14 Public Spaces That Completely Disappeared
This article looks at once-bustling public spaces that have since vanished.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Public spaces used to be central to daily life, but many have disappeared over time. Some were replaced by modern developments, while others faded because of neglect or disasters. These places may be gone, but the memories of what they once were still remain.
1. Penn Station, New York City
Danazar on Wikimedia Commons
Once a Beaux-Arts masterpiece, the original Penn Station was demolished in 1963 to make way for Madison Square Garden. Its destruction sparked outrage and a preservation movement in the U.S. Today, only photos remind us of its grandeur.
2. Berlin’s Palast der Republik
Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons
This cultural center opened in 1976 and became a hub for East Berlin life. After German reunification, it was closed due to asbestos and later demolished in 2008. The Berlin Palace now stands in its place.
3. Pripyat Amusement Park, Ukraine
calflier001 on Wikimedia Commons
Scheduled to open on May 1, 1986, this park never saw its grand opening because of the Chernobyl disaster. Its rusting Ferris wheel has become an eerie symbol of abandonment. Nature has now taken over the grounds.
4. Kowloon Walled City, Hong Kong
Mk2010 on Wikimedia Commons
Known as one of the most densely populated places on Earth, Kowloon Walled City was demolished in the early 1990s. It was a maze of tightly packed buildings, home to over 30,000 residents. A park now stands where it once thrived.
5. Crystal Palace, London
Philip Henry Delamotte, Negretti and Zambra on Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1851 for the Great Exhibition, the Crystal Palace was a marvel of glass and iron. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 1936. Its memory lives on in the surrounding park that still carries its name.
6. Old Yankee Stadium, New York
Photo copyrighted by Henry Parker, New York City. on Wikimedia Commons
Nicknamed “The House That Ruth Built,” the original Yankee Stadium opened in 1923. It was replaced by a new stadium in 2009, and the original was demolished soon after. A park now marks its site.
7. Prentice Women’s Hospital, Chicago
AkatherineGu on Wikimedia Commons
Known for its unique clover-shaped design, this modernist hospital opened in 1975. Despite protests from preservationists, it was demolished in 2014. The site is now part of Northwestern’s medical campus.
8. Birmingham Central Library, UK
E Gammie on Wikimedia Commons
A Brutalist landmark, Birmingham Central Library opened in 1974. Despite debate over its architecture, it was demolished in 2016 to make way for redevelopment. Its striking concrete design divided opinions until the end.
9. Palmyra’s Ancient Ruins, Syria
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia Commons
Once a thriving ancient city, Palmyra’s ruins were partially destroyed during conflict in the 2010s. Its iconic temples and arches suffered heavy damage. What remains is still a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Ebbet’s Field, Brooklyn
Boston Public Library on Wikimedia Commons
Home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Ebbet’s Field was demolished in 1960 after the team moved to Los Angeles. Apartments now stand where fans once cheered. It remains a bittersweet memory for baseball lovers.
11. Sutro Baths, San Francisco
Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons
Opened in 1896, Sutro Baths was once the world’s largest indoor swimming complex. A fire in 1966 destroyed much of it, leaving only ruins by the ocean. Today, it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
12. Candlestick Park, San Francisco
torbakhopper on Wikimedia Commons
The stadium opened in 1960 and was home to the Giants and 49ers. It hosted countless concerts and events before being demolished in 2015. The site is now planned for commercial use.
13. Boston’s Scollay Square
Pi.1415926535 on Wikimedia Commons
Once a lively entertainment district, Scollay Square was demolished in the 1960s during urban renewal. It was replaced by the Government Center, losing much of its old charm. Locals still recall its theaters and bars.
14. Havana’s Campo de Marte
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Once Havana’s grandest public square, the Campo de Marte was redeveloped in the early 20th century. It had been a venue for fairs, parades, and festivals. Today, it exists only in maps and archives.