Dreaming of villas? Pelléova vila stands before you. It is a testament to Prague’s rich architectural history. This neo-Renaissance villa whispers tales of generals artists and transformations.
Pelléova vila is located in Prague 6 Bubeneč. It stands proudly between Pelléova and Slavíčkova streets. Its garden adds to its charm. The villa is part of an urban complex of villas from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These villas line Slavíčkova Street. Pelléova vila is one of the most famous in this diplomatic and residential area.
The story of Pelléova vila begins with Rudolf Koukola. He was a builder and architect. He built the family villa between 1889 and 1890. It was built for the widow of Karl Knobloch. Knobloch owned the “English” brewery in Libeň. Koukola was married to Knobloch’s oldest daughter Klementina. Marie Knoblochová the widow was listed as the first owner.
In 1893 Koukola built a half-timbered house for himself and Klementina. It was located opposite the Knobloch villa. He sold the rest of the land to Stanislav Sucharda. Sucharda built his villa and studio there. In 1900 Marie Knoblochová sold the villa to Luise Vondráčková. However she continued to live there until 1906. She then moved to a newly built villa next to her daughter Klementina. Marie died of a heart attack there in 1907.
Between 1919 and 1920 the villa housed its most famous resident. The villa and the adjacent street are named after him. This resident was French General Maurice Pellé. He headed the French military mission in Czechoslovakia. From 1919 to 1921 he was Chief of the Czechoslovak Armed Forces Main Staff. Pellé’s connection to Bohemia extended beyond military service. In 1921 he married Jarmila Braunerová. She was the niece of painter Zdenka Braunerová. They had a daughter named Maryška.
The design of Pelléova vila includes a basement and an elevated ground floor. The western facade features a striking central avant-corps. It has a richly decorated balcony. The eastern facade opens to the garden. It features a portico with two terraces and four pillars. Matěj Blecha’s firm added this loggia and terrace in 1932. The building’s facade features bossage. Yet it looks light. It combines with architectural details to create a unique whole. The building does not have stone elements. Instead it features stucco.
The villa’s garden was originally part of a large rectangular garden. Today a hedge separates the two properties. The original pillar fence surrounds the garden. It features wrought iron bars decorated with neo-Renaissance ornamentation. The fence includes entrances with two gates and the original double-leaf wrought iron gate.
A stable was built together with the villa. In 1919 to 1920 the stable was converted into two apartments by architect Josef Dnebovský. In 1969 the building was separated from the garden. It was given its own number 106. Due to insensitive modifications the former stable lost its protected status in 2012.
The building and its greenery were listed as cultural monuments in 1958. With its richly decorated facade and stucco decorations the villa is a landmark in this residential area.
The municipality later acquired Pelléova vila. From 1978 to 2001 it housed a kindergarten. This led to insensitive changes. In 1994 the municipality considered revitalizing the villa for social and cultural purposes. A plaque commemorating General Maurice Pellé was placed on the facade. It was unveiled in 1995.
In 2001 the kindergarten closed. In 2002 a building permit was issued for a project by CASUA. The main goal was to restore the original layout. This meant creating large exhibition spaces.
The sensitively restored villa was operated by the Pelléova vila organization from 2003. The organization was founded by the Prague 6 district and the Milada and Jiří Anderle Foundation. For over a decade the building served as a museum. It was dedicated to the work of Jiří Anderle and his collection of African art.
Since September 2014 the non-profit association Porte has been operating the villa. Porte organizes leisure and cultural events exhibitions concerts and programs for seniors and children. Pelléova vila remains a vibrant hub for culture and community. It honors its past while embracing the present.