Aubette Building, Strasbourg

The Aubette Building stands on Kléber Square as one of Strasbourg’s most intriguing cultural landmarks. Its history begins in the 18th century, when it was constructed between 1765 and 1772 as a guardhouse for French troops after Strasbourg was annexed by France under Louis XV. The name Aubette comes from the French word "aube" ( meaning dawn), referring to the morning roll call of soldiers stationed there. At the time, the building symbolised royal authority and military order at the heart of the city.

Over the following centuries, the Aubette’s role evolved alongside Strasbourg itself. By the 19th century, it had shifted from a strictly military function to a civic and social one, housing cafés, shops, and entertainment venues that made it a focal point of urban life. Its most remarkable transformation came in 1928, when the interior was radically redesigned. The result was a series of boldly abstract rooms using geometric forms, vibrant colours, and experimental spatial concepts. This project became one of the most important expressions of European modernism and is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Abstract Art.”

Although these interiors were altered and partially lost over time, extensive restoration work in the late 20th and early 21st centuries brought several of the original rooms back to life. Today, visitors can explore these reconstructed spaces, gaining rare insight into the ambitions of early abstract art and its dialogue with architecture. The contrast between the Aubette’s classical exterior and its modernist interiors makes the visit especially striking.

Beyond its artistic significance, the Aubette remains a lively part of Strasbourg’s downtown. It houses cinemas, cafés, shops, and exhibition spaces, seamlessly blending history with everyday city activity.