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An Icon of Architecture and Social Equality
An Icon of Architecture and Social Equality
July 1, 2026
Heated pool in the women’s sauna area, 2023
© REMEDY / Michael Rathmayr
The Amalienbad is one of Vienna’s most historic and architecturally stunning indoor swimming pools, famous for its magnificent Art Nouveau and Art Deco design. To celebrate the institution’s centenary, around 50 photographs are displayed at the tradition-steeped bathhouse complex, which was inaugurated in 1926 as one of the most modern civic facilities in Europe.
Since 2023, Michael Rathmayr has been exploring the Amalienbad in his Remedy project – both as a symbol of the Red Vienna era and as an enduring social hub. His work brings together architectural studies of Art Deco elements, observational portraits of contemporary users, as well as historical archive materials. This gives rise to a multi-layered panorama that interweaves history and the present day.
Installed both inside the building and on the forecourt, the exhibition highlights the significance of the Amalienbad as a monument to public health, urban life and social equality. The showcase is complemented by insights into the natatorium’s inception and purpose, illustrating its role in the city’s Favoriten district and Vienna’s social history at large.
Katrin UllmannSince 2023, Michael Rathmayr has been exploring the Amalienbad in his Remedy project – both as a symbol of the Red Vienna era and as an enduring social hub. His work brings together architectural studies of Art Deco elements, observational portraits of contemporary users, as well as historical archive materials. This gives rise to a multi-layered panorama that interweaves history and the present day.
Installed both inside the building and on the forecourt, the exhibition highlights the significance of the Amalienbad as a monument to public health, urban life and social equality. The showcase is complemented by insights into the natatorium’s inception and purpose, illustrating its role in the city’s Favoriten district and Vienna’s social history at large.
Heated pool in the women’s sauna area, 2023
© REMEDY / Michael Rathmayr
Women’s synchronised swimming team of the Vienna Swimming Union, Amalienbad 2023 © REMEDY / Michael Rathmayr
Steven, Amalienbad 2023
© REMEDY / Michael Rathmayr
Shower stool, Amalienbad 2025
© REMEDY / Michael Rathmayr
Training session of the Worker’s Swimming Club Vienna, Amalienbad 2023
© REMEDY / Michael Rathmayr