The Pfalz

The Pfalz is a cork model 132 cm high by 129.5 cm long and 125.5 cm wide. The rectangular block represents an imposing house with a crenellated facade like that of the old Customs House. There are two main floors and three further floors under a sloping roof, a balcony and four corner turrets.

Commissioned for the Exhibition at the Orangerie in 1895, this model in cork, based on the 1727 plan-relief and on old images, depicts the medieval Town Hall, where the elected governing body of Strasbourg (the Magistrat), met to preside over the destiny of the town and dispense justice. It was in the Pfalz, built in the town centre, that meetings of the Senate and the two councils were held. On this square (now Place Gutenberg) were built the Mint, the Chancellery and the Neue Bau (now Chambre de Commerce).