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Origin and history

The Neue Bau is an emblematic monument of Strasbourg, built at the end of the 16th century as an extension of the Town Hall (the Pfalz). Designed by architect Hans Schoch, the project sparked controversy because of its Italian Renaissance style, which was considered "paptic" by the Strasbourg Protestants. Despite the criticisms and the temporary departure of Schoch in 1583, the work continued, with the major work completed in 1585. The interior decorations, such as Veit Eck's panelling or Wendel Dietterlin's allegorical frescoes (1588), highlighted municipal power.

After the destruction of the Pfalz in 1781, the Neue Bau became the Town Hall, but was ransacked during the Revolution and sold in 1795. Rached in 1808 by the Chamber of Commerce of Strasbourg, he underwent major renovations: the addition of two stairs in the 19th century, the expansion of four spans on the Place Gutenberg (1868), and restoration in 1912. Today, the building retains a remarkable Renaissance structure and Empire-decorated rooms, bearing witness to its metamorphoses.

Ranked a historical monument in 1998 (after partial inscription in 1995), the Neue Bau illustrates the architectural and political evolution of Strasbourg. Its horse iron plan, combining Renaissance wings and neo-classical extensions, reflects its adaptation to institutional needs, from municipal governance to the regional economy. The façade, decorated with symbols of the Good Government, recalls its initial role as a showcase of the Strasbourg power.

Located in Gutenberg Square, the building dominates an urban area marked by history: the square, formerly Saint Martin Square, was created after the demolition of the church of the same name in 1529. The adjacent streets (Tonneliers, Arbre-Vert, Les Serruriers) define a perimeter with medieval heritage and modern ambitions, typical of Strasbourg at the hinge of the 16th and 19th centuries.

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