Maison Kern, Colmar Travel Guide

Maison Kern, erected in either 1594 or 1597, stands as a remarkable example of German Renaissance architecture in Colmar. Located on the bustling Place du Marché aux Fruits (Fruit Market Square), this historic building immediately draws the eye with its height and elaborate design.The building's façade features a distinctive Renaissance-era gable, adorned with curvilinear ramps, ornamental wings, and obelisks. These volutes are characteristic of the late 16th century. The building has five stories, each separated by cornices. Inside, the ceilings are decorated with stucco, showcasing human heads and botanical motifs, reflecting the influence of the German Renaissance on Alsatian architecture.Maison Kern got its name from Georges Kern, who owned the house from 1853 to 1894 and was the president of the city's embellishment society. Today, Maison Kern is a designated historical monument, protected for its architectural and historical value. While it may be less known than the Maison Pfister or the Maison des Têtes, Maison Kern is one of the most beautiful Renaissance houses in Colmar.