La Maison Kammerzell
Grand Est
La Maison Kammerzell is one of Strasbourg's most iconic Renaissance buildings, renowned for its elaborately carved half-timbered façade rich in symbolic and historical motifs. Originally constructed in 1427, the building took its definitive Renaissance style in 1589 under cheese merchant Martin Braun, who added the ornate wooden upper floors above the stone ground floor. The façade features intricate sculptures depicting sacred and profane scenes, medieval legends, the five senses, the four stages of life, faith, hope, charity, zodiac signs, and historical figures such as Caesar, Charlemagne, Hector, and Godfrey of Bouillon. The building has been preserved as a historical monument since 1929 and is part of Strasbourg's UNESCO World Heritage historic center. Today, it operates as a prestigious restaurant, maintaining its cultural significance and historic charm. The interior includes a notable 1910 painting by Léo Schnugg illustrating a local culinary anecdote. La Maison Kammerzell remains one of the oldest continuously used buildings in Strasbourg, standing prominently on the Cathedral Square as a symbol of Alsatian heritage and Renaissance architecture.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit La Maison Kammerzell during off-peak hours to enjoy its historic ambiance peacefully. Reservations are recommended, especially for dining, as the restaurant is popular. The building is best appreciated in daylight to fully admire the detailed façade carvings. Visitors interested in Alsatian culinary traditions should try the house specialties, including their famous choucroute dishes. Tickets are not required to enter the restaurant, but booking ahead ensures availability. The site is accessible year-round.
Interesting facts
- •The façade carvings include representations of the five senses and the four ages of life, a rare iconographic program for a private residence.
- •Historical figures such as Caesar, Charlemagne, Hector, and Godfrey of Bouillon are depicted on the façade, reflecting Renaissance humanism.
- •The building still features the pulley system on the gable used historically to hoist supplies to the attic.
- •La Maison Kammerzell is one of the oldest buildings in Strasbourg still in active use, alongside the Cathedral.
- •In 1938, the restaurant displayed a discriminatory sign during a politically turbulent time, reflecting the complex local history.
History
The original building dates back to 1427, initially constructed with a stone ground floor.
In 1571, Martin Braun, a cheese merchant, acquired the house and transformed it by adding richly decorated wooden upper floors in a distinctive Renaissance style, completed in 1589.
Over the centuries, the house changed hands multiple times until 1879 when it was acquired by the Œuvre Notre-Dame foundation, ensuring its preservation.
It was officially registered as a historic monument in 1929.
A restoration in 1892 added polychrome paintings inspired by 16th-century Rhineland styles.
The interior was further embellished in 1910 with artwork by Léo Schnugg.
Despite turbulent periods, including a controversial episode in 1938, La Maison Kammerzell has remained a cultural and architectural landmark in Strasbourg.
Place Guide
Façade Sculptures1589
The façade is adorned with finely carved wooden sculptures depicting sacred and profane scenes, medieval legends, the five senses, the four stages of life, faith, hope, charity, zodiac signs, and notable historical figures such as Caesar and Charlemagne. These carvings exemplify Renaissance artistry and symbolism.
Interior Painting by Léo Schnugg1910
Inside the restaurant, a notable painting created in 1910 by artist Léo Schnugg illustrates a famous local culinary anecdote from 1576, adding cultural depth to the dining experience.
Contact
Phone: 03 88 32 42 14
