Villa Schutzenberger

The Villa Schutzenberger, also known as Hôtel Schutzenberger (German: Schützenberger) is an Art Nouveau hôtel particulier on allée de la Robertsau in the Neustadt district of Strasbourg, in the French department of the Bas-Rhin. It has been classified as a Monument historique since 1975.^[1] The Villa is the seat of the European Audiovisual Observatory since 1992.^[2]

Villa Schutzenberger
Villa Schutzenberger in 2011 with Flag of Europe and Flag of France
Villa Schutzenberger in relation to the city of Strasbourg
Alternative names	Hôtel Schutzenberger
General information
Type	private housing
Architectural style	Art Nouveau
Location	Strasbourg, France
Address	76, allée de la Robertsau
Coordinates	48°35′30.40″N 7°46′12″E
Current tenants	European Audiovisual Observatory
Construction started	1897
Completed	1900
Owner	Council of Europe
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Jules Berninger, Gustave Krafft

History

This ample villa was built for the owner of the Schutzenberger brewery (Brasserie Schutzenberger) [fr], Louis-Oscar Schützenberger (1866–1943), by Jules (German: Julius) Berninger and his brother in law, Gustave (Gustav) Krafft, two prolific local architects who often worked together between 1895 and 1905.^[3][4]

Work on the villa started in 1897 and it was finished in 1900. Inspired by Italianate architecture in its shape and the design of its garden, it is one of the most lavish and frequently cited examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Strasbourg.^[5] In spite of this, due to the financial decline of the Schutzenberger brewery, the villa was sold and threatened with demolition in 1972. It was ultimately saved by the municipality but stood empty until 1978. The ground floor was then rented by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which became renter of the whole building in 1989. The Villa Schutzenberger has been completely restored since. It is not open for tourists apart on special days such as European Heritage Days.

Gallery

• 
  The Villa seen from the street in 2017
• 
  Wrought iron balcony and detail of façade
• 
  Garden terrace
• 
  Entrance door in 2015
• 
  Ceiling of entrance hall
• 
  Detail of stairs
• 
  Signature of the architects on the garden wall