Could this elegant, almost understated villa really be one of the most important buildings in Central European Neo-Renaissance architecture? You might be surprised when you learn about the legacy of the Lanna family and their contribution to Prague’s artistic landscape. Welcome to Lanna Villa, once the summer residence of Adalbert Lanna Junior, a prominent industrialist and art collector.
Built in the 1870s, Lanna Villa served as a haven for the Lanna family and a showcase for their exquisite art collection. The villa’s design, potentially by architect Vojtěch Ignác Ullmann, drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance, mirroring the grandeur of Palladian villas. This makes Lanna Villa one of the earliest examples of its kind in the Czech Republic.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a symphony of frescoes, each telling a story drawn from Greek and Roman mythology. Four salons, aptly named after Apollo, Venus, Bacchus, and Traunsee, capture the essence of these mythical figures, their tales brought to life in vibrant colors. Look closely at the “Traunsee Salon” – the landscapes depicted here aren’t just random scenes. They represent the Lanna family’s roots in the alpine regions of Austria. The paintings even depict the family’s timber industry, a nod to their past before achieving their renowned success. While the original art collection, once a highlight of Lanna Villa, was auctioned off in the early 1900s, the villa’s frescoes remain, whispering tales of gods, goddesses, and a family’s artistic passion.
Today, Lanna Villa, now owned by the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, serves as a place for scientific gatherings and cultural events. It stands as a testament to the vision of Adalbert Lanna, reminding us of the powerful bond between art, industry, and family legacy.