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Looshaus: A Pioneer of Viennese Modernism

A seminal work of Viennese Modernism, the Looshaus stands as a testament to functional design and a rejection of excessive ornamentation.

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The Looshaus, designed by Adolf Loos and completed in 1912, stands as a key example of Viennese Modernism, located on Michaelerplatz in Vienna's city center. Its stark, unornamented facade was controversial in its time, contrasting sharply with the surrounding historicist architecture, but it is now celebrated for its functional design and innovative use of materials.

A brief summary to Looshaus

  • Michaelerplatz 3, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT

Local tips

  • Visit Michaelerplatz at night to see the Looshaus and the Hofburg Palace illuminated, creating a dramatic contrast between architectural styles.
  • Explore the Roman ruins in the center of Michaelerplatz, providing a glimpse into Vienna's ancient past.
  • Take a guided walking tour of Vienna to learn more about the history and significance of the Looshaus and other buildings on Michaelerplatz.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Looshaus is located on Michaelerplatz in the Innere Stadt (1st district). From Stephansplatz, walk west along Kohlmarkt. Michaelerplatz and the Looshaus will be directly ahead as you emerge into the square. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    The Looshaus is easily accessible via Vienna's efficient public transport system. Take the U3 metro line to Herrengasse station. From there, it's a short walk to Michaelerplatz. Alternatively, numerous bus and tram lines stop nearby. A single ticket costs €2.40 and can be purchased at ticket machines, tobacconists, or online.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride from a central location like the Vienna State Opera to the Looshaus would typically cost between €10 and €20, plus tip. Keep in mind that fares may be higher during evenings and weekends.

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Discover more about Looshaus

The Looshaus, also known as the Goldman & Salatsch Building, is a commercial and residential building located at Michaelerplatz 3 in Vienna. Designed by Adolf Loos, it was completed in 1912 and is considered a major landmark of Viennese Modernism. The building's history is intertwined with the architectural debates of the early 20th century, as its radical departure from ornamentation sparked controversy among Viennese citizens. Commissioned by Leopold Goldmann and Emanuel Aufricht, owners of a men's outfitting business, the Looshaus was intended to be a modern commercial space. Adolf Loos, a vocal critic of ornamentation in architecture, designed a building that emphasized functionality and the integrity of materials. The facade's lack of decoration, a stark contrast to the elaborate historicist buildings nearby, led to the building being nicknamed "the house without eyebrows". Legend says that Emperor Franz Joseph, whose Hofburg Palace faces the Looshaus, detested the building so much that he ordered the windows facing it to be shuttered. The Looshaus features a reinforced concrete skeleton, allowing for large interior spaces and flexible layouts. The lower section of the facade is clad in green Cipollino marble, while the upper stories are simple plaster. Tuscan columns at street level allude to the portico of St. Michael's Church, creating a connection to the historical surroundings. The interior was designed with mahogany, marble, and brass finishes. The building has undergone several renovations, including a restoration in the late 20th century that aimed to return the commercial levels to their original appearance. Today, the Looshaus remains a significant architectural landmark, representing a pivotal moment in the transition to modern architecture in Vienna.

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