Здание ложи «К трём патриархам», Masonic lodge building in Sovetsk, Russia
The Three Patriarchs Lodge building is an expressionist landmark distinguished by angular geometric forms and a clinker brick facade with decorative details. The structure showcases the style's characteristic sharp lines and functional design elements that remain visible across its exterior surfaces.
Architect Erich Mendelsohn designed this building between 1925 and 1926 for the Jewish community of what was then Tilsit. The name references the biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which held symbolic importance for the community.
The building served the Jewish community as a gathering place and combined public access with private membership functions. Its bold architectural forms and clinker brick facade reflected the importance of this space as both a social and ceremonial center.
The building now houses a center for children and youth activities, making it accessible as a public community space. Visitors can appreciate the expressionist architecture from outside and may enter to see the interior during visiting hours.
This is one of only two buildings Mendelsohn designed that still stand in Russia today. The other is the Red Banner Textile Factory in Saint Petersburg, making both structures rare examples of German expressionism within the country.
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