Artushof
Arthur's Court (Artushof) in Danzig, like other similar courts in European cities comes from middle ages knights treaditions. Common name for the courts comes from the name of King Arthur. Artushof in Danzig is located in the most beautiful place, at Dlugi Targ, close to Main City Hall.
First Artushof was built in Danzig around 1350 and was built up during next years. In 1476 the old building of Artushof was destroyed by fire. Short time after this fire thanks to local authorities endeavor and with their strong financial help Artushof was rebuilt. Several dozen years later, in the first half of 16th century the facade of Artushof was rebuilt in renesaince style. Next change was made by famous architect from Danzig - Abraham van den Blocke in 1616 - 1617, when the new portal made of stones was added and the facade got sculptures of Scypion, Temistocles, Kamill and Juda Machabeus. Renesaince gable was replaced by attic with sculptures of Justice and Might, and Fortune on the top.
At the beginnig, Artushof was place for notables meetings, after 1476 was more open for middle class and became a place for social and business meetings of merchants. After 1742 Artushof was a chamber of commerce, up to 1945. The last change of its architecture had place in 30s of 20th century when the big windows of the facade were changed and clock was removed.
Artushof at the beginning of 20th century.
) | South facade before the windows were changed. |
) | South facade at the beginning of 40s. |
) | North facade of Artushof. |
Interior of Artushof was decorated of numerous works of art, paintings and sculptures. It was a result of 400 years work of many artists. The oldest works of art, which remained to 1945 came from 15th century. In 16th and 17th century walls of Artushof got pannelings and friezes showing mithological, historical and biblical scenes. Two of the works of art were special, very famous oil paintings "Orpheus among animals" by Hans Vredemann and "Las Judgement" by Anton Möller, both had the area of almost 50 m2 and probably were the biggest paintings ever painted in Danzig.
In 1545-1546 a huge, unique, Renaissance tiled stove (10,64 m high) was built by George Stelzener using 520 artistic tiles.
Interior of Artushof in the first half of 20th century.
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) | Tiled stove from 16th century. |
) | "Last Judgement" by Anton Möller. |
The house close to Artushof with historical 17th and 18th century equipment called Gdansk Hall (Danziger Diele) was opened for visitors in 1901. It was decorated by collections of Lesser Gie³dziñski.
Danziger Diele
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Tickets to Artushof and Danziger Diele
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In 1943 the equipement of Artushof was evacuated and the photo documentation of the interior was made - it helped in later reconstructions. In March 1945 building was seriously damaged and the roof collapsed. Many of works of art disappeared, among others the most famous and valuable paintings "Last Judgement", "Siege of Marienburg", "Ship of the Church" from 15th century and paintings of Martin Schoninck from the beginning of 16th century "Christ" and "Madonna". Rebuilding and renovation of Artushof started in 1947 and still goes.
Artushof in 1945
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