Tuesday, 15 September, 14:00–15:00
The destination of the excursion is the Visitor Centre of Koh-i-noor Hardtmuth a. s., located on the premises of the company’s manufacturing plant.
The excursion starts at 13:55 with a meeting in front of Lamezan Villa (address: U Zimního stadionu 20, see map 1). Participants can either make their own way there or join the group leaving from the Faculty of Education (from the entrance at U Tří lvů 1) at 13:40, led by the organisers (see map 2).
The tour of the Visitor Centre will be conducted in two groups (the group allocation will be addressed during registration). Group 1 will receive a guided commentary in English, while Group 2 will receive it in Czech.
The excursion is scheduled to finish by 15:00 (the conference programme in the parallel sessions starts at 15:30).
The Visitor Centre includes a shop where the company’s products can be purchased.
Next to Lamezan Villa stands another, even more imposing residence, Hardtmuth Villa. Here is some brief information about these two remarkable buildings:
Lamezan Villa
Lamezan Villa was built in 1900 for Count Olivier Lamezan-Salins and his wife Mathilde von Hardtmuth. It was designed and built by the local builder Josef Hauptvogel.
The villa is a distinctive example of historicist architecture influenced by English country houses of the late 19th century and the emerging Arts and Crafts movement. Its picturesque appearance is enhanced by half-timbered gables, exposed brickwork and a prominent chimney. The original design was later complemented by a conservatory.
The villa stands in a garden next to the former Hardtmuth factory complex and is closely associated with the neighbouring Hardtmuth Villa. Since 2015, it has housed the headquarters of KOH-I-NOOR holding a.s.
Hardtmuth Villa
Hardtmuth Villa was built in 1911–1912 for Franz and Anna von Hardtmuth. It was built by Johann Stepan, probably to a design by the Viennese architect Arnold Goldberger.
The villa is a grand example of Neo-Baroque architecture and was conceived as a prestigious family residence. Its imposing appearance, mansard roof, terraces, fountain and rich sculptural decoration give it the character of a small aristocratic residence. The interior features elaborate stucco and woodwork, much of which has been exceptionally well preserved, including the impressive two-storey entrance hall.
The villa originally stood in an extensive landscaped garden, which has unfortunately not survived in its original size. In 2022, the villa was declared a cultural monument. Today, it houses the House of Children and Youth (Dům dětí a mládeže), offering educational and leisure activities for children and young people.
The following links provide further information to the sites:
Lamezanova vila | České Budějovice | Atlas české architektury
Vila | Hardtmuthova vila | České Budějovice | Atlas české architektury