The Wiedeńska Tenement House – the pearl of Art Nouveau in new splendor
October 29, 2025
In the heart of Poznań, at 11 and 13 Podgórna Streets, history meets modernity. The Wiedeńska Tenement House, a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture, is resplendent after years of oblivion. Its 2023 revitalization has become one of the most beautiful examples of how contemporary design can pay tribute to the past—with class, sophistication, and respect for the spirit of the Belle Époque.
What once defined the prestige of urban life now once again captivates with its detail and coherence of form. Echoes of old Vienna can be found in the Art Nouveau ornamentation of the facades, the rhythm of the geometric balustrades, and the subtle glow of light reflecting off the marble surfaces. However, the restored interiors of the Wiedenska Tenement House are not a reconstruction of a century ago – they are a contemporary interpretation of the style, combining tradition with 21st-century functionality.
Biuro Kreacja, headed by Dorota Terlecka, is responsible for the design. The architects focused on a harmony between the elegance of natural materials and modern design. The interiors are bright, spacious, and full of light, where wood, stone, and ceramics create an elegant narrative. Every detail—from the stucco to the lighting—was designed to restore the prestige of the communal spaces, which were the heart of residents' social life during the Belle Époque.
Both staircases, while maintained in a coherent spirit, tell their own stories. Podgórna 11 is a modern interpretation of Art Nouveau – geometric, restrained, with a stark contrast of dark wood and light walls. Podgórna 13, on the other hand, celebrates the richness of the era: stucco, ornamentation, and a soft color palette that brings warmth and artistic dimension to the interiors. The designers consciously combined architecture with visual art and applied art.
Light plays an almost theatrical role in this space. It brings out the rhythm of the balustrades, accentuates the proportions, and lends the interiors a lightness. The fixtures used – modern, yet inspired by the spirit of Art Nouveau – create an atmosphere of elegance and cohesion. They make every visit to the Wiedeńska Tenement House an aesthetic experience, where history and modernity engage in a quiet, harmonious dialogue.
The artistic dimension of the project is also significant. Biuro Kreacja, known for its exhibition projects, ensured that art became an integral part of everyday life. A photograph by Alka Murat can be admired in the staircase at Podgórna 11, and a sculpture by Ziemowit Liszek, MOZIThese elements give the building a gallery-like feel, where architecture becomes a backdrop for expression and reflection.
Today, the Wiedeńska Tenement House is more than just a renovated historic building. It's a symbol of conscious design—a blend of tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and technology, aesthetics and functionality. In a world where true elegance doesn't require flamboyance, this Poznań tenement house reminds us that luxury is harmony, light, and attention to every detail.
Author: Luxury Boutique
