Eline Brontsema : Berlin Public Pools

In her latest series of woodcuts, Eline Brontsema captures the essence of Berlin’s public swimming pools. Over two years, she visited these pools repeatedly, immersing herself in the city's aquatic heritage. Berlin is home to one of Europe’s most impressive collections of swimming facilities, with more than 60 pools today, once even double that number.

Among the pools she portrays is the elegant Stadtbad Spandau Nord, dating back to 1911. While not the oldest - that title belongs to Stadtbad Charlottenburg from 1898 - it is equally striking, nestled in a charming park on the outskirts of Berlin. Stadtbad Mitte, built in 1930, stands out with its stunning glass design. At the monumental Finckensteinallee pool from 1938, swimmers can enjoy 50-meter lanes. Meanwhile, the robust 1970s pools with their iconic undulating roofs, such as Fischerinsel, hold a unique charm of their own.

Together, these pools represent a fascinating variety of architectural styles and purposes, reflecting different eras and societal needs. Originally designed to promote public hygiene, they later became spaces for sports, particularly emphasized in East Berlin during the DDR era. Today, they serve as places for recreation and swimming lessons for the city's many schoolchildren.

Eline Brontsema | Berlin Public Pools | 14 February - 15 March / 2025