Palais des fêtes, Strasbourg
N 48° 35.433 E 007° 44.945
32U E 407758 N 5382696
Erected for a choral society, this building hosts a large concert hall (1500 seats) and several rooms for other choral and musical societies, including a restaurant.
Waymark Code: WM201B
Location: Grand-Est, France
Date Posted: 08/12/2007
Views: 104
At the end of World War I, it was put up for sale and finally bought by the city in 1922.
This edifice was one of the first to get a structure made of reinforced concrete (Hennebique process).
The decorative choice for the façades reveals the architects hesitation. For instance, the corner tower has a gothic look (apart from the roof) and is fitted with art nouveau windows and gets panels with a floral pattern at the upper level. The posts that fit the balustrade of the balcony at the 2nd floor show a geometric decor that evokes the works of the belgian architect Hamesse or the viennese art nouveau. For the lateral (and asymetric) façades, Kuder & Muller opted, at least for the gable, for a renaissance style. One of the doors, rue Sellénick, is art nouveau. The wrought iron that protects the windows looks somewhat like that used for the Waucquez stores in Brussels (by Horta). Again, the art nouveau is questioned by a neo-renaissance windows that surmounts this entrance.In some other cases, art nouveau elements are more skillfully integrated to an historistic group. Last, but not least, some windows are without controversy art nouveau.
The inside also witnesses that stylistic variety. In this way, the music-lover will go to the concert hall (originally neo-baroque) by climbing an art nouveau stair.
This building, witnesses the architects desire to integrate it within its architectural environment (n°s 1, 3, 5 & 6 rue Sellénick are art nouveau, the others belonging to the historicism). Therefore, their stylistic hesitation not only evidences the necessity to care for their customer but also their interest for the latest artistic movement. Nevertheless, the location (a street corner) offers an opportunity to put a strong signal (the tower) in order to distinguish the building from its surroundings.
As a conclusion, in spite of some clumsiness, the architects have given the edifice an engaging look, and it is worth preservation.
Style: Art Nouveau
Structure Type: Culture/Entertainment
Architect: KUDER & MULLER
Date Built: 1903
Supporting references: Not listed
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