Pilsen’s one-of-a-kind architectural gem is the set of eight surviving residential interiors from the designer Adolf Loos. This world-renowned architect, considered as the founder of modern architecture, designed spaces for local Jewish businessmen in Pilsen during the 1930s. Commentated tours of the three now-renovated Loos interiors take place regularly every week. Apart from the rooms’ unique design, you will also get to know the personal stories of their original owners. These stories often involved the tragic personal fates of the individuals who dealt with the historical events before and during WW2 as well as those of the communist regime that followed.
Opening times
Peak season (April–October):
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Winter season (November–March):
Fridays and Saturdays
Guided tours take place during the previously determined times.
Tours are in Czech only, however, you will get an English paper guide to follow.
Admission
Kraus and Vogl Apartments:
(tours begins at Klatovská 10)
Adults CZK 240
Children, students and seniors CZK 160
Brummel House:
Adults CZK 290
Children, students and seniors CZK 190
Semler residence:
Adults CZK 370
Children, students and seniors CZK 260
Tickets are sold online and at the Tourist Information Centre.
Public transport
Address
The Vogl Apartment: Klatovská tř.10, 301 00 Pilsen
The Kraus Apartment: Bendova 10, 301 00 Pilsen
The Brummel House: Husova 58, 301 00 Pilsen
The Semler Residence: Klatovská tř. 110, 301 00 Pilsen
World-renowned architect Adolf Loos
Adolf Loos is one of the most respected architects in the world. He is considered the founder of the concept of modern architecture and is listed in the same small group of the most recognized modern, pre-war era architects such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright. Pilsen’s Loos interiors hold extraordinary value within the context of European architecture of the 20th century, which is evident in the fact that the only other location boasting a larger number of surviving works by Loos works is Vienna. Pilsen’s Loos interiors are ranked among some of his other significant works, the likes of which include Müller’s Villa in Prague, the House of Tristan Tzara in Paris and the department store Goldman & Salatsch in Vienna.
The concept of Raumplan
Loos is also known for creating the so-called “Raumplan” concept, which translates to a design of space. He affirmed that a room’s function depends on its height, and keeping that in mind, each room in a house should be of a different height. Loos didn’t design homes which follow the traditional separation of floors to which we are accustomed. A home designed by Loos would often exhibit levels ranging from 1 1/4th, 2 3/4th, etc. All it takes is to walk up or down a few stairs to end up in a completely different space. The only home displaying the concept of Raumplan in Pilsen is the Semler Residence.
The apartments “by Loos” were quite modern and before their time. It’s safe to say that Loos was a step ahead of the rest with his designs. Typical qualities of his work include the use of high-quality, natural materials and a heavy emphasis on thoroughly thought-out functions and well organized interior spaces. Proof of these qualities can be seen in the precisely furnished, built-in cupboards or other atypical features, which were meant to ease the lives of the apartments’ inhabitants.
Tour routes
There are currently three tour routes with a total of four newly reconstructed interiors that can be viewed by visitors: the Apartments of the Kraus family and Dr. Vogl, the Brummel House, and the newest Semler Residence. Several times a year however, the yet-to-be-reconstructed interior of the former house of Hugo Semler at Klatovská 19 is opened to visitors.
The Loos interior of the former Kraus family apartment at Bendova 10 is also used to hold wedding ceremonies. In addition, conference rooms are available here and are often used to host lectures and cultural events.
