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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The École supérieure des arts décoratifs de Strasbourg was founded in 1892 under the leadership of Anton Seder, a major figure in the Art Nouveau movement. His educational project, inspired by the modern ideas of the time, aimed to merge art and crafts, focusing on the study of nature and workshop practice. The building, built in 1892 by architects Johann Karl Ott and Édouard Roederer, embodies this vision by its sober and innovative style, using brick and incorporating ceramic decors and stained glass windows designed by local artists such as Léon Elchinger.

The establishment of the School is part of a complex political and cultural context, marked by the annexation of Alsace-Moselle to the German Empire after 1870. Originally conceived as a school of fine arts, it became a tool for German cultural integration, although Anton Seder introduced avant-garde methods, such as teaching by direct observation of nature and workshop practice from the fourth year. The School is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, forming both artisans and artists, and by its young and innovative teaching team, such as Auguste Cammissar or Georges Daubner.

During the First World War, the School entered a phase of stagnation, marked by the departure of Anton Seder in 1915 and the absence of major reforms. After 1918, with the return of Alsace to France, the school was reorganized to align with the French education system, under the direction of Émile Schneider. The following decades saw the School evolve, especially after 1945, with a modernization of its programs and increased specialization in the applied arts, while maintaining its municipal status. Today, she is part of the High School of the Arts of the Rhine and offers training in art, design and communication, perpetuating her legacy of innovation and excellence.

The building, classified as a historical monument in 1981 for its façade and decor, symbolizes the alliance between tradition and modernity. His iconography, combining allegories of artistic disciplines and floral motifs, reflects Seder's pedagogical philosophy: a balance between technical rigor and creativity. The School has trained generations of artists and artisans, some of whom, such as Tomi Ungerer or Jean Arp, have become major figures of art of the twentieth century. Its history, marked by political and cultural changes, makes it a privileged witness to artistic and educational dynamics in Europe.

Successive reforms, especially after 1945, allowed the School to adapt to contemporary needs, integrating sections such as design or graphic communication. Today, she delivers national degrees (DNAP, DNSEP) and remains a key player in artistic training in France. His illustration workshop, created in 1972, is particularly famous, thanks to former students such as Chloé Mazlo, awarded the Caesars. The School thus continues to reconcile historical heritage with innovation, while affirming its anchor in the cultural landscape of Strasbourg and Alsace.

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