“A place you like to be.” That’s the meaning of “Patumbah,” the name given to this magnificent villa. Villa Patumbah, right here before us, is a testament to one man’s success and the architectural extravagance of the late 19th century. Built in 1885, Villa Patumbah isn’t your typical architectural masterpiece. Its exterior is a playful blend of Italian Renaissance, Rococo, and even elements of a Swiss Chalet. Take a closer look, and you might even spot Southeast Asian influences, a nod to the owner’s past. This eclectic mix reflects the fascinating life of its original owner, Carl F. Grob-Zundel. He was a merchant from Zurich who found fortune not in Switzerland, but in the distant land of Sumatra, Indonesia. There, he managed a tobacco plantation, amassing a considerable fortune over 11 years. Upon his return to Zurich, he decided to build a home that reflected his success and his experiences. Grob-Zundel commissioned the famed architects Alfred Chiodera and Theophil Tschudi to design his dream home. They didn’t disappoint, creating a villa that was as unique as the man who commissioned it. Today, Villa Patumbah serves not just as a reminder of Zurich’s opulent past but also as a museum. It houses the Swiss Heritage Centre and sheds light on the often-overlooked colonial history of Switzerland. Within these walls, you’ll find exhibitions detailing how individuals like Grob-Zundel profited from the imperial structures of the time. Villa Patumbah stands as a beautiful paradox, a place of beauty born from a complex past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to