alesund from ashes to art nouveau

1900 - Before the fire

The old town of Ålesund was destroyed

by fire in the very beginning of the 20th

century. Substantial international aid

flowed in, including large amounts from

Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, hwo used

to take holidays in Ålesund. This allowed

for the town to be rebuilt in the best

modern style of the time.

After the fire, only 230 houses were remaining

in Ålesund. A remarkable effort from the

local population, travellers from near and far

and other contributors, the town was rebuilt

already in 1907. A new town rose phoenix-like

from the ashes - in the distinctive Art

Nouveau style - a remarkably homogenous

architecture: a striking, local interpretation of

Art Nouveau concentrated in a limited area.

In only three years, morethan 320 Art Nouveaubuildings were constructedside by side in a compactcentral area, creating whatis perhaps Europe's mostcomplete Art Nouveaucityscape

Like a Norwegian Venice the beautiful town of Ålesund has water on all sides, canals, bridges, and a stunning architecture

Jugendstilsenteret - The Art Nouveau Centre of Norway.

Swan at the entrance of The Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret) in Ålesund. Originally the Swan Pharmacy

Entrance to the Art Nouveau Centre. Architect: Hagbarth Schytte-Berg, 1905-1907.

The dining room in the former Swan Pharmacy

Stairway and glass windows in the former pharmacists apartment in the Swan Pharmacy. Architect: Hagbarth Schytte-Berg, 1905-1907.

A typical ornamentation found in downtownAlesund.

The Devold Villa and its stunning stained glass door

Balcony at Jugendstilsenteret

Alesund sunflowers

Lorchenesgata 2 – The Ålesund General Workers' Union buildingYear of construction: 1906

Wrought iron balconies

The architects were inspired by international -especially German - influences, as well as by National Romanticism

Alesund’s architecture ischaracterized by turrets, spires, medieval-romanticfrontages, and other touchesthat give the city a distinctstyle.

Stone Faced. Alesund's architecture pays tribute to Nordic mythology and other elements.

This city block, with facades following the curved street, is characteristic of the city.

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