Gerloffsche Villa

The Gerloffsche Villa is a large residential building at Löwenwall 16 with five stories toward the back and two visible stories from the street. The structure combines light stone with red brick and now houses several foundations, including the Stiftung Braunschweigischer Kulturbesitz since 2006.

The building was constructed between 1888 and 1889 by architect Ludwig Winter for sugar wholesaler Georg Ernst Ludwig Gerloff and his family. It emerged during a period when wealthy merchants in Brunswick were outfitting their homes with new technical and design features.

The residence shows Italian Renaissance influences in its design, particularly in the octagonal vestibule and the mix of light stone with red brick. Visitors notice small details like a porcelain lion figure that connects to the street name.

The building is easily visible from the outside and sits at a central location in the city center. Visitors should know that the interior now houses administrative offices and not all areas are open for public viewing.

The house was one of the first in Brunswick to feature central heating, which was quite rare for private residences at that time. Inside, carved dark wood rooms and design elements reference the sugar trade of its original owner.