geneva architecture tour

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• A Tour Of Genevas Architectural...

A Tour of Geneva's Architectural Landmarks

Embark on a stunning tour of Geneva that includes the main architectural landmarks that you shouldn’t miss out. From the glass modern builds that are home to Geneva’s international organisations to the picturesque streets of Carouge and the city’s winding Old Town, this tour has it all.

Place des nations to jardin botanique.

Start your tour of Geneva’s architectural landmarks in the Place des Nations, the heart of International Geneva. This open square is home to Broken Chair, a gigantic sculpture with half a leg missing that is dedicated to the international campaign against landmines. From here, you can admire the Palais des Nations with all the flags of the world lined up. Head up Avenue de la Paix to the Pregny Gate to take a tour of the Palais; along the way you’ll pass the Musée Ariana, an impressive neo-classical/ neo-baroque building that’s home to a beautiful ceramics and glass museum.

The tour then takes you down Avenue de la Paix from Place des Nations towards the Jardin Botanique and some of the more unique buildings this side of Lake Geneva. Here you’ll pass by the Maison de la Paix, modern glass ‘petals’ that are home to Geneva’s Graduate Institute University, and a host of NGOs. Further down the road is the ultra-modern Japan Tobacco International headquarters, another unique glass and steel design complete with a reflecting pool in its central courtyard.

Jardin Botanique to the Vielle Ville

From here you can cut across to Avenue de France and take public transport across to the Bel Air region or take a stroll through the Jardin Botanique and continue on foot along the side of the lake. The highlight of the lakeside stroll is seeing 140 feet of water firing into the air from the Jet d’Eau, one of Geneva’s unmissable landmarks.

From Bel Air, walk along Rue de la Croix d’Or – while there is little architectural majesty to this street, it’s one of the city’s busiest and the gateway to the Vielle Ville, the old town. Head towards Bourg-de-Four Square , one of the oldest places in Geneva and a good spot to regather your energy with a coffee or lunch. From here, take some of the many winding streets that lead into the heart of the old town. Highlights include the 12th-century St. Pierre Cathedral, which mixes different styles, the Maison Tavel, the oldest house in Geneva, and l’ancien arsenale.

Vielle Ville to Carouge

Between the Vielle Ville and Carouge – the end point of the tour – is Parc des Bastions, the original site of Geneva’s botanic gardens. Here you’ll find the imposing 325 feet long Reformation Wall , which features huge carvings of the leaders of the Reformation etched into the ancient city walls.

After recharging a little in Parc des Bastions, finish your architectural tour of Geneva with a saunter through Carouge. To get there, take the 18 tram across the river Arve and stop at Marché, the heart of this little Italian-inspired town on the outskirts of Geneva. The entire area is a blend of Italian – specifically Sardinian – and French architecture and is known locally as a ‘small Italy’. The best way to explore is to head out into the many little streets and try not to strain your neck as you gaze at the ornate window designs.

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Architectural Geneva: Private Tour with a Local Expert

• Local Expert Guide
• Exclusive Private Tour
• Tailored Itinerary
• Personal Expenses
• Rue des Pâquis 52, 1201 Genève, Switzerland We will meet at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for an exploration of Geneva's architectural marvels.
• Pont Hans-Wilsdorf, Genève, Switzerland As our journey through the city’s architectural heritage ends, the rest of Geneva awaits your curious discovery.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour is hosted by an independent local.
• You will be part of an exclusive private tour.
• The itinerary adapts to travellers' interests and walking pace.
• Stops may vary depending on weather conditions.
• Entry tickets for public transportation, museums and monuments are not included.
• Guests with impaired mobility
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Rue des Pâquis 52 Rue des Pâquis 52, 1201 Genève, Switzerland We will meet at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for an exploration of Geneva's architectural marvels. See address & details
• Pass by Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR) Église Sainte-Trinité The Smurfs Buildings Kiosque des Bastions Pont Hans-Wilsdorf
• You'll end at Pont Hans-Wilsdorf Pont Hans-Wilsdorf, Genève, Switzerland As our journey through the city’s architectural heritage ends, the rest of Geneva awaits your curious discovery. See address & details

• 537celiab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing private tour of the Geneva with Simon Simon was fantastic - before the trip he reached out to inquire about our interests and did extra research about the things we wanted to see. It was a very easy meetup at the flower clock (which is so beautiful!) We learned so much about the history of Geneva. We saw some very interesting churches and explored old town. He showed us the model of the city when the fortifications were in place and then pointed out the places as we walked. We also took the tram to see the United Nations, WHO and other international buildings. Simon was very agreeable and lovely to chat with. I felt my understanding of the city was improved considerably thanks to this wonderful private tour. Definitely ask for Simon when you make your reservation! Read more Written March 20, 2024
• onnil2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth It! Such a nice experience, we really appreciated the fact that we could contact the guide directly and coordinate with him on what locations were particularly important for us. Read more Written August 28, 2023
• liamtG2038OQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unveiling Geneva's Cultural Charms Our tour of Geneva's art and culture scene with Pierre was eye-opening. He took us to stunning cultural landmarks, giving us a deeper understanding of the city's creative spirit. A must-do for art enthusiasts visiting Geneva. Thank you! Read more Written June 20, 2023
• soophiiiieee 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Swiss charm with Pierre Our Geneva tour was both informative and enjoyable. Our guide Pierre's local knowledge and passion for the city were evident as he showed us Geneva's most interesting sites in just an hour. We learned so much about the city's history and its role in international relations. A must-do when visiting Geneva! Read more Written April 24, 2023
• E1415MPjohnb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable and interesting A great casual stroll through Geneva with interesting scenery and an equally as entertaining guide, thanks Rodrigo for showing us your home town. Read more Written August 21, 2022
• leamll 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Guide had ZERO knowledge about anything Geneva. Unfortunately our guide had zero knowledge about Geneva or the tour, or even where we were supposed to go. This is our second terrible guide booked through trip advisor. We have used trip advisor for years , and it appears that they are hiring any local person who says they like their city to do tours. At one point we were literally standing in front of the cathedral we wanted to see and I asked her if that was it, and she said we passed it a while ago, I checked it out on my google maps and the front of the building and in fact that was the cathedral. She also mentioned that she was just getting over COVID, so trip advisor has no requirements for their tour guides. Our guide was nice, but again, she is not a guides and REALLY had ZERO knowledge about anything a guide should know. We will be asking for a refund, I hope trip advisor will do the right thing and screen their guides. Read more Written July 28, 2022
• DantetheNomad 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Chocolate Lovers Dream in Geneva This was the best chocolate tour I have ever been on and I highly recommend going. The Swiss chocolate is some the best chocolate in the world bar none ! Read more Written November 15, 2019

More to explore in Geneva

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Architectural Geneva: Private Tour with a Local Expert provided by LocalBini - Your Platform to Experience Geneva through the Eyes of Locals

DISCOVER  CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE AROUND THE GENEVA LAKE

Geneva Lake Architectural Tour organizes excursions for groups of architects or to any people interested by this great subject.

While Switzerland boosts a number of worth visiting small and tradditional villages it also has a quite a few striking and impressive architectural buildings. A number of people have influenced the Swiss architecture namely Le Corbusier, Aldo Rossi and later Mario Botta, Jean et Bernard Tschumi, Jean Nouvel, Inès Lamunière. This tour will focus on the Geneva Lake area with the possibility of extending your stay in other area like Tessin.  ​ Our team of architects offers the possibility to develop customized tours, sometimes with exclusive interior building-visits, sometimes with meetings with famous architects. All our programs are individually composed, so we can integrate your special requirements such as  buildings and length of the tour into your program-proposal . Completing our programs we also provide additional prestations like wine producer visit including meal, mountain excursion as to the Mario Botta restaurant at Glacier 3000 in the Alps or to combine the visit of contemporary buildings with new or under construction train stations, Geneva airport, bridges...

All our tours are customized on the clients requirements.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS AROUND GENEVA LAKE

PONT HANS WILSDORF

Architectural office Brodbeck-Roulet SA

Financed by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, owner of Rolex, this bridge made up of 1,400 tonnes of steel resting on concrete piers is made up of an elliptical structure measuring 85 meters and 8.5 meters high. It was built to withstand the currents of an exceptional flood of the Arve.

CEVA Liaison ferroviaire

Architect Jean Nouvel (Ateliers Jean Nouvel) in collaboration with Eric Maria (EMA Eric Maria Architectes Associés SA)

Acronym of Cornavin-Eaux-Vives-Annemasse, CEVA is a rail link project comprising the creation of a new 16km section between Cornavin station and Annemasse to connect the Swiss and French rail network.

Project : LES HAUTS DU CHATEAU

Geneva/Bellevue complex, architect Favre + Guth,  Lombard Odier building, architect Herzog et de Meuron

In Bellevue, this is a complex currently under construction (end of the work planned for 2023), where, around a magnificent park, two buildings will cohabit, accommodating 300 dwellings one and a building which will house the future headquarters of the Lombard Odier bank (2,600 workstations) for the other. 

PAUL & HENRI CARNAL HALL

Architect Bernard Tschumi and execution by Fehlmann Architects

Created by Fehlmann Architects, this 900-seat hall can host concerts as well as a wide range of cultural events thanks to its 183 m2 stage. A 227 m2 Blackbox can accommodate more intimate programs thanks to complete flexibility in the adaptation of the room.

EPFL - ROLEX LEARNING CENTER

SANAA Ltd Japan (Kazuyo Sejima et Ryue Nishizawa) in collaboration with

Architram architecture et urbanisme SA

On a continuous surface of 20,000 m2, the building is extremely innovative, with gentle slopes and terraces undulating around interior “patios”. Not to mention the almost invisible pillars that support the curved roof, a structure that required new construction methods.

INSPIRATION

To inspire you, we offer you a five days guided trip between Geneva and Lausanne in the presence of architects, to which you can add various extensions if you wish.

Arrival in Geneva

According of time of arrival, we can organise a visit of new wings of the Geneva Airport.

Morning walking tour in the United Nation district with iconic buildings such as Maison de la Paix, Passerelle de la Paix, Maison des étudiants Edgar et Danièle de Picciotto, Japan Tobacco International headquaters (JTI), World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and... read more

LE BRASSUS - ROLLE

Departure for a 58 km drive through Jura Mountain to Le Brassus (28 km) where the  famouswatch manufaturer Audemars Piguet has recently open a museum (2020) and a hotel (2022), both designed by BIG, the agency of Danish Bjarke Ingels... read more

In the morning, visit to the Olympic Museum designed by Mather & Co director Dan Proctor and continuation to discover Platform 10, which brings together three art museums and is considered the new cultural center of Lausanne...

LAUSANNE AND CORSEAUX (VEVEY)

In the afternoon, drive along the lake to Corseaux (19 km) to visit the villa ‘Le Lac’ by renowned architect Le Corbusier. 

After a nice lunch amonst the vignards of Lavaux (Unesco world heritage), drive back to Geneva.

Do not hesitate to contact us for the organization of your "tailor-made" trip.

Our partners

Architectural Geneva: Private Tour With a Local Expert

Set out on a mesmerizing meander through the architectural wonders of Geneva with a private tour led by a local expert. As participants traverse the city’s streets, they will uncover the secrets behind Geneva’s diverse architectural landscape, from historic structures to modern marvels.

Each building holds a story waiting to be unveiled, offering visitors a unique perspective on the city’s evolution. With insider knowledge and a personalized touch, this tour promises a glimpse into Geneva’s soul through its architectural tapestry.

• Explore Geneva’s iconic buildings with a local expert
• Customize the tour to focus on preferred architectural styles
• Gain insights into Geneva’s cultural heritage through its architecture
• End the tour at Pont Hans-Wilsdorf for further exploration opportunities

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Tour Pricing and Meeting Point

When embarking on the Architectural Geneva Tour with a Local Expert, visitors can anticipate starting their journey from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights where they’ll meet their guide.

The tour offers local insights into Geneva’s architectural gems, providing a unique perspective from someone well-versed in the city’s history and culture. Price variations exist, with the tour starting from $844.83. This private tour ensures an exclusive experience tailored to the travelers’ interests and pace.

An independent local expert hosts the tour, allowing for a personalized exploration of Geneva’s architectural marvels. By beginning at this iconic meeting point, participants set off on a journey filled with rich historical narratives and architectural wonders.

Explore Geneva’s Architectural Marvels

Set out on a captivating journey through Geneva’s architectural marvels with a knowledgeable local expert as your guide. Gain unique architectural insights and a local perspective as you explore the city’s iconic buildings and structures.

Discover the blend of historic and modern architecture that defines Geneva’s skyline, from the majestic St. Pierre Cathedral to the innovative design of the UN headquarters. Your expert guide will provide fascinating details about each architectural gem, offering a deeper understanding of Geneva’s rich cultural heritage.

This exclusive private tour allows you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and pace, ensuring a personalized experience tailored to your preferences. Get ready to be amazed by Geneva’s architectural wonders and explore the city’s unique charm.

Itinerary Customization and End Point

Customize your architectural Geneva tour experience by tailoring the itinerary to match your interests and preferred pace, culminating at the picturesque Pont Hans-Wilsdorf for further exploration of the city’s architectural heritage.

The tour offers various customization options , allowing visitors to focus on specific architectural styles, landmarks , or historical periods. Your knowledgeable local guide can adapt the tour based on your preferences, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

Upon reaching the Pont Hans-Wilsdorf, you’ll have further exploration opportunities to explore Geneva’s architectural wonders at your leisure. Keep in mind that the itinerary may vary slightly depending on weather conditions, but rest assured that the tour will conclude at this iconic endpoint, offering a perfect starting point for continued architectural discoveries in Geneva.

Cancellation Policy Details

The cancellation policy for the Architectural Geneva Tour with a local expert offers a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. Late cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t eligible for a refund. Changes requested within 24 hours of the tour commencement can’t be accommodated. The tour guide’s availability is subject to prior booking arrangements, ensuring a personalized experience. This policy emphasizes booking flexibility while maintaining a fair approach to late cancellations and changes.

• Refund process : Full refund available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.
• Late cancellations : No refund for cancellations within 24 hours of the start time.
• Tour guide availability : Subject to prior booking arrangements.
• Booking flexibility : Changes not accepted within 24 hours of the experience start time.

Additional Information and General Tour Overview

As visitors conclude their journey through Geneva’s architectural heritage at Pont Hans-Wilsdorf, the city’s intriguing facets await further exploration. The private guided tour of Geneva’s architecture offers a customizable itinerary based on the interests and pace of the travelers. This exclusive experience is hosted by an independent local expert who provides unique local insights into the city’s architectural marvels. The tour ends at Pont Hans-Wilsdorf, where travelers can continue to discover Geneva at their leisure. Throughout the tour, stops may vary based on weather conditions to ensure a comfortable experience. Please note that entry tickets for transportation, museums , and monuments are not included. For any questions or clarifications, visitors can reach out to Viator

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• (KTG301) – Trip to Montreux, Chaplins World & Chillon Castle

Common questions

Can i request specific architectural styles or buildings to be included in the customized tour itinerary.

Travelers can customize their architectural preferences on this private Geneva tour. Specific styles or buildings can be requested, tailoring the itinerary to individual interests. The local expert guides the exploration, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

Are There Any Hidden or Off-The-Beaten-Path Architectural Gems in Geneva That the Tour Might Cover?

Hidden gems and architectural wonders await on the private tour. Off the beaten path, design delights showcase Geneva’s unique flair. Explore lesser-known treasures and marvel at the city’s diverse architectural heritage with a knowledgeable local expert.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Stops at an Extra Cost?

While the tour duration can be extended or additional stops added at an extra cost, it’s essential to request these modifications in advance. This customization allows for a more tailored experience, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of Geneva’s architectural treasures.

Are There Any Special Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Large Groups Booking the Private Tour?

Special promotions and discounts are not available for students, seniors, or large groups booking the private architectural tour of Geneva. Group pricing and student rates are not offered at this time.

Can the Local Expert Provide Insights Into the Historical Significance or Cultural Context of the Architecture We Will Be Exploring During the Tour?

The local expert enriches the tour with historical influences and cultural context, shedding light on architectural highlights. The itinerary is customized, ensuring a deep dive into Geneva’s architectural heritage, making the experience both educational and captivating.

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Discover the architectural wonders of Geneva with a private tour guided by a local expert. Explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems while learning about the city’s rich architectural history.

With a customizable itinerary and flexible options, this immersive tour promises an unforgettable experience. Book now to uncover the beauty and intricacies of Geneva’s architectural landscape and be inspired to further explore the enchanting city.

LAKE GENEVA BOAT TOURS

Welcome Aboard! Lake Geneva Cruise Line, one of Wisconsin’s top attractions, offers the best way to experience Lake Geneva. Explore the beauty, architecture, and scenery of the lake from one of our eight beautiful boats. Book your boat ride below.

8 stops on a Gilded Age tour of Lake Geneva, known as the ‘Newport of the Midwest’ 

Located 75 miles from Chicago, the picturesque Wisconsin waterfront is still home to dozens of opulent 19th-century mansions

By Amy Bizzarri & Roadtrippers

The Gilded Age was an era of intense economic change, when old-school values clashed with new ways of thinking about long-standing social and cultural issues. It was a period when massive fortunes were made—and lost—as the U.S. moved from an agricultural-based to an industrial economy. Extending from roughly 1870 to 1900, the “Gilded Age” was a term coined by author Mark Twain to emphasize the nation’s many social problems concealed only by thin, gold gilding. 

The era’s over-the-top, conspicuous consumption extended into the vacation sphere, too: In the hit HBO series The Gilded Age , the New York social scene of the period moves to the posh resort town of Newport, Rhode Island , in the summer months, where extravagant mega-mansions still guard the seafront. The Midwest boasts a Gilded Age gem of its very own: Lake Geneva , Wisconsin.

Situated just 75 miles away from Chicago, Lake Geneva became a coveted vacation destination for the rich and famous in the late 19th century. Early Windy City magnates built enormous, magnificent summer estates along the picture-perfect lakefront. Typical of the era’s focus on climbing the social ladder at all costs, families tried to outdo one another, hiring the best architects and designers to build lavish homes, each one more grand than its predecessor (one recently sold for $36 million ). Soon, Lake Geneva became known as the “Newport of the Midwest.”  

It wasn’t until after the Civil War, when so many found fortune in the fast-growing city of Chicago, that wealthy families began constructing many of the mansions that now line the lake.  

In 1871, train service launched from downtown Chicago straight to the Lake Geneva Depot. The same year, when the Great Chicago Fire destroyed 3.3 square miles of the city, including more than 17,000 homes and buildings, many Chicago families packed up and moved to the resort town.

“The start of the Gilded Age coincides with the Great Chicago Fire,” says Pamela S. Meyers , who penned a series of historical romance novels set in Lake Geneva. “Families were essentially looking to a place to keep their families safe while the city underwent a massive rebuilding effort.”

Many of the mansions are still standing today. Most are accessible via the Lake Geneva Shore Path , a 26-mile-long trail that circles the lake, passing through the magnificently landscaped lakefront gardens of the grand homes. It takes about 10 hours to walk the entire length of the trail, so it’s recommended to hike in segments. Public restrooms and water fountains can be found at path access points, including the VISIT Lake Geneva Information Center, Edgewater Park , Reid Park , and Big Foot Beach State Park . Wear sturdy shoes as the trail is only partially paved and can be slippery in some segments. Dogs are welcome to hike along, so long as they’re leashed. Use this downloadable map of the Shore Path from the Lake Geneva Visitors Bureau to get around. 

1. Stone Manor

Located at 880 S. Lake Shore Drive, Stone Manor was built in 1899 by Otto Young, a German immigrant who found his fortune in Chicago real estate. The seven-level estate, now made up of six luxury condominiums, was the largest built on Lake Geneva and boasts a grand ballroom and rooftop garden complete with a swimming pool.  

2. Black Point

Built in 1888 for Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp, Black Point ‘s elegant lakefront landscaping includes 74 different species of evergreen trees. The estate’s interior remains largely unchanged and still features much of its original furniture and decor; it’s open for tours from May 1 through October 31. 

3. Alta Vista

The Italianate Alta Vista estate was designed by famed architect Howard Van Doren Shaw on a stretch of the lake nicknamed “millionaire’s row” for its especially opulent mansions. Built for Colonel William N. Pelouze, founder of the Pelouze Scale and Balance Company (whose scales were exclusively used by the USPS), Alta Vista was also owned by the Vick family (the makers of VapoRub). 

4. Maxwell Mansion

Built in 1855 by prominent Chicago surgeon and real estate magnate Dr. Philip Maxwell, the Maxwell Mansion was initially named “The Oaks” in honor of the centuries-old trees surrounding the estate. Today, it’s a boutique hotel with its own bespoke cocktail lounge. “The Maxwell Mansion brings me back in time, to another era,” says Meyers. “I began writing books set in the area to highlight the rich history of Lake Geneva and its magnificent mansions. I lived in the Maxwell Mansion when I was a young child. Until it was restored to its original splendor, it was divided into apartments. Our family lived in the former servant’s quarters.”

5. Yerkes Observatory

In addition to the opulent homes, several other Lake Geneva attractions offer a glimpse of the Gilded Age. Considered the “Birthplace of Modern Astrophysics,” the circa-1897 Yerkes Observatory ‘s 40-inch refracting-type telescope was the largest in the world when it was dedicated in 1897. Once operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the observatory closed in 2020. However, visitors to Lake Geneva can still stroll its porch, which lies just beyond the lakefront George Williams College of Aurora University . 

6. Mailboat ride

Lake Geneva is one of the few towns in the U.S. where mail is delivered by boat via “Mail Jumpers.” Since 1916, when area roads were limited, dedicated USPS workers have been “jumping” from the passenger-carrying mailboat to the many shorefront mailboxes. Book a mailboat ride to experience this timeless and useful tradition. Cruises depart from the historic Riviera Boat Dock, a three-armed pier with an adjacent pavilion that houses shops; jazz greats including Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong once played at the dance hall upstairs.  

7. Baker House

The circa-1889 Baker House hosts an afternoon high tea service that includes a tour of the mansion. At 17,000 square feet, the 30-room Queen Anne mansion features massive mantles and elegant stained glass throughout. The exterior shingles were made with wood from Californian redwoods.  

8. Lake Geneva

The absolute gem of Lake Geneva, however, is the spring-fed lake. At 8 miles long, geologists believe that the 135-foot-deep lake is a filled-in kettle , formed from a receding glacier. The public Riviera Beach is conveniently located near the town center’s many shops and restaurants. Admission is only charged during business hours (9 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day) when lifeguards are on duty.  

Meet the Authors

Amy Bizzarri

Amy Bizzarri is a Chicago-based freelance writer focused on food and travel. She's the author of four books focused on Chicago history.

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers helps you find the most epic destinations and detours—from roadside attractions to natural wonders and beyond.

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An Architecture Lover’s Dream Tour Through Germany’s UNESCO Sites and Beyond

From rococo and baroque facades in lübeck to bauhaus in weimar and le corbusier’s modernist neighborhood outside stuttgart, germany has a rich architectural history..

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Lübeck’s history as a busy Baltic port brought wealth and an array of extraordinary architectural styles to the UNESCO-recognized Hanseatic city.

©Martin Bülow

Located in the heart of Europe, between the mountains and the sea, Germany has played host to a plethora of cultures that each left an indelible mark on the art and aesthetics of the country. Perhaps the most immediate way to see that is through architecture found throughout the country that will broaden your vision of what Germany is and has been while providing a wealth of artistic inspiration. From medieval monasteries to modernist monoliths, an expansive range of building styles reflect the sensibilities of the time and continue to influence the field of architecture internationally even today.

Lübeck’s city center

This influence is particularly evident in Lübeck , a stunning port city in the northern Baltic that’s a bejeweled remnant of the Hanseatic League. With its UNESCO-recognized city center, Lübeck hosts captivating centuries-old structures, each bearing the hallmarks of the era in which they were constructed. The remarkably well-kept rococo and baroque facades reveal the town’s former wealth, something which was not always a given. One siege of the city gave rise to the almond delicacy marzipan after residents were said to have used it to stave off starvation. Strolling its narrow cobblestoned streets can feel almost like stepping into a period movie (Thomas Fontane’s Effi Briest was filmed here ) , making for a picturesque introduction to Germany’s rich heritage.

Berlin’s architecture

You can’t truly explore German architecture without heading to the capital of eclectic building styles, Berlin . With its divided history, Berlin offers numerous examples of building styles, from the Soviet Brutalist Plattenbau near the iconic TV Tower at Alexanderplatz and social modernism of the former East to the pre-war Gründerzeit gems in western neighborhoods like Friedenau and Schöneberg.

Relax inside the Waldorf Astoria Berlin, with its distinctive spa and pool

Courtesy of Hilton

To stay in an architecturally significant building itself, book the Waldorf Astoria Berlin , an art deco masterpiece in the heart of the city’s shopping district, Ku’damm. The property’s unique shell-shaped pool and allegiance to art deco interiors channel the roaring ‘20s while magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the city.

Get a glimpse into life during the DDR at the center of it all in the Hampton by Hilton Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz or if you prefer something a bit further afield, opt for the Hampton by Hilton Berlin City East Side , located near the outdoor museum hosting remnants of the former wall. Or stay at the newly opened DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku’damm to visit the popular Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Another centrally located option in the Hilton portfolio is the Hampton by Hilton Berlin City West .

Museum Island and Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz

A view to the Gendarmenmarkt from Hilton Berlin

For a different view of the city, stay at Hilton Berlin which is directly opposite Berlin’s Cathedral (Deutscher Dom) on Gendarmenmarkt in the center of the government district and boasts unparalleled views of the grand building. The hotel, located where the former border wall between east and west once lay in the Government Quarter (Regierungsviertel as it’s known locally), has as neighbors a distinctive amalgamation of 19th-century buildings with contemporary reconstruction to repair war damage.

Among the most famous of these buildings are the glass-domed Parliament building, or Reichstag, and the recently reopened Berlin Palace, home to the Humboldt Forum and its ethnological and Asian Art museums. Part of the UNESCO-designated Museum Island , the Humboldt Forum is a great jumping-off point for a day filled with culture.

Dessau Garden Kingdom

©GNTB/Jürgen Blüme

Architecture buffs will be especially impressed by a tour of the Bauhaus Museum and the national art gallery, or Neue Nationalgalerie, the last major undertaking by legendary modernist Mies van der Rohe. The architect served as the final director of the groundbreaking Bauhaus school of design and architecture before its closure in 1933. His ideas, along with other philosophies from the movement, can be explored in greater depth in nearby Weimar, Bernau, and Dessau, where the Bauhaus movement found its academic home in the 1920s.

A minimalist Bauhaus design in Dessau

©GNTB/Felix Meyer

The short-lived school gave rise to the functional modernist aesthetics that have heavily influenced art and design in Germany today, but it isn’t the only thing of architectural significance in Dessau. During The Age of Enlightenment, locals there looked into the possibility of communal living that integrates art, education, and economy in a harmonious way, the results of which can be seen in the UNESCO-recognized Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz , with its memorable landscape design.

The Weissenhof estates in Stuttgart

The lasting influence of the Bauhaus school of architecture can also be found in southern Germany. The automotive capital of Stuttgart reveals its love of forward-thinking design, which you can experience through a tour of projects completed by students at the university. Stay in the heart of the Europa District at the Hampton by Hilton Stuttgart City Centre , which provides complimentary breakfast and easy access to the automotive museums and other monuments to design. Or stay outside of the city center at the uniquely designed Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark , which is steps away from the Mercedes Museum and the popular event arenas.

Hampton by Hilton Stuttgart City Centre

Stuttgart is also home to several examples of architect and urban planner Le Corbusier’s attempt to build modernist neighborhoods that respond to societal needs, including the UNESCO-recognized Weissenhof estates. The housing serves as a practical and inspiring example of how we might live well today.

Darmstadt Artists’ Colony, Mathildenhöhe

With its assemblage of artists’ studios and architectural experiments, Mathildenhöhe exemplifies the early modernist design that went on to inspire the Bauhaus movement.

©GNTB/Francesco Carovillano

Another extraordinary experiment in communal living can be seen in the Darmstadt Artists’ Colony, Mathildenhöhe , a prototype of modernism that arose out of a colony established by the Grand Duke of Hesse at the turn of the 20th century. At the center of a reform in arts and architecture, Mathildenhöhe drew influence from the Vienna Secession and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Taken together, the colony’s 23 different buildings—including a Wedding Tower, the Russian Chapel of St. Maria Magdalena, and the “Swan Temple” Garden Pavilion—create a vibrant and harmonious urban area for artistic exploration.

These aren’t the only unusual buildings in the city of science and space exploration. Friedensreich Hundertwasser also designed the Waldspirale , a remarkably colorful social housing with a green roof and extensive sunlight that considers the environment and human needs in its construction while experimenting with new and unusual aesthetics. This could also describe the attitude toward architecture in Germany more generally—with progressive approaches to design and environmentally conscious implementation, there’s much to explore and learn from the country’s architecture.

Frankfurt’s architectural restoration and more

Located above the Frankfurt Airport’s high-speed train station and just a skyway away from the airport, the Hilton Frankfurt Airport and Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport hotels were designed to reflect their surroundings.

Wrap up your tour in the nearby banking capital of Frankfurt, an especially good lesson in architectural restoration. Visit the historic city center, which underwent extensive post-war reconstruction and offers a model for blending Old World charm with the latest in architectural engineering. Stay within walking distance of the pedestrian shopping street at the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre or Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt City Centre and stroll through the city to take in its mix of old and new. Recently, local officials dug deep into the archives to recreate the former Gothic beauty of 35 buildings and reopened the “new old town,” which shares all the charm of the 17th- and 18th-century aesthetic with more modern-day approaches to construction.

Lovingly referred to as Mainhattan, Frankfurt has a wonderful skyline as seen from the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre.

With most of the timber-framed buildings destroyed during World War II, skyscrapers rose up along the Main River, creating a skyline that resembles Manhattan’s and giving Frankfurt the local nickname of “Mainhattan.” The Hilton Frankfurt City Centre’s Hudson Yards bar’s name nods to the Big Apple and you’ll find other references to the theme throughout the hotel.

For a taste of life in other neighborhoods, consider booking a room at the Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt City Centre East in the heart of the financial district, DoubleTree by Hilton Frankfurt Niederrad in the Lyoner Quartier and close to numerous businesses, or near the trade fair grounds at Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt City Centre Messe .

Just west of the city, the Hilton Frankfurt Airport has a 21st-century vibe. Its shape draws on the surrounding aviation activity and provides easy access to the busy international airport. Stay in the Squaire Building, with its kid-friendly catering for those 12 and under. You could also try the nearby Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport or Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt Airport before you catch your flight.

If you’re not quite ready to take off, extend your trip to include more UNESCO-recognized sites with a tour north along the Industrial Cultural route . The journey offers even more insights into Germany’s fascinating approach to art and design and highlights of innovation, from the European Green Capital of Essen to Hamburg’s warehouse district, for a truly life-changing adventure.

A guide to Milwaukee walking tours, from history and culture to food and ghosts

If you're looking to learn more about the history, culture and architecture of your hometown (or you're visiting the city and want to learn more), a walking tour is a great way to do it.

Here are a few walking tours of Milwaukee sites and neighborhoods.

Historic Milwaukee walking tours

Historic Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization that hosts walking tours and events like Doors Open Milwaukee in order to raise awareness about the city's architecture and history.

Historic Milwaukee Special Tours are guided walking tours.

• German Heritage Walking Tour: Tourists will learn about notable German people and places in Milwaukee history. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Beyond Brady: Polish & Italian Immigrants in Milwaukee: Tour explores how this east side neighborhood was the home of Polish and Italian immigrants and became Milwaukee's counterculture stronghold in the 1960s and '70s. 2 hours. $15 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Industrial Heritage, Walker's Point: Tour explores how the former warehouses and factories of Walker's Point have evolved into restaurants, places of business and homes. 2 hours. $20.
• Walker's Point Churches Tour: Tour explores the architecture and religious beliefs of several churches in Walker's Point, especially as they evolved throughout Walker's Point history as different immigrant groups made the neighborhood their worship home. 2 hours. $20.
• Yankee Hill Walking Tour: Tour explores the history of the Yankee Hill neighborhood. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Yankee Hill Churches Tour: Tourists walk by seven churches in the east side neighborhood, to learn about their architecture and history. If church schedules allow, tour will also include a walk inside the churches. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Wisconsin Avenue Churches Tour: Tourists learn the history of churches constructed from the 1860s through the 1920s with a focus on the architecture, traditions and different ethnic groups that have worshipped there. 2 hours. $20.
• Women's Milwaukee: Tour explores the history of downtown Milwaukee with a focus on the stories of women rather than the more typically told stories of Solomon Juneau, Byron Kilbourn and George H. Walker. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Lulu & Rocky Family Tour: This family tour, recommended for kids ages 6-10 and their families, is based on a children's book that explores some of the famous and historical sites of downtown Milwaukee. 1.5 hours. $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-11, $2 for ages 4 and under.
• Gargoyles, Grotesques & Dragons: Tour focuses on the meaning and history behind the "faces" that appear on downtown Milwaukee buildings. 2 hours. $20.

Historic Milwaukee mobile app tours highlight different parts of the city with self-guided routes with suggested stops and information about the sites. Unless otherwise noted, the downloads are free.

• Avenues West: a 2.5-mile tour with 23 stops just west of I-43, a neighborhood that includes Marquette University and historic mansions.
• Brady Street: a .8-mile tour with 27 stops, includes architectural and historic sites of the street. $4.99 to download.
• Clarke Square: a 1.8-mile tour with 17 stops, located in the heart of Milwaukee's Latin American community, once a predominantly Polish community.
• Diverse Downtown: a 2-mile tour with 18 stops through downtown Milwaukee told through the lens of Native Americans, women and people of color who shaped the area.
• Exploring the Beerline Tour: a 1.4-mile tour with 15 stops, through two Milwaukee neighborhoods, Riverwest and Harambee, with information about the Beerline rail line that was decommissioned in the early 1990s and became a multi-modal recreational trail.
• Harbor District: a 3.5-mile tour with 17 stops, of an area that was once a marshland, became an area known for tanneries and foundries with ships coming and going, and is now an area that groups are working to revitalize.
• Indigenous Milwaukee: a 5-mile tour with 27 stops that focuses on the stories of the many Indigenous communities who have made Milwaukee home.
• Layton Boulevard: a 1.7-mile tour with 17 stops, with historic and cultural stops on the historic street that is now part of 27th Street.
• Metcalfe Park: a 3-mile tour with 28 stops representing the culture and history of this majority-Black community.
• Milwaukee Moderns: a 2-mile tour with 18 stops that focuses on the architecture of buildings in downtown Milwaukee that are in the Postmodern, Brutalist and International styles.
• North Point Mansions South: a 0.8-mile tour with 24 stops in a historic neighborhood on the lower east side that shows off many historic mansions. $4.99 to download
• Silver City: a 1-mile tour with 15 stops of the area that got its name in the early 20th century when its industrial workers were paid in silver coins.
• Visiting Villard Avenue: a 1.2-mile tour with 20 stops that explore the culture and history of this part of "Old North Milwaukee."
• Yankee Hill: a 1.1-mile tour with 21 stops in the neighborhood that derived its name from its placement on a bluff and the "Yankee" residents who arrived from New York and New England in the 1830s. $4.99 to download.

Historic Milwaukee Self-Guided Tours are self-guided tours in printed form.

• Walking Milwaukee: 31 Tours of Brew City's Neighborhoods, Landmarks and Entertainment Districts: In this book, each tour includes commentary on topics like architecture, culture, history and trivia along with where to eat, drink and shop. There are photographs, a map for each tour, as well as distance and difficulty level. $16.95.
• Walking Milwaukee: Downtown Edition: The full set of cards includes 10 tour cards, each of which is a mapped walking tour, and eight landmark cards documenting the history of some downtown landmarks. Mini sets are also available for purchase on specific topics including Beer Barons of Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee's Downtown, Milwaukee's Lakefront and Yankee Hill. $2-$20.

Milwaukee walking tours that feature food and drink

Fun Beer Tours MKE : These guided beer-themed tours include historical facts and Milwaukee trivia, as well as stops where people can buy beer and other drinks (Cost of food and beverages are not included in the fee).

• Beer is famous. Milwaukee made it so: A tour of spots at the Pabst Brewery complex and Central Waters Brewing. 0.9 miles. 2 hours and 45 minutes. $20 for adults (21 and over).
• Downtown: History and architecture: Tour starts at the Milwaukee Public Market and loops through downtown to see historic sites such as City Hall and the Pabst Theatre. 1.4 miles. 2 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over), $15 for teenagers, free for kids ages 12 and under.
• Pabst: History and architecture: Starts with a tour of the Pabst Brewery complex, then continues on to see sites such as the Deer District, the Riverwalk and the 3rd Street Market Hall. 1.3 miles. 2 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over), $15 for teenagers, free for kids ages 12 and under.
• 'Take me to your liter' 3-craft brewery tour: A tour that includes MobCraft Beer Co., Indeed Brewing Co. and Broken Bat Brewing Co. 0.7 miles. 2.5 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over).
• Beer and pretty much everything else tour: Tour starts at 3rd Street Market Hall, then goes down Wisconsin Avenue and along the Riverwalk; it also includes stops at Safe House and Explorium Brew Pub. 1.3 miles. 2.5 hours. $20 per adults (21 and over).
• Quintessential Milwaukee tour: Starts with a tour of Broken Bat Brewing Co., then moves on to the Riverwalk and the Historic Third Ward; it also includes stops at the Public Market and the 3rd Street Market Hall. 1.3 miles. 2 hours, 45 minutes. $20 for adults (21 and over)

Milwaukee Food Tours are well-known for bus tours of various eateries, but they also have streetcar tours and a few walking tours.

• Brady Street Lunch Tour : Historic and cultural information about the neighborhood is intermingled with stops for pizza, cannoli, tacos, salami, prosciutto, olives, empanada and a Milwaukee-brewed beer. 1.25 miles with 5-6 stops. 2.5-3 hours. $74 for adults, $45 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids ages 7 and under.
• Around the Ward in 90 Minutes : Tourists will learn about the history and culture of the Historic Third Ward as they stop inside historic buildings and one food stop. 1.25 miles. 1.5 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15; free for kids ages 7 and under.
• Walker's Point Stroll, Sip, & Savor : Tourists stroll through the historic district, with four food and drink stops along the way (1 cocktail, 2 beers, tacos and a paloma). 1.25 miles. 3 hours. $99 (adults only).
• Streetcar History Tour : Tourists take a ride on the Hop as they learn about the history and culture of the different neighborhoods the streetcar drives through, and get off the streetcar twice for brief walking tours of the Historic Third Ward and Cathedral Square. There's also a stop for dessert. 1.25 miles. 2 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids 7 and under
• InstaMKE Photo Walk : The tour guides are professional photographers who give photo-taking tips as they tell stories of different photo-worthy Milwaukee sites, including in the Historic Third Ward, on the Riverwalk, Wisconsin Avenue and outside the Milwaukee Art Museum. There's also a stop for a sweet treat. 1.5 miles. 2 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids 7 and under.

An art walking tour and a scavenger hunt

Sculpture Milwaukee : People can go on a self-guided tour of the urban public art exhibition that is spread over two miles in downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward. The online map will lead tourists past whatever sculptures they're interested in.

Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Adventure : Urban Adventure Quest curates scavenger hunts for many North American cities. Milwaukee's tour covers 2 miles of downtown and takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. Tourists use their smart phones to get clues to lead to different sites where they will search for specific features. There are 17 challenges, and the cost is $49 for a team of two to five people.

Ghost Walking Tours

American Ghost Walks hosts tours in other Wisconsin cities like Madison, Waukesha and Lake Geneva. These are the Milwaukee tours.

• Milwaukee Third Ward Ghost Walk : Tourists are guided through different sites in the Third Ward with violent, ghostly or paranormal stories behind them, including stories that involve the mafia and gangsters and ghost sightings at Skylight Opera Theatre, the Italian Community Center and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Tourists will also hear ghost stories "with Third Ward connections," including at the Pfister and the Hilton Garden Inn. 1.5-2 hours. $25 per person
• Milwaukee Shadow of City Hall Ghost Walk : Tourists walk by the buildings of some of the most notorious of downtown Milwaukee's ghost stories including those at City Hall, the Pfister, the Pabst Theatre and the Hilton Garden Inn. 1.5-2 hours. $25 per person.

One more ghost tour deals with a different type of ghost — ghost signs. Milwaukee marketing agency Hoffman York developed a free augmented reality tour of the Third Ward, which allows users to hold up their phones to various buildings to see what the faded advertisements looked like in their heyday. Paper maps are available at the Milwaukee Public Market or Historic Third Ward Association, online at augmentedhistory.org

atours_lakegeneva

Architectural highlights

Around the Lake Geneva Region 

Embracing Sustainable Living:

Innovative Eco-Districts in the Lemanic Arc Region

Amidst a heightened ecological awareness, the past few years have witnessed a notable shift in the construction industry towards sustainable development. Numerous projects are now exploring the integration of sustainability practices directly into the design process. This evolving dynamic has given rise to the concept of sustainable neighborhoods or eco-neighbourhoods.

In the Lake Geneva region, the landscape is evolving towards a more sustainable future with the implementation of eco-districts such as La Jonction and Les Vergers in Meyrin, the Souberyn Cooperative Building in Geneva, the Pra Roman Eco-district in Chalet à Gobet, and the upcoming Plaines-du-loup in Lausanne, all of which exemplify a dedicated integration of eco-friendly principles into urban development.

The EPFL Campus in Lausanne: A Tapestry of Architectural Brilliance and Technological Innovation

Lausanne's EPFL campus, evolving into an architectural open-air museum, showcases notable works by renowned architects such as SANAA , Kengo Kuma, and Dominique Perrault. Notably, the Rolex Learning Center, designed by SANAA, stands out for its innovative and sustainable construction methods.

The Vortex, located near the University of Lausanne, is a cylindrical building housing students and guests, featuring a spiraling ramp that fosters community engagement while integrating eco-friendly construction practices.

Plateforme 10:  the Lausanne's New Museum Hub

The Plateforme 10 in Lausanne is an ambitious architectural project aimed at creating a dedicated district for arts and culture. Developed on a site adjacent to the Lausanne train station, the project integrates several major cultural institutions, including the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA) designed by the architecture firm Barozzi-Veiga and the consolidation of the Elysée Museum and the Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts (MUDAC), designed by Aires Mateus.

In summary, Plateforme 10 in Lausanne is an ambitious architectural project that seeks to establish a cultural hub adjacent to the train station, incorporating significant cultural institutions and showcasing innovative designs by renowned architecture firms.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Headquarters

The new headquarters of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, designed by 3XN Architects and Itten&Brechbuehl, stands out with its dynamic facade symbolizing the vibrancy of sports. Sustainability is at the core of the project, incorporating environmentally efficient features such as a lake water pump and photovoltaic panels.

The building emerges from the ground on a base that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape. A rotation accentuates the dynamic movement of the emerging floors, revolving around a large circular opening that houses the monumental staircase connecting the different levels of the building. This symbolic staircase, reminiscent of the five Olympic rings, represents the true heart of the building—a space for gathering, light, and circulation. Tailored structural solutions have been developed in close relation to the geometric and spatial complexity dictated by the architectural design.

CERN Science Gateway, the new museum designed by Renzo Piano

The Audemars Piguet Museum-Workshop, designed by BIG 

The Audemars Piguet Museum-Workshop brings together the Founders' House with an ultramodern glass spiral. Located in Le Brassus, in the Vallée de Joux, this ensemble embodies the harmony between tradition and innovation, becoming a unique place for exploration, learning, and conviviality. This architectural feat crowns six years of exceptional development and realization, orchestrated hand in hand by the renowned watchmaking brand Audemars Piguet, the architectural firms BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group/DK) and CCHE (CH), as well as ATB (D) for the museography.

As part of its missions to educate and engage the public in science, and to share knowledge and technology with society, CERN is launching the Science Gateway , a new facility for scientific education and outreach. The purpose of the project is to create a hub of scientific education and culture to inspire the younger generations with the beauty of science. 

Inspired by CERN’s unique facilities, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest particle accelerator, the architecture of the Science Gateway celebrates the inventiveness and creativity that characterise the world of research and engineering. Architectural elements such as tubes that seem to be suspended in space evoke the cutting-edge technology underpinning the most advanced research that is pushing back our understanding of the origins of the universe.

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Partenaires:  itten+brechbühl AG

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Tour Designer Giampiero Tagliaferri's Avant-Garde LA Atelier

By Mayer Rus

Photography by Billal Taright

Just as Athena sprang from the head of Zeus completely grown and armed, Giampiero Tagliaferri has emerged on the international design scene as a full-fledged phenomenon—an instant superstar leading a team of 10 from his twin offices in Los Angeles and Milan. Barely two years since the launch of his namesake practice, the dashing Italian-born talent already boasts a roster of major architecture and interior design projects that would be the envy of any industry veteran: the renovation of a Venetian palazzo for a prominent art collector; an LA house for Brunello Cucinelli’s daughter Carolina and her husband, Alessio Piastrelli; a remodel of a prominent Japanese-inspired house in Beverly Hills for jewelry designer Anita Ko; a series of cafés and restaurants for Sant Ambroeus; and other residential commissions in Paris, San Francisco, Beverly Hills, and Las Vegas. On the product front, the designer unveiled the first fruits of his newly minted creative alliance with the Italian furniture giant Minotti at the 2024 Salone del Mobile in Milan.

Tagliaferri perched on the movable bridge that glides through the atrium of the former home designed by architect Wes Jones.

Of course, Tagliaferri did not materialize as a go-to tastemaker out of thin air. He spent years as the creative director of the fashionable eyewear brand Oliver Peoples, overseeing marketing, product development, and store design. Indeed, it was the design of the spectacular Oliver Peoples boutique in Milan that proved to be a major turning point in Tagliaferri’s career. “I realized that this was my main passion—creating total environments that marry function and comfort with beauty and imagination,” Tagliaferri says of his decision to strike out on his own. The designer’s singular aesthetic sensibility draws strength and inspiration from Milan and Los Angeles, the two places where he now divides his time. “Milan is a city that hides its beauty. The more you explore, the more extraordinary details you discover,” he explains. “I fell in love with California modernism when I was shooting campaigns for Oliver Peoples in these amazing houses by Lautner, Neutra, and Ellwood,” he continues. “And then there’s the LA light that everyone talks about. It’s intoxicating.”

Tagliaferri’s Pattie chairs.

Tagliaferri’s Diagramma coffee table for Minotti.

Tagliaferri’s Pattie chair in an alternate colorway.

Perhaps the most compelling three-dimensional calling card for Tagliaferri’s vision is the designer’s radically chic atelier located in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood. The building, which once housed a martial arts studio, was transformed by architect Wes Jones into an avant-garde residence for a rock drummer in 1999. Jones’s butch architectural intervention—featuring an exoskeleton of corrugated and expanded metal panels, sliding doors, and a crank-operated bridge that intersects a three-story atrium with a concrete floor—remains largely intact. “The volume of the space is incredible, as is the light. It reminds me of Paul Rudolph’s architectural tectonics,” Tagliaferri offers. The designer leavened the rugged industrial shell with furniture, artworks, and objects that underscore his transatlantic Italy-to-California ethos: Angelo Mangiarotti and John Baldessari ; Gae Aulenti and Vanessa Beecroft ; Gaetano Pesce and Roger Herman . The considered counterpoise of the raw and the refined in Tagliaferri’s heady, layered ensembles elicits a subtle yet unmistakable frisson of sex appeal, a trait that seems to pervade all the designer’s far-flung projects.

The studio dining area and kitchen include an Angelo Mangiarotti table, Eugenio Gerli chairs, Vanessa Beecroft sculptures, and a Roger Herman vessel. The designer’s personal office overlooks the space from the second level.

Tagliaferri utilizes the space not simply as an office but as a salon for artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other designers. “I want the studio to be a place where people can gather to exchange ideas and creative energy,” he says. “I think it’s important not to focus on the design industry alone but to embrace the larger culture.” And there’s one more thing: “I can walk to the studio from my house and pick up a matcha on my way to work. It’s a rare and beautiful thing in LA.”

Giampiero Tagliaferri's LA atelier appears in AD’ s June 2024 issue. To see his studio in print, subscribe to AD .

The lounge has a B G Robinson sofa and ottoman, a Jorge Zalszupin side table, a Luigi Caccia Dominioni floor lamp, a steel-framed onyx screen by Tagliaferri, and a painting by Liliane Tomasko.

A Vanessa Beecroft painting presides over the office workspace.

By Mona Basharat

By Carly Olson

By Annabelle Dufraigne

Metal stairways exemplify the rugged industrial vocabulary of architect Wes Jones’s design.

In the lounge, Jorge Zalszupin lounge chairs flank a side table by Vincenzo De Cotiis through Carpenters Workshop Gallery . The sculpture is by Vanessa Beecroft. B G  Robinson ottoman and Gae Aulenti floor lamp.

Outfitted with a prison toilet, the office bath is a holdover from the original Wes Jones house.

By Lola Ogunnaike

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