Villa Grossmann

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In the years 1922-1924, the prominent Ostrava builder and architect František Grossmann had a family villa built with a representative residence. The building was in the spirit of decoratorism and had a charming and luxurious design. A garden with exotic trees stretched around the villa, filled with sculptural decorations, a gazebo, a pool and a fountain. The entire complex represented the largest villa grounds in Ostrava after the First World War.

Who was František Grossmann?

František Grossmann was born on August 3, 1871 in Pustějov. He got the basics of the construction trade from his father, who was a foreman. After studying for a master at a German industrial school in Brno, he worked his way up to an independent builder in Frýdek-Místek. In 1906 he moved to Moravian Ostrava and started working together with architect František Fiala. Thanks to the growing construction demand, the Grossmann & Fiala company has carried out many important construction projects in Ostrava.

Tragic fate

The luxurious villa acted as a showcase for the construction skills of Grossmann's company. František got married a week before the completion of the villa, but he and his wife Otília didn't enjoy the luxurious residence for very long. After only ten years, they fell into a financial trap as a result of the widespread economic crisis and the pressure from creditors eventually drove them to the tragic decision to commit suicide. The property of one of the richest men in Ostrava ended up in the hands of creditors.

The villa in the present

After a hundred years, an extensive reconstruction funded by the city of Ostrava returned the residence to an old-new appearance corresponding to the period of Grossmann's life.

The sightseeing route introduces visitors to the story of František Grossmann and his "fairytale palace". You can book a tour HERE. There are also regular cultural events held in the villa.

Prolong your trip:

The villa is conveniently located close to the city centre. After visiting, you can walk to the Masaryk square and check out the historical centre of Ostrava. You can also visit the New city hall observation tower the newly renovated PLATO gallery, located in the former city slaughterhouse or the Cathedral of the Divine Saviour.

Concluding curiosities:

•  Villa Grossmann has been a cultural monument since 1992
•  Important constructions in Ostrava by the construction company Grossmann & Fiala: Church of the Virgin Mary in Mariánské Hory, the House of Catholic Journeymen or Dr. Leopold Klein's private sanatorium
•  After the Second World War, there was a kindergarten in the villa, later it was replaced by a school group, which operated until 2005

There is a 20% discount on the entrance fee for the holders of OSTRAVACARD!!!