Olympic Stadiums That Now Serve Completely Different Purposes

By
Akanksha Sharma
June 23, 2025

2. Beijing National Aquatics Center (2008) – Now “The Water Cube” Indoor Water Park

In July 2003, the Water Cube design was chosen from 10 proposals in an international architectural competition for the aquatic center project. The Water Cube was designed and built by a consortium made up of PTW Architects (an Australian architecture firm. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Jorge Láscar

Original Purpose: Hosted swimming, diving, and water polo for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. New Purpose: An indoor water park with slides, wave pools, and family attractions. Beijing’s futuristic National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, was once the stage for record-breaking performances by legendary swimmers like Michael Phelps. However, instead of fading into obscurity, it was transformed into a massive indoor water park after the Games. Now called The Happy Magic Water Cube, it boasts wave pools, artificial beaches, colorful water slides, and even a lazy river, making it one of Beijing’s most popular family attractions. The venue’s reinvention has allowed it to stay financially viable while providing year-round entertainment.

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Akanksha Sharma
I’m an editor working at the intersection of business, creativity, and thought leadership, shaping complex ideas into clear, impactful content. With a sharp editorial eye and a strategic mindset, I refine narratives that resonate, collaborate with industry leaders, and align storytelling with business goals. Balancing analytical precision with creative depth, I craft content that informs, inspires, and drives influence.

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