Galeries Lafayette

Take a moment to look at the imposing Galeries Lafayette building. Yes, it’s a department store, but its architecture is quite remarkable. Back in the 19th century, there weren’t as many stores as there are today, which made them a new and exciting concept! This one opened in 1919, just after the war, although construction was completed in 1913. During these 5 years, this huge building was used to store foodstuffs. Built at a time when Strasbourg was still the capital of the Reichsland Alsace-Lorraine, the store was originally called “Kaufhaus Modern”, meaning “Modern Store”, which was also its name in French, because, honestly, why bother. The building melds architectural styles and doesn’t pick sides, bringing together the French curves of Art Nouveau with the more rigid lines of Germanic architecture. The department store finds itself in a prime location, having recently opened its doors as part of the Grande Percée urban modernization project to revitalize the neighborhood, modeled on Baron Haussmann’s vision in Paris. The spectacular entrance is surmounted by 4 columns, adorned with 4 statues of women, all work of Strasbourg sculptor Albert Schultz; they represent the 4 seasons. If you’re a fan of grandiose decor, be sure to go inside just to admire the grand oak staircase with its wrought-iron railings and the magnificent stained-glass windows. And here’s a little fun fact: the roof of the Galeries is now occupied by bees! There are 10 beehives up there, making honey; honey that literally buzzes with local flavor!