The first floor introduces you to the beauty of the bathhouse. From the lobby's marble and stained glass transoms, to the marble partitions of the bath halls, to the stained glass ceiling in the Men's Bath Hall, you can see why the Fordyce Bathhouse was considered to be the most opulent of the bathhouses. The Fordyce Bathhouse operated from 1915-1962. It was the first bathhouse to close on Bathhouse Row due to declining business. The building remained vacant until reopening as the park visitor center in 1989. The second floor boasts two impressive exhibit spaces, "What is Health" and "Access through the Ages." Dressing rooms, massage parlours, and the Zander machine display can also be found on this floor. The third floor showcases the Music Room. Its patterned tile floor, stained glass ceiling and Knabe grand piano exude opulence. State Rooms speak of the luxury of relaxation, while the Gymnasium gives a glimpse of the forerunner of modern health clubs. The Fordyce was the only bathhouse to have a bowling alley when it was still operating as a Bathhouse. Today you can still see the Fordyce Spring and the original Otis elevator mechanisms in the basement. Restrooms and water are also available on this floor.
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Last updated: April 24, 2024