Just as many other cities in France, Strasbourg is surely one that has to be seen and fully explored. So close to the German border in fact Strasbourg has been passed back and forth between the two major powers throughout the centuries. You can tell the big influence both the French and German culture have been on the development of the city.
HOENHEIM TRAM STATION | ZAHA HADID |
Zaha Hadid has been called to design a tram-station and a car park in the northern part of Strasbourg.
The concept of dynamism is Avery extremely present in Zaha Hadid’s projects, specially in this case. The movement by cars, trams, bicycles and pedestrians materialises in the spatial elements of the station and the context as well. Nothing is static here. Every line, every surface has a trajectory and a trace.
67800 Hœnheim, Francia
PALAIS DE LA MUSIQUE ET DES CONGRES | REY+LUCQUET |
Palais de la Musique et des Congrès is part of the urban development project of the district located in the north of Strasbourg, close to the European Parliament.
What is really striking from the otside is the almost one kilometer-long arcade that runs around the entire building complex. It main feature consists in its steel twisting columns that give a more attractive and dynamic look at the complex facades.
Looking at photos of the interiors, the entire building looks stunning even from the inside. Unfortunately it was closed when I went there. Here are some photos from Archdaily so you can have a look at the interiors too.
PALAIS DE LA MUSIQUE ET DES CONGRES
Place de Bordeaux, 67082 Strasbourg
EURO PARLIAMENT | ARCHITECTURE STUDIO |
The Strasbourg European Parliament is home of the plenary sessions during which the members of the Europen Parliament vote an take decisions.
Of course every single aspect of the complex has a symbolic meaning behind.
The top of the building looks unfinished. That’s because Architecture Studio wanted to reflect the idea that the European project is dynamic and always ongoing.
The skin of the entire structure glazed, symbolising the transparency of the democratic principles the European Union is founded on.
I found approaching the building from the river gives the best perspective over it so I suggest you to take the “Batorama” boat tour that takes you around the city.
1 Avenue du Président Robert Schuman, 67000 Strasbourg
EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS | RICHARD ROGERS |
EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Allée des Droits de l’Homme, 67000 Strasbourg
BIBLIOTHÈQUE NATIONALE | ANMA |
This is one of the reasons why sooner or later I have to go back to Strasbourg. I missed this!
An absolutely beautiful rehabilitation project with a monumental spiral staircase as a heart of the entire 19th-century building.
6 Place de la République, 67000 Strasbourg
MUSÉE TOMI UNGERER
2 Avenue de la Marseillaise, 67000 Strasbourg
AUBETTE | THEO VAN DOESBURG |
Café L’Aubette is such a jewel from the 1920s De Stijl movement, designed by Theo van Doesburg.
It’s really clear Mondrian and Cubism inflience in Aubette’s minimalist and geometric aesthetic.
31 Place Kléber, 67000 Strasbourg
PRINTEMPS | BIECHER ARCHITECTES |
I love when shopping centers are architectonically speaking this interesting!
This Printemps department store is in the very heart of Strasbourg, so you don’t have any excuse; it’s really impossible to miss it. It is the only metallic modern facade in the entire area which is also registered on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
1 Rue de la Haute Montée, 67000 Strasbourg
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE | MARC MIMRAN |
The Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture is definitely a place to check.
The building really stands out from the crowd as you will easily notice all its volumes as a pile of metal boxes.
Unfortunately it was a grey day when I visited it but the translucent aluminium mesh that cover the facade create a wonderful effect. Opaque during the day and translucent at night, revealing the steel structure behind it.
6-8 boulevard du Président Wilson, 67068 Strasbourg
CENTRAL STATION | JEAN-MARIE DUTHILLEUL |
CATHEDRAL DE NOTRE-DAME DE STRASBOURG
Of course the medieval landmarks are a must see as well. The Cathedral is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.
From the viewing platform it is possible to get the most thrilling view over the entire city. Just climb the 332 steps up to the top to admire a sea of rooftops that stretches out as the Vosges and the Black Forest in Germany.
PETITE FRANCE
For many Strasbourg can simply be associated with La Petite France. The working class neighbourhood in medieval Strasbourg in which still nowadays many examples of timber-framed craftsmens’ homes and workshops have been preserved.
MAMCS | ATELIERS AFA |
MUSÉE D’ART MODERNE ET CONTEMPORAIN
1 Place Hans-Jean-Arp, 67000 Strasbourg
IBIS HOTEL
7 Rue de Molsheim, 67000 Strasbourg
HÔTEL DU DÉPARTEMENT | CLAUDE VASCONI |
Place du Quartier Blanc, 67964 Strasbourg
CENTRE DE RECHERCHE EN BIOMÉDECINE | DEARCHITECTES |
Rue Humann, 67000 Strasbourg
BRASSERIE LES HARAS | JOUIN MANKU STUDIO |
Ah this staircase! I read about it on an article on Dezeen years ago and since then I dreamt of seeing it myself. The staircase looks exactly as you see it in photos, magnificent.
A tornado made of wooden strips that wraps up a spiral staircase of a restaurant here in Strasbourg.
The entire place is the result of the reconversion of a former equestrian academy that kept untouched the beautiful wooden ceiling of the stud.
Even on the upper floor the dining area mixes modernity with the authenticity of the former function of the place. The leather details on the curved seats and on the private booths add a touch of luxury feeling.
I personally think that Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku have done a great job in redeveloping and enhancing in such an elegant way this piece of architectural heritage that Strasbourg boasts.
23 Rue des Glacières, 67000 Strasbourg
MÉDIATHÈQUE ANDRÉ MALRAUX | JEAN MARC IBOS MYRTO VITART |
1 Presqu’île André-Malraux, 67100 Strasbourg
CITÉ DE LA MUSIQUE ET DE LA DANSE | HENRI GAUDIN |
CITÉ DE LA MUSIQUE ET DE LA DANSE
1 Pl. Dauphine, 67076 Strasbourg
COLMAR
If in Strasbourg you should definitely visit Colmar as well. Take just a couple of hours for a stroll in the its medieval old town and admire those pretty and colourful half-timbered houses lining canals or the cobblestone walkways.
Now a couple of things I want to ask you.
First of all, have you been in Strasbourg? If so let me know writing a comment down here. I want to know what you think of it.
And if you know the city maybe you even know other interesting or remarkable places that I should add?
I collected here everything regarding architecture to visit that you wouldn’t normally find in an ordinary travel guide. My intention is to make it useful for all the architecture lovers out there so if you have suggestions just write me and let me know.
Lastly it would be very much appreciated if you can share it with anyone you think may be interested in having a look at this guide.
