Exactly one hundred years ago, a modest riverside building became the heart of summer life in the city. Once a bustling destination for locals seeking a swim in the Warta, the river baths in Poznań (Łazienki Rzeczne) are making a comeback. Carefully restored and now reinvented for the 21st century, this space seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern function.
A Legacy by the Warta
Poznań’s relationship with river bathing stretches back centuries. In a time when few homes had private bathrooms, the river was both a necessity and a joy. The idea of establishing a modern bathhouse emerged in the early 20th century, as Poznań’s population soared. The result was a groundbreaking facility: the river baths in Poznań, designed by architect Jerzy Tuszowski and built under the guidance of Augustyn Drozdowicz.
A pressing need has been met, one that became more urgent with the city’s growth: Poznań has gained new, spacious river baths. They are located on the Warta, accessible from Droga Dębińska.
reported Kurier Poznański in May 1925.
The architectural style was striking—interwar manor house aesthetics met practical urban planning. The main brick building, square in layout, featured a western portico supported by four Tuscan columns and an eastern terrace overlooking the Warta. Two narrower side wings were added, giving the structure a symmetrical, stately form.
The complex offered 138 changing cabins, a cloakroom for 200 people, a restaurant, cashier booths, a caretaker’s apartment, and even a medical station staffed by the Red Cross. The water used for bathing came from the Warta, channelled into a safer side inlet and filtered through bundles of fascine to maintain cleanliness. During its peak, the facility saw up to 5,000 visitors a day.
Yet even the most popular venue can stir debate. At first, the river baths in Poznań enforced strict gender divisions: male and female zones, no family space. The public revolted—sometimes literally—knocking down fences. By 1926, a mixed family area was introduced under the condition that full swimwear be worn.
Ruins and Renewal
World War II left its mark on the river baths in Poznań, as it did on so much of Europe. Though the site reopened in 1945, its golden years were behind it. Time, pollution, and changing leisure habits led to decades of neglect. The once-bustling baths became a forgotten monument.
But in 2018, the city launched a revitalization project that would transform the site. Backed by nearly 13 million złotys in funding from the European Union and the city of Poznań, the renovations preserved historic features while introducing modern amenities. Floors, staircases, and the original window frame colors were restored. An elevator now ensures accessibility throughout the building. The renovation finished in 2019, though the pandemic delayed its reopening until late 2020.
The River Baths (Łazienki Rzeczne) are a building with a very interesting history. I’m glad that the modernization allowed us to highlight it. Despite the extensive scope of work, many original elements of the structure were preserved. Some of the flooring survived in good condition, the staircase was maintained, and we also managed to uncover and restore the original color of the window woodwork.
Mariusz Wiśniewski, Deputy Mayor of Poznań
From Bathhouse to Business and Dining Hub
Today, the river baths in Poznań serve a very different purpose—yet retain their unique atmosphere. The building now houses office spaces as part of the Poznań Technological-Industrial Park’s business incubator. Two 100-square-meter offices are rented by young start-ups, while the central area offers well-equipped conference rooms and a full-service restaurant.
At the heart of this transformation is OT.Warta, a restaurant that brings a Mediterranean flair to this Polish landmark. Inspired by Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese cuisine—while still nodding to Greater Poland traditions—OT.Warta is the brainchild of Michał Niemiec, the restaurateur behind Why Thai. With a sun-soaked terrace, inviting interiors, and a cozy ambiance, it’s become a magnet for weekend brunches, corporate events, and relaxed dinners by the river.
Next Door: Courtyard Under the Sun
Adjacent to the baths is another rejuvenated space: Dzieciniec pod Słońcem (“Courtyard Under the Sun”), a charming garden and building complex originally built in 1928 as Poznań’s first Jordan Garden for children. Today, it houses Youth Cultural Center No. 1, offering educational and recreational programs for children and teenagers.
Like the baths, this complex has been fully modernized. It features accessible pathways, new playgrounds (including inclusive ones for children with disabilities), sports fields, and restored sculptures such as Edward Haupt’s “Macierzyństwo” (Motherhood). The original French-style garden was also refurbished, creating a multifunctional space ideal for outdoor cultural events.
The area is fully integrated with the TOTUPOINT system, allowing people with visual impairments to navigate it using audio guides and Braille maps. Surveillance systems now ensure safety for visitors of all ages.
A Riverside Renaissance
One hundred years since their debut, the river baths in Poznań are no longer a place for swimming—but they remain a space for gathering. What once offered hygiene now provides hospitality. What once kept people afloat now helps new businesses grow.
The revitalization of Łazienki Rzeczne is more than just a restoration—it’s a statement. It reflects the city’s commitment to honoring its past while boldly shaping its future. As the Warta riverfront continues to evolve into one of Poznań’s most attractive districts, the river baths stand tall—again an anchor of community life.
