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| Former names | Saddam Hussein Gymnasium |
|---|---|
| Location | Baghdad, Iraq |
| Coordinates | 33°19′35″N 44°26′16″E / 33.32639°N 44.43778°E |
| Capacity | 3,000 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1978 |
| Opened | 1980 |
| Architect | Le Corbusier |
Baghdad Gymnasium (Arabic: صالة الجمنازيوم للألعاب الرياضية), formerly the Saddam Hussein Gymnasium, is a sports complex in Baghdad, Iraq adjacent to the al-Sha'ab Stadium. Designed by Le Corbusier under the commission of King Faisal II in 1956 for potential use in the 1960 Summer Olympics. After King Faisal II was overthrown in a military coup in 1958, the project underwent several design and location changes.[1]
Le Corbusier died in 1965, leaving a wealth of drawings and studies for the multi-functions of Baghdad's Sports Complex which included a large stadium, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a gymnasium. Only the latter was finally built between 1978 and 1980, to be inaugurated by and named after Iraq's President Saddam Hussein. The American army troops occupied the Gymnasium as well as al-Sha'ab district for some years following the Fall of Baghdad in 2003.[1]