Austrian architect Adolf Loos had a great relationship with Czechoslovakia and the city of Plzeň in particular. He worked for prominent local Jewish businessmen who lived in the neighbourhood surrounding today’s Klatovská Street, a locality for luxurious living in the early to mid-1900s. Loos created opulent apartments for eight families, who tragically were forced to give up their homes and businesses by the late 1930s. The buildings, as well as the bespoke furnishings Loos also designed, were forgotten, reconstructed into offices, some even demolished. Currently, 13 of Loos’ realizations in Plzeň remain, eight of which the city of Plzeň has rescued and rehabilitated. Three of these architectural gems can currently be visited on a guided tour. Loos’ work was contemporary and cutting edge for the time and his emphasis on maximum functionability of every piece in the home as well as its optimal placement in the room is on display. He eschewed typical decoration, instead providing homeowners built-ins and other atypical furniture that suited a purpose.

There are three different tours offered Thursdays and Saturdays between 10:00-15:00. Only one of each tour is offered in English. Tour 1 takes you to two different apartment interiors; tour 2 to a Loos designed house and tour 3 to another interior in which Loos’ famed principle of Raumplan can be seen. Tickets must be bought in advance at the tourist information office.