The Elefant House, Art Nouveau monument in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
The Elefant House is an Art Nouveau building in Karlovy Vary with a richly decorated facade. The exterior wall displays curved lines, floral patterns, and other characteristic ornaments typical of this early twentieth-century design movement.
The building was constructed in 1914 when Karlovy Vary was already an established spa town attracting European visitors. Its creation coincided with the peak period of Art Nouveau architecture, when the city was experiencing significant growth and prosperity.
The building gets its name from a decorative elephant sculpture mounted on the facade, reflecting the exotic motifs that were fashionable during this design period. Visitors can still see this distinctive ornament today and understand how wealthy residents of that era chose to decorate their homes.
The building stands in central Karlovy Vary and can be easily reached on foot. It is within walking distance of the thermal springs and main pedestrian areas of the city.
The building gets its distinctive name from a remarkable elephant sculpture adorning the facade, a rare choice in European architecture of that era. This exotic detail reveals the creativity of the owners who drew inspiration from global styles and tastes.
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