I came to the London Zoo primarily to see the iconic historic Penguin Pool, designed by Berthold Lubetkin (1901-1990) and Tecton with Ove Arup (1895-1988) as structural engineer, the latter most famous for his work on the Sydney Opera House. The Penguin Pool itself, constructed between 1934 and 1935, has the delicacy of a Brancusi sculpture. It is no longer used as an actual pool for penguins, as it didn't really work for them (too much concrete, pool too shallow), which is the ultimate irony that the pool has in common with some other avantgarde architecture. Nevertheless it is a sight the behold, marking the optimism that came with modern architecture respectively the "international style" in the 1920s and 30s.
Contacts & Location
π Address: London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
π Website: historicengland.org.uk
Photos
Reviews
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Nils Paellmann β β β β β
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Momo β β β β β
It was empty but on a rainy day I noticed it and saw a bunch of rubber ducks and swans so it was funny and lightened my mood
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Christopher J Keeffe β β β β β
No longer used. The Penguin Pool is one of the historic buildings of the zoo. The zoo's penguins have a more enriching environment near the shop.
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Charoula Banti β β β β β
they don't use it anymore!
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Cassian β β β β β
Nice but thought u could swim in it so bought trunks - u canβt βΉοΈ
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Djalal Tebib β β β β β
The penguins were truly adorable. What an amazing experience! Highly recommended.
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A Woodham β β β β β
An old Penguin enclosure at London Zoo, now a listed structure. An interesting piece of architectural and zoological history.
New Review
FAQs
How can I get to The Penguin Pool?
You can find directions to The Penguin Pool by following this map link