Jakub Kestenberg's Villa

The Jakob Kestenberg Palace, located at 26 Seweryn Sterling Street in Łódź, is a fascinating example of Art Nouveau architecture, with a history dating back to the late 19th century. It was built on a plot of land purchased by Jakob Icek Kestenberg in 1893, where a woolen goods factory was initially established. The residence was designed by Franciszek Chełmiński in 1902, and construction was completed in 1903. After World War II, in 1955, the building was repurposed as offices for the "Emfor" Garment Factory, and since 2002, it has served as the headquarters of the Academy of Humanities and Economics in Łódź, which adapted the building to meet its educational needs. Architecturally, the palace is a two-story structure with a diverse spatial layout. The ground floor was intended for commercial and administrative spaces, while the upper floor housed living quarters. The building is characterized by its mansard roof and richly decorated façade. The side facing Jaracza Street features a villa-like style, while the side facing Sterling Street resembles palatial architecture. Art Nouveau ornamentation, inspired by the Viennese style, dominates the plant-themed decorations, and classical elements such as pilasters with acanthus leaves, teardrop motifs, and cube friezes can also be observed. The garden side of the building is adorned with a columned porch and a tower housing the staircase, lending the entire structure an elegant and dignified appearance. The Kestenberg Palace is a significant part of Łódź's cultural and architectural history, combining both aesthetic and functional values.