Miroslav Ambroz - The fate of a missing wall

Soon after its completion, Mies van der Rohe’s “Tugendhat Villa” was recognized as an outstanding example of an innovative concept for living space. The new approach was related to existentialism and transformed what had been isolated living areas into a living environment without boundaries. The main living area – including a generously scaled winter garden – was subtly articulated to accommodate different functions: a study with library and seating corner, a larger sitting area, and a dining area. The most visible elements in the space were the freestanding onyx wall and semi-circular Macassar partition defining the dining niche. The Tugendhat family left their villa in 1938 in anticipation of the events that ensued the following year. The Gestapo then confiscated the villa, and in 1940 the Macassar wall disappeared. It was believed that it had been destroyed willfully or by fire. Miroslav Ambroz’s research has recently determined the fate of this wall. Text: Miroslav Ambroz

Miroslav Ambroz
Independent researcher and art historian, expert and appraiser of art; 1994 Municipality of the City of Brno, Department of Historical Monuments; 2001 fine arts conservation consulting expert for several architectural companies and government institutions, including the Department of Historical Monuments Protection; 1995 Department of Historical Monuments Protection, Brno, art historian expert for reconstructions of historical buildings and monuments; 2001–2005 Moravian Gallery, Brno, fine and applied arts expert, exhibition curator, appraising and authenticating documentation, head curator of the exhibition project ‘Vienna Secession’.