Zacherlhaus

Journey back to the dawn of the 20th century in Vienna. Here at the intersection of Brandstätte, Wildpretmarkt, and Bauernmarkt, the Zacherlhaus rises proudly. The Zacherlhaus was no ordinary apartment building. It was a statement, a bold proclamation of modernity in the heart of historic Vienna. Commissioned by Johann Evangelist Zacherl, son of the insecticide magnate, the Zacherlhaus was designed by the Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. Plečnik, a student of the renowned Otto Wagner, infused the Zacherlhaus with a unique blend of Art Nouveau and his own distinctive style. Constructed between 1903 and 1905, the Zacherlhaus stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of the era. Its polished grey granite façade gleams in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the surrounding traditional Viennese architecture. Look up. Notice the striking cornice and the imposing figure of Archangel Michael, a sculpture by Ferdinand Andri. Andri’s Archangel Michael watches over the bustling streets below, a silent guardian of this architectural gem. Supporting the cornice are atlantes, powerful figures sculpted by Franz Metzner, adding to the building’s grandeur. Step inside, and you’ll find an oval-shaped stairwell illuminated by a unique lamp. This lamp, resembling an insect, is a subtle nod to the Zacherl family’s fortune, built on the production of insecticide. The Zacherlhaus survived the turmoil of World War II, though not unscathed. It underwent restoration in 1949, ensuring its continued presence in Vienna’s cityscape. Today, the Zacherlhaus remains a listed building, a protected landmark and a vital piece of Vienna’s architectural heritage. It stands as a symbol of the Wagner school’s influence and a testament to Plečnik’s innovative vision. The Zacherlhaus still belongs to the Zacherl family. It serves as office space, a modern function within a historic shell. The Zacherlhaus is more than just a building. It is a living testament to Vienna’s vibrant past and a symbol of the city’s embrace of modernity.