The place attracted art creators. The Darmstadt art colony was founded in 1899 and built on the Mathildenhöhe hill. It was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021. What makes this place special?
The art colony is located in the city of Darmstadt in Hesse and was founded by the Grand Duke of Hesse, Ernst Ludwig. Previously, there was a vineyard on the hill. Later a park was laid out there.
The colony was built as a centre for innovative movements that were emerging in architecture and art at the time. The site was a strong centre at the time, which influenced architectural trends. The prince invited seven artists from Munich, Paris and Vienna, who were paid for their work. Initially these were: Peter Behrens, Paul Bürck, Rudolf Bosselt, Hans Christiansen, Ludwig Habich, Patriz Huber and Joseph Maria Olbrich. The artists had creative freedom; their duty was to show their works in exhibitions. In the following years, other artists came to the colony.
The colony was gradually expanded. It was enlarged by new buildings in 1901, 1904, 1908 and 1914, with buildings that exemplify the beginnings of modernist architecture, urban planning and landscape design. Many of the buildings were designed in the Art Nouveau style. A total of 23 works can be seen there. Noteworthy features include the Wedding Tower, the Exhibition Hall, the plane tree forest, the Gottfried Schwab Monument, the “Swan Temple” garden pavilion and the Ernst Ludwig Fountain.
The valuable buildings are complemented by 13 houses and studios where the artists created. The houses were built according to the original designs of their owners. The result is an engineering mosaic, each building being a different architectural story.
It is worth setting aside at least two hours to explore the complex. It takes slightly longer to visit the interiors. However, it is well worth it; the buildings contain original furnishings.
source: unesco.pl
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