Palais du Rhin, Strasbourg

Palais du Rhin, Strasbourg

Formerly known as the Kaiserpalast, the Palais du Rhin in the German quarter of Neustadt was constructed by the Germans at the end of the 19th century following their annexation of Alsace.

Formerly known as the Kaiserpalast, the Palais du Rhin in the German quarter of Neustadt was constructed by the Germans at the end of the 19th century following their annexation of Alsace. It was originally built as a palace for the Emperor of the German Reich, then used as a military hospital during World War I, and subsequently as the headquarters of the Zentralkommission für die Rheinschifffahrt or Central Commission for Rhine Shipping from 1920 onwards. In 1940, it became the headquarters of the local National Socialist government, and then the headquarters of French general Jacques-Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque from 1944. Today it is the seat of the Alsacian Direction Régionale des Affaires culturelles (DRAC).

Designed by Hermann Eggert in Prussian Neo-Renaissance style, the 3-storey palace is set in the midst of a lush complex with manicured gardens and a stable. The main facade has a projecting 2-level porch in the centre surmounted by a pediment with allegorical sculptures of virtue and work. Soaring behind the pediment is the imposing red dome of the Palais. The bases of the 4 pillars on the top level have capitals with bas-reliefs by Albert Bergmeier depicting children carrying out traditional regional activities of machinery, mining and weaving, viticulture, hunting and fishing, and agriculture. The corner pillars bear the coat-of-arms of Alsace and Lorraine. The pillars framing the door on the lower level have reliefs of atlantes.

The entrance leads to 2 vestibules which open up to the apartments originally intended for royalty in the south, and guests in the north. Explore the complex to see the Staircase of Honor, the festive hall at the back, ballroom, and the Emperor's and Empress' apartments in the east which comprise a courtroom, antechamber, reception room, lounge, and bedroom. The Rococo Empress' reception room is especially ornate, and a highlight of the complex. The top floor has private rooms, while the basement had the kitchen and boilers.