Sutro Baths Lithograph Poster American, 1896

Rare original large-format lithograph poster depicting the Sutro Baths complex in San Francisco, consisting of multiple joined panels. Published in 1896 to coincide with the baths’ public opening in March of that year. The poster presents a detailed architectural cross-section view of the enormous glass-enclosed natatorium, showing the tiered swimming pools, observation galleries, and numerous patrons in period bathing attire. The structure features a dramatic steel and glass roof supported by green-painted columns, with multiple levels of viewing platforms and staircases. The poster documents the grand scale of what was then the world’s largest indoor swimming establishment, accommodating up to 10,000 swimmers with its combination of fresh and saltwater pools. The complex, built by entrepreneur and former San Francisco mayor Adolph Sutro, later expanded to include additional recreational facilities before being destroyed by fire in 1966. The site, located on the western edge of San Francisco overlooking the Pacific Ocean, now exists as protected ruins within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Professionally mounted, matted and framed. American, 1896.
Height: 82 in. (208 cm.)
Width: 85 in. (216 cm.)
Depth: 2 in. (5 cm.)