Villa Tugendhat: The most well-preserved example of Mies van der Rohe’s early functionalism, and an inspiration for the Norwegian architect Arne Korsmo’s work on Villa Stenersen

Villa Tugendhat (1928–30) in the Czech Republic is the most well-preserved example of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s early functionalism. It is regarded as one of the world’s most important manifestations of villa architecture and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building also likely inspired the Norwegian architect Arne Korsmo’s work on Villa Stenersen (1937–39).

Similarities between Villa Stenersen and Villa Tugendhat
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s early functionalism seems to have inspired the Norwegian architect Arne Korsmo, who designed Villa Stenersen on commission for the noted art collector Rolf Stenersen. There are several similarities between the two houses, such as their floor plans and construction and material choices. The most eye-catching resemblance is the large glass room on the main floor of each house. Arne Korsmo also opted for unconventional materials such as Belgian marbrite glass, Italian terrazzo, glass bricks, and large glass panes both in the interior and in the façade.

Re-restoration: A return to the architect’s original concept and ideas
Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) designed Villa Tugendhat in 1928–30 on commission for Greta and Fritz Tugendhat. The Jewish couple and their young children had to flee Brno in 1938. The villa was significantly altered both during and after the Second World War, but it has recently been restored in accordance with the architect’s original concept and ideas.

The exhibition “Villa Tugendhat” recounts the history of the house and documents the extensive restoration work carried out in the period 2010–2012. A similar restoration is slated for Villa Stenersen. The exhibition is on display in Villa Stenersen 7 February–24 April.

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"Villa Tugendhat" is produced by Brno City Museum and is being set up through a cooperation by the Jewish Museum in Oslo and the National Museum. The project is the result of a EEA cultural programme that the Jewish Museum in Oslo participates in.

Information:
Eva Amine Wold Engeset, press officer: +0047 469 50 102 / eva.engeset@nasjonalmuseet.no