Why is Schokoladenhaus called “Chocolate House”? We are standing in front of a building that seems to have sprung from the pages of a whimsical fairytale. This three-story marvel, officially known as Schokoladenhaus, earned its nickname from its unique facade. Built in 1914 by Ernst Lichtblau, the Schokoladenhaus is adorned with intricate majolica reliefs, crafted by the talented Willibald Russ. These reliefs, bursting with fantastical animal and plant figures, give the building its distinctive chocolate-box charm.
The Schokoladenhaus wasn’t always intended to resemble a sweet treat. The original owner, Ida Hofmann, was married to a meerschaum pipe factory owner. Meerschaum pipe production thrived in Vienna during the 19th century. Some say that the motifs on the facade, while appearing like elements from folk art, are actually oversized carvings found on meerschaum pipes. This would be a clever nod to the profession of the owner’s husband.
The use of ceramic in Viennese architecture at the time was influenced by Otto Wagner’s students, who drew inspiration from the Majolikahaus on Linke Wienzeile. Yet, the Schokoladenhaus remains a unique specimen. Its design, a delightful blend of folk art and Art Deco, foreshadowed architectural trends of the 1920s. This fusion of styles, coupled with the unusual facade, makes the Schokoladenhaus a true hidden gem of Vienna.