Bath House Cultural Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bath House Cultural Center |
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Center at night
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| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Built | 1930 |
| Architectural style(s) | Art Deco |
| Official name: White Rock Bath House | |
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The Bath House Cultural Center is a special place in Dallas, Texas. It was the first of six cultural centers built by the City of Dallas. You can find it on the east side of White Rock Lake in east Dallas. This center helps bring art and culture to everyone in the city, especially those in the eastern part.
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History of the Bath House
The Bath House building is a Dallas Landmark. It was finished in 1930 and is one of the first Art Deco buildings in the southwest. A Dallas architect named Jon Carsey designed it. He was inspired by a big art show in Paris in 1925.
When it first opened, it was called the Municipal Bath House. People used it to cool off from the summer heat. There was a sandy beach that went into the lake. The building had locker rooms and places to buy snacks.
In 1958, the Bath House closed. Swimming was stopped so the lake could be used for the city's water supply. The building stayed empty for over 20 years. Then, in 1980, different groups worked together to fix it up. It became the first cultural center in the city.
What Happens Today
Today, the Bath House Cultural Center is a busy place for artists and theater groups in Dallas. Each year, it hosts many art shows and over 200 performances. You can also find concerts, festivals, workshops, and talks here.
Some cool parts of the building include:
- A big gallery for showing art.
- A "black box" theater for plays and music.
- An outdoor stage called an amphitheater.
- The Water Theatre, which is an art piece that attracts birds.
- It's very close to White Rock Lake Park.
White Rock Lake Museum
The White Rock Lake Museum opened in 2004 inside the center. It teaches visitors about the lake's natural history. You can learn about local wildlife and the Blackland Prairie. It also shares stories about ancient Indian settlements in the area.
Fun Activities and Events
Every summer, the Bath House puts on the Festival of Independent Theatres. This festival shows off different theater groups from Dallas. Many of these groups don't have their own permanent stage. It's a very popular event for the center.
In the spring and fall, the Bath House holds its Art Mart. This event features about 40 different artists from Texas. They create art in many ways, like painting, photography, sculpture, and jewelry making. Besides the art sale, there's food, music, and a silent auction.
In September 2006, the Bath House Cultural Center celebrated its 25th birthday.
Other Cultural Centers in Dallas
Dallas has other great cultural centers too:
- Dallas City Performance Hall in the Arts District
- Ice House Cultural Center in north Oak Cliff
- Juanita Craft Civil Rights House in south Dallas
- Latino Cultural Center in Deep Ellum
- Meyerson Symphony Center in the Arts District
- South Dallas Cultural Center in south Dallas
