The Tugendhat Villa, a masterpiece and icon of modern architecture is set to reopen March 6, 2012 after an extensive renovation at the cost of around 150 million CZK. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the Tugendhat Villa was built between the years 1928 – 1930 for the couple Fritz and Greta Tugendhat. Mies van der Rohe constructed the villa, a perfect example of Functionalism from an iron framework that enabled the structure to be full of space and natural light. The house was finished with luxurious materials including onyx and tropical woods. The interior was not decorated with artwork or décor as the natural materials Mies used displayed their own patterns. The house features a gorgeous onyx wall, which is translucent and creates different shades when the sun is setting. Mies van der Rohe designed all of the furniture in the villa including two types of armchairs, the Brno Chair and the Tugendhat Chair that are still in production to this day. The house, especially the living room showcases magnificent views of the city of Brno. The Tugendhat Villa, which was extremely expensive to build due to the high quality materials and the unique construction method was inhabited by the Tugendhat family until 1938 when they left Czechoslovakia to never return again. It is also interesting to note that the villa was the setting for the signing of the main document of the Velvet Divorce in 1992, which split Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Since 1994 the structure has belonged to the city of Brno, which operates the villa as a museum.
Prague-Stay.com will assist you in planning your authentic visit to this lively city and steer you away from numerous 'tourist traps' that sadly exist in this eccentric capital.
more information