Görlitz Department Store (Kaufhaus)
A magnificent Art Nouveau department store, famous as a filming location for 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.'
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Only way to see inside!
Görlitz Department Store (Kaufhaus)
Best Time
Only way to see inside!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Art Nouveau department store, famous as a filming location for 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.'
"A stunning architectural gem and a must-visit for film buffs and history lovers!"
🎯 Book Guided Tours in Advance
Essential for seeing the interior! Tours are limited and fill up fast. Check their website for booking info.
🗣️ German Tours, English Booklet
Tours are primarily in German, but an English information booklet is usually available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Nouveau Grand Hall
Main Floor
Step back in time in this stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece, a former heart of commerce.
The Grand Budapest Hotel Filming Location
Interior and Exterior
Explore the iconic building that served as a key backdrop for Wes Anderson's acclaimed film.
Architectural Details
Throughout the building
Admire the exquisite 1913 architecture, showcasing a century of design and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours & Book Ahead
Renovation Status & Tour Availability
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kaufhaus Görlitz opening days
🎯 Book Guided Tours in Advance
Essential for seeing the interior! Tours are limited and fill up fast. Check their website for booking info.
🗣️ German Tours, English Booklet
Tours are primarily in German, but an English information booklet is usually available.
I got to visit the old shopping center Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel was filmed in
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
The tour is a bargain at around €4, offering incredible value for the experience.
⏳ Check Renovation Status
The building may be closed for refurbishment. Always verify current opening status before visiting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours in Advance
Essential for seeing the interior! Tours are limited and fill up fast. Check their website for booking info.
🗣️ German Tours, English Booklet
Tours are primarily in German, but an English information booklet is usually available.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
The tour is a bargain at around €4, offering incredible value for the experience.
⏳ Check Renovation Status
The building may be closed for refurbishment. Always verify current opening status before visiting.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The architecture is breathtaking. Be ready to take photos, especially of the main hall.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Görlitz Department Store for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and its iconic role in 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.' The guided tours are highly recommended for their informative content and the chance to see the impressive interior. However, the limited opening hours and potential for closures due to refurbishment can be a significant drawback, often requiring advance planning and flexibility.
"Looks impressive from the outside but very limited opening hours and currently closed for refurbishment so didn't get the full experience.
Will be positive if the refurbishment allows them to open it more regularly."
gary07734
"Visiting this store is one of the highlights of Görlitz! The tour allows you to visit the main floor and give you plenty of info about the building. Ina is responsible for the tours. She was marvelous!!
The tour is €4 and it is in German but they do have a booklet with all the info in English. Make sure to book in advance as it is a unique opportunity to see this architecture!!"
Virginia L
"It is probably the most beautiful department store in Germany.
Opened in 1913, the Art Nouveau department store was the heart of business life in Görlitz for 100 years. It was operating until 2009.
It had been used for outdoor scenes in the films "Rosenemil", "Lektor" and "Käthe Kruse". However, it was Wes Anderson who made the building really famous - his movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel” was shot there in the early 2013.
The building also appeared in the movie "Dream House"."
Anna Krzak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Görlitz Department Store (Kaufhaus) is located in the city center of Görlitz, Germany. It's easily accessible on foot from the main market square. If arriving by public transport, look for bus or tram stops near the city center. Parking is available in nearby public garages.
Yes, the Kaufhaus is a prominent building in Görlitz and is usually easy to spot. Its distinctive architecture makes it a landmark. Look for signs directing you to the city center attractions.
Absolutely! Görlitz is a very walkable city, and the Kaufhaus is centrally located. Public transport options are also available to reach the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The interior of the Görlitz Department Store is typically only accessible via guided tours. These tours need to be booked in advance, and it's crucial to check the official website for current availability and booking procedures.
Opening hours are very limited and often restricted to specific days and times for guided tours. Historically, there were tours around 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM, but this can change. Always verify the current schedule on their official website.
The guided tours usually have a modest fee, around €4 per person, which is considered excellent value for the unique experience.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, and often mandatory, as tour slots are limited. This is especially true if you want to guarantee a spot on a specific day or time.
Recent information suggests the building might be closed for refurbishment. It's essential to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on its operational status and tour availability.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Görlitz Department Store during tours, but it's always best to confirm with your tour guide. The stunning Art Nouveau architecture and the Grand Budapest Hotel connection make it a photographer's dream.
The main Art Nouveau hall is the star attraction for photos. Don't miss the intricate details of the staircases, balconies, and the overall grandeur of the space.
Yes, the exterior of the Görlitz Department Store is impressive and can be photographed from the street. Its historical facade is a significant part of Görlitz's architectural landscape.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Opened in 1913, the Görlitz Department Store (Kaufhaus) was a vibrant center of commerce for a century, operating until 2009. It's a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture and has a rich history tied to the city's development.
The Kaufhaus is a magnificent example of Art Nouveau architecture, characterized by its ornate details, flowing lines, and grand scale, typical of early 20th-century design.
Yes, it gained international fame as a filming location for Wes Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.' It has also appeared in other films like 'Rosenemil' and 'Dream House.'
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check the tour duration and content to ensure it's suitable for your children's attention spans. The modest entry fee makes it an affordable option for a unique cultural outing. Consider bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch their favorite architectural details or write down what they imagine happened there during filming.
🎬 Film Buffs & Cinephiles
Beyond 'The Grand Budapest Hotel,' the Kaufhaus has a history of being a filming location for other productions. Exploring its architecture allows you to appreciate why filmmakers are drawn to its unique aesthetic. Even if you're not a die-hard fan, understanding its cinematic past adds an extra layer of intrigue to your visit.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Even though it's no longer a functioning department store, the building's preservation allows for an intimate appreciation of its historical design. Guided tours provide context and highlight specific architectural features that might otherwise be overlooked. It’s a chance to step back in time and marvel at the craftsmanship and vision of early 20th-century architects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grand Budapest Hotel Connection
Beyond its cinematic fame, the Kaufhaus has a rich history as one of Germany's most beautiful department stores. Opened in 1913, it was a hub of retail activity for nearly a century before closing its doors in 2009. Its survival and potential for future use, often through guided tours, are a testament to its architectural significance and the community's desire to preserve such historical gems. The building's unique character, preserved through careful maintenance and its role in film, makes it a standout attraction in Görlitz.
Architectural Marvel: Art Nouveau Gem
Every detail, from the grand staircase to the shopfronts, reflects the era's commitment to aesthetic beauty and craftsmanship. The building served as a symbol of prosperity and modern design in Görlitz. Even after its operational closure as a department store, its architectural integrity has been largely preserved, making it a valuable historical monument. Guided tours offer a unique opportunity to appreciate these details up close and understand the building's historical context and design philosophy.
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