance. At the back, a crossbar supported by columns formed a terrace. This terrace was intended as a link to the never-built outdoor pool. A bronze sculpture, “Wasserballspielerin” by Eugen Hoffmann, once graced the pool area. This life-sized artwork depicted a female water polo player, capturing the spirit of the times.
Unfortunately, the Sachsenbad’s story took a turn for the worse. In 1994, the building closed for much-needed renovations. However, these renovations never materialized, and the Sachsenbad fell into disrepair. Despite various attempts to revive it, the building remained abandoned for years. In 2021, the Sachsenbad and its surrounding land were sold to Montis Real Estate Berlin GmbH. This sale sparked controversy, as many hoped for the building’s preservation as a public swimming pool. Montis proposed a mixed-use development, combining modern workspaces, gastronomy, and a spa. This plan effectively eliminated the possibility of swimming at the Sachsenbad, prompting the city council to consider building a new swimming hall elsewhere. The Sachsenbad stands as a poignant reminder of Dresden’s architectural heritage. Its fate remains uncertain, but its legacy as a symbol of modernism and public recreation continues to resonate.