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Vila Stiassni, Brno
Villa Stiassni in Brno is a significant example of functionalist architecture, designed by the renowned architect Ernst Wiesner. Commissioned by the textile industrialist Alfred Stiassni and his wife Hermína, the villa was completed in 1929. It showcases Wiesner's modernist design sensibilities, evident in its clean lines, functional layout, and integration with the surrounding landscape.
Construction of the villa began in 1927, based on Wiesner's designs, and was completed in two years. The villa features an "L" shaped plan, a greenish facade, large rectangular windows, and a coffered cornice around the perimeter. A detached tract includes garages and two buildings at the entrance, originally for a stable and driver's apartment. Inside, the main living areas are in the longer wing, while the kitchen, pantry, and servant's quarters are in the shorter wing, separating private and service spaces.
Villa Stiassni has undergone several changes throughout its history. In 1939, it was confiscated by the Reich State Police and used as an officers' casino. After World War II, it became known as the "Government Villa," serving the regional government and hosting notable guests like Fidel Castro. In the 1990s, the villa was privately owned and rented for events, leading to some deterioration. However, from 2009 to 2014, the National Monument Institute renovated the villa and established the Center for the Restoration of 20th-Century Architecture. The villa reopened to the public in December 2014.
Today, Villa Stiassni stands as a testament to functionalist architecture and the rich cultural history of Brno. It continues to serve not only as a historical monument but also as a center for the study and preservation of modern architecture. The villa has also been featured in various films and TV series, such as the movie Lída Baarová (2016) and the TV series Bohéma (2017), further cementing its place in Czech cultural history.
Construction of the villa began in 1927, based on Wiesner's designs, and was completed in two years. The villa features an "L" shaped plan, a greenish facade, large rectangular windows, and a coffered cornice around the perimeter. A detached tract includes garages and two buildings at the entrance, originally for a stable and driver's apartment. Inside, the main living areas are in the longer wing, while the kitchen, pantry, and servant's quarters are in the shorter wing, separating private and service spaces.
Villa Stiassni has undergone several changes throughout its history. In 1939, it was confiscated by the Reich State Police and used as an officers' casino. After World War II, it became known as the "Government Villa," serving the regional government and hosting notable guests like Fidel Castro. In the 1990s, the villa was privately owned and rented for events, leading to some deterioration. However, from 2009 to 2014, the National Monument Institute renovated the villa and established the Center for the Restoration of 20th-Century Architecture. The villa reopened to the public in December 2014.
Today, Villa Stiassni stands as a testament to functionalist architecture and the rich cultural history of Brno. It continues to serve not only as a historical monument but also as a center for the study and preservation of modern architecture. The villa has also been featured in various films and TV series, such as the movie Lída Baarová (2016) and the TV series Bohéma (2017), further cementing its place in Czech cultural history.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brno. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Vila Stiassni on Map
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Sight Name: Vila Stiassni
Sight Location: Brno, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Brno)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Brno, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Brno)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Brno, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Brno
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brno is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Brno Introduction Walking Tour
Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic. Located in the South Moravian Region, it is the center of Czech's judiciary and the former capital of Moravia.
Brno is known for its exhibition center, one of the largest in Europe. It is also known for its international fireworks competition, Fire of Brno. The long history of fireworks and pyrotechnics are seen in the Spilberk Castle... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Brno is known for its exhibition center, one of the largest in Europe. It is also known for its international fireworks competition, Fire of Brno. The long history of fireworks and pyrotechnics are seen in the Spilberk Castle... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Functionalist Architecture in Brno
Functionalist architecture, a style that sought to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving industrial society, emerged in Europe in the wake of World War I.
After Czechoslovakia gained independence in 1918, Brno, the second-largest city in the country, developed rapidly both economically and politically. Its architecture reflected a modernist approach that prioritized functionality and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
After Czechoslovakia gained independence in 1918, Brno, the second-largest city in the country, developed rapidly both economically and politically. Its architecture reflected a modernist approach that prioritized functionality and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles