The Legacy of Adolf Loos in West Bohemia

Adolf Loos was a pioneer of modern architecture. He famously believed that unnecessary decoration was a waste of labor. In Plzeň, he applied his "Raumplan" concept to private homes. This method organized rooms at different heights based on their function. It created a complex and efficient use of space.

Many of these interiors were lost for decades. During World War II, the original owners were forced to flee. Later, the Communist regime neglected these private apartments. It was only after 1989 that the city began restoring them. You can learn more about the region's heritage on the Plzeň Region official site.

Today, Plzeň protects these sites as cultural monuments. They offer a rare look into the lives of the pre-war elite. Visitors can see expensive materials like Cipollino marble and mahogany wood. These materials provided the beauty that Loos felt ornaments could not match. The history of Adolf Loos architecture in Plzeň remains a top draw for design fans.

9 Must-See Adolf Loos Sites in Plzeň

Exploring these sites requires a bit of planning. Most interiors are only accessible via official guided tours. Here are the top locations to include on your itinerary for 2026.

• Best overall: Brummel House
• Best for families: Techmania Science Center (nearby)
• Best rainy-day: Kraus House
• Best free: Great Synagogue (exterior view)

1. Name: Brummel House Type: sight Why go: This is the best-preserved Loos interior in the city. It features original furniture and a unique yellow dining room. Best for: History buffs Where: Husova Street Time: 1 hour Cost: 300-400 CZK Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the main square. Tip: Check the Brummel House entrance fee before you go.
2. Name: Kraus House Type: museum Why go: Famous for its green marble walls and mirrored living room. It creates an illusion of infinite space. Best for: Photographers Where: Bendova 10 Time: 45 minutes Cost: Part of a tour package Getting there: 5-minute walk from the Great Synagogue. Tip: Look for the hidden built-in cabinets.
3. Name: Voglová House Type: indoor Why go: Features a beautiful dining room with Japanese-inspired wallpaper. It shows Loos's interest in global styles. Best for: Art lovers Where: Klatovská 12 Time: 45 minutes Cost: Included in Route 1 Getting there: Near the city center tram stops. Tip: Tours often combine this with the Kraus House.
4. Name: Semler House Type: experience Why go: This is the only site in Plzeň that uses the full Raumplan design. The multi-level living area is breathtaking. Best for: Architects Where: Klatovská 110 Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Approx 400 CZK Getting there: Take a short tram ride from the center. Tip: This site requires a separate ticket from the others.
5. Name: Weiner House Type: sight Why go: A smaller but elegant office and living space. It highlights Loos's use of built-in storage. Best for: Minimalists Where: Náměstí Republiky 22 Time: 30 minutes Cost: Varies by tour Getting there: Located right on the main square. Tip: Visit the official Visit Plzeň site for schedule updates.
6. Name: The Great Synagogue Type: day trip Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. It provides context for the Jewish community Loos served. Best for: Culture seekers Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků Time: 1 hour Cost: Approx 150 CZK Getting there: Central location near the Loos apartments. Tip: The interior acoustics are incredible for concerts.
7. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: experience Why go: A world-famous site near the city center. It represents the industrial wealth of the Loos era. Best for: Everyone Where: U Prazdroje 7 Time: 2 hours Cost: 350-500 CZK Getting there: 15-minute walk from the center. Tip: Visit the Pilsner Urquell Brewery for a tour of the historic cellars.
8. Name: West Bohemian Museum Type: museum Why go: Often hosts exhibitions about 20th-century design and local history. Best for: Rainy days Where: Kopeckého sady 2 Time: 1.5 hours Cost: 100-200 CZK Getting there: Located in the park ring of the center. Tip: Check their temporary gallery for Loos-related sketches.
9. Name: Hugo Semler House Type: sight Why go: A massive apartment currently under restoration. Some parts are occasionally open for special events. Best for: Urban explorers Where: Klatovská 19 Time: 30 minutes Cost: Check seasonal availability Getting there: Walking distance from Voglová House. Tip: This house has a tragic history related to the war.

Planning Your Loos Architecture Tour

To see these sites, you must book through the official visitor center. Tours are divided into different routes. Each route covers two or three different apartments. You can find details on how to book Adolf Loos interior tours online. Most tours are available in English on weekends.

Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk between locations. Most sites are within a 15-minute walk of each other. Photography is usually allowed but may require a small fee. Be sure to respect the quiet residential buildings where these apartments are located.

If you have extra time, explore the side streets. You might find other modernist facades from the interwar period. The city is full of architectural surprises. For more ideas, check out some local secrets in Plzeň to enhance your trip.