Reliefs of Hermes adorn this facade. He is the Greek god of merchants and thieves. These allude to the first owner of Haus Solms. Welcome to the Haus Solms in Karlsruhe. It stands as a testament to Karlsruhe’s rich history. It has served many purposes.
Originally known as Palais Heimburger, Haus Solms was built in 1881 and 1882. The Lahrer carton manufacturer Georg Heimburger commissioned it. He wanted a retirement home. Karlsruher architect Gustav Ziegler designed it. Ziegler blended Romanesque elements with Baroque. Renaissance touches are also visible. Look at the large round-arched windows. Notice the allegorical reliefs under the gables. They represent trade and industry. A ship’s bow and a globe are displayed.
Inside Haus Solms, the interior design largely reflects the vision of Hermann Götz. He was Heimburger’s son-in-law. He was also an artist. Götz became the owner in 1895. The stucco and wood ceilings are remarkable. Valuable furniture also decorates the rooms.
In 1902, Count Max Otto Gustav zu Solms-Sonnenwalde-Raesa acquired the Palais. Today, the building is named after him. The childless couple planned to bequeath it to Karlsruhe. Economic difficulties forced the widow to sell during the inflation.
Since 1931, Haus Solms has housed the Solms Museum. It also housed the Scheffel Museum for a time. This is now the Museum for Literature on the Upper Rhine. The Karlsruhe City Archives were also here. Later, it became primarily used for representative purposes.
Over 1,000 civil wedding ceremonies take place annually. They are held in its various halls and rooms. Among the artistic treasures are portraits. These include portraits of the Countess of Solms-Sonnenwalde-Raesa’s parents by Franz von Lenbach. Porcelain, glass and silverware are also on display. These date back to the 17th century.
Today Haus Solms serves as the city’s guesthouse. It has been since 1946. The ground floor features Karlsruhe’s wedding room. This is where couples start their married lives. Haus Solms continues to be a place. Decisions are made here. Deserving citizens are honored. Glamorous weddings are celebrated. The guesthouse retains the flair of its past. It is a popular venue for gatherings. It provides comfortable facilities. Haus Solms is a protected historical landmark.