Olympic Pool, Montreal

The Montreal Olympic Pool was constructed for the 1976 Summer Olympics as part of the Montreal Olympic Park. The Olympic Pool is part of the larger swimming centre, located in the base of the inclined tower. The centre has a spectator capacity of 3,012 seats.

Olympic Pool
Montreal's Olympic swimming pool
Building information
Full nameOlympic Pool
CityMontreal, Quebec, Canada
Capacity3,012
Architect(s)Roger Taillibert

At the 1976 Olympics, the venue hosted swimming, diving, water polo, and the swimming part of the modern pentathlon events. It had a capacity of 10,000 seats at the time (6,988 temporary seats were installed).

The building was designed by French architect Roger Taillibert, who also designed the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Village.

The structure, along with the accompanying velodrome, inspired Taillibert's later designs for Luxembourg's National Sports and Culture Centre.

Outside of the actual aquatic complex, inside the tower, a small museum exists, commemorating the 1976 Games as well as Games past, with posters and displays in French and English.

As of 2014, the aquatic complex is closed while undergoing extensive renovations to bring the facilities in line with FINA+ standards, including:[1]

  • the upgrade of the diving towers and boards
  • the upgrade of the indoor relaxation pool
  • the refitting of all swimming pool decks and pool accesses
  • the removal of starting block platforms
  • the construction of concrete stands to support new starting blocks
  • the installation of new, mobile, and adjustable flooring in the competition swimming pool
  • the retrofitting of the competition pool to accommodate 25-metre events
  • the replacement of filtration systems in all pools
  • the refurbishment of the paddling pool (decks and accesses; removal of support structures)
  • and the renovation of the wet lockers (showers, restrooms, etc.)

The pool reopened in May 2015, complete with modernized reception and waiting areas and a new boutique, rest area, and food court.[1]

The pool was used as a filming venue for the upcoming Olympic-themed film Nadia, Butterfly.[2]

References

  • 1976 Summer Olympics official report. Volume 2. pp. 66–75.
  • Parc Olympique. 1992. Les Messageries de presse Benjamin Inc. ISBN 2-9802866-2-1.

Official Site


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