Barton Springs Bathhouse

Read the story

Nestled in Zilker Park alongside the cool, spring-fed waters of Barton Springs Pool sits a classic piece of mid-century architecture. Built in 1947, the Barton Springs Bathhouse was designed by Dan Driscoll in a masonry streamline moderne style. For over seventy years, its distinctive rotunda and dressing areas have served as a beloved gathering spot for millions of swimmers.

To preserve this history, the City of Austin launched a major rehabilitation project in February 2024. The goal of this project is to restore the bathhouse to its original mid-century splendor while upgrading the plumbing, electrical, and climate control systems to meet modern standards. This careful balance of preservation and modernization ensures the building will remain safe and functional for the next seventy-five years.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bathhouse stands as a beautiful reminder of Austin's long-standing love for public recreation and elegant, functional design. It is a gateway to the springs, welcoming generations of swimmers into the water.

Updated June 2026