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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Kern House is an iconic historical monument located at 1 Conseil-Souverain Street in Colmar, Haut-Rhin department. Built in 1594 or 1597, it perfectly illustrates the style of the German Renaissance, with architectural elements such as a sprocket with curvilinear crawling, ailerons and obelisks. This type of gable, known as "à volutes", evokes contemporary buildings such as the house of the work Notre-Dame in Strasbourg (1578-1585) or the house of the Heads in Colmar (completed in 1609). Inside, recently discovered studded ceilings with heads and plant motifs add to its heritage value.

The name of the house was associated with Georges Kern (1820-1898), who owned it from 1853 to 1894. The latter, president of Colmar's beautification society, has marked local history by his commitment to the enhancement of urban heritage. The house was listed as historic monuments on 6 March 1990, recognizing its architectural and historical importance. Its facades, roofs and interior decorations are protected, highlighting its role in the Alsatian cultural heritage.

The building is part of a rich urban context, where Colmar, a major Alsatian city, has preserved many testimonies of the German Renaissance. This artistic movement, flourishing between the second half of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century, is characterized by Germanic influences and carved ornaments. The house Kern, with its architectural details and interior decorations, offers a preserved example of this period, reflecting the cultural and economic dynamism of Alsace at the dawn of modern times.

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