Check out this lovely, short film made by Barton Bishoff that explores the ruins of Sutro Baths, which burned down in 1966 (video). On his blog, Barton sums up nicely what it’s like to visit this once grand landmark:
A stroll on the ruins is fascinating and it’s easy to imagine what must have taken place over several decades: sounds of music from the 8,000 seat concert hall, people screaming and laughing in 7 tanks of different temperatures, a luxurious palace with staircases, 500 rooms, palm trees, and the feeling that this is how kings play.
The film’s music is Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major, Allegro moderato – Très doux.
Sarah B.
Dude, what a tremendous video. I love going to Ocean Beach and walking on the ruins, it gives the place such an out of place feel. I had heard about the baths and playland, ect, before but just recently looked up images of the area from back in the day and wow, what an amazing place it was. So sad it burned down. You could film an episode of Lost there these days.
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. MY WIFE AND I LEFT SANFRANCISCO IN 1974 AND I WISH WE HAD NEVER LEFT.NOT A MOMENT GOES BY THAT WE DONT THINK ABOUT ALL THE WONDERS OF THE CITY AND SURROUNDINGS. WE WONDER HOW OUR LIVES WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT…. HOPEFULLY WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO MOVE BACK IN A YEAR OR SO. WE MISS THE CITY SO MUCH. MY WIFE, EMMA MCSWEENEY JUST EMAILED ME THE SHOWING AND IT BROUGHT MANY MEMORIES. THANKS, DAVID BLOEBAUM&EMMA LOUISE MCSWEENEY. SHE IS A NATIVE AND I AM JUST ADOPTED.