[4][5][6] From around 1920–1930, Paris saw the construction of numerous new public swimming pools, although the development of aquatic recreation in France still lagged behind that of Great Britain and Germany.

In 1946, the unveiling of the first modern bikini, designed by Louis Réard, was held at Piscine Molitor,[2] modelled by the Parisian Micheline Bernardini during a fashion show at the pool.

[3] On 14 April 2001 the French soundsystem Heretik threw a free all-night party gathering inside the pool, hosting about 5000 people.

Pollet also worked with master glassmaker Louis Barillet, who created the Art Deco stained glass windows adorning the pool complex.

However, although saved from impending demolition, the complex experienced damage from weather, poor maintenance, and even vandalism (mainly to its historic Art Deco decor) after being protected.

Various other housing projects were also stopped by the French Ministry of Culture, with their final decision on 5 August 2000 revoking the construction permit originally granted by the City of Paris.

On 20 November 2007 it was announced that three different groups were competing for the role of renovating the pool complex, Colony Capital, ICADE, and GTM Construction.

[10] On 30 October 2008 Delanoë announced that the group Colony Capital-Accor-Bouygues had been chosen for the project, with architects Jacques Rougerie, Alain Derbesse, and Alain-Charles Perrot.

In the third season of Emily in Paris, the title character (Lily Collins) and her best friend Mindy (Ashley Park) have a cocktail while lounging at the Piscine Molitor.