Longue Vue House and Gardens

Longue Vue House and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, is a stunning estate located in New Orleans, Louisiana, showcasing a blend of Art Deco and International Style architecture, designed by renowned architects William Platt and Edgar A. Christy. The estate was built for Edith Stern and Edgar Bloom Stern, a wealthy couple who were prominent members of the New Orleans community, and friends of notable figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Comfort Tiffany. The Sterns were also avid supporters of the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The estate's design was influenced by the works of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, and its construction was overseen by the esteemed Tod Williams.

History

The history of Longue Vue House and Gardens dates back to the 1930s, when Edgar Bloom Stern and Edith Stern commissioned the construction of the estate, which was completed in 1939. The Sterns were a prominent family in New Orleans, with ties to the New Orleans Cotton Exchange and the Louisiana State University. They were also friends with notable figures such as Dorothy Draper, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The estate was designed to showcase the Sterns' extensive collection of European art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Salvador Dalí. The estate's history is also closely tied to the Tulane University and the New Orleans Botanical Garden, with which the Sterns had a long-standing relationship.

Architecture

The architecture of Longue Vue House and Gardens is a unique blend of Art Deco and International Style, designed by William Platt and Edgar A. Christy. The estate's design was influenced by the works of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, and its construction was overseen by the esteemed Tod Williams. The estate features a stunning garden room, designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman, which showcases the Sterns' collection of rare plants and orchids. The estate's architecture is also notable for its use of steel and glass, which was innovative for its time, and its design has been compared to the works of Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. The estate has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Gardens

The gardens at Longue Vue House and Gardens are a highlight of the estate, featuring a variety of plant species and gardening styles. The gardens were designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman, a renowned landscape architect, who also designed gardens for the Biltmore Estate and the New York Botanical Garden. The gardens feature a stunning rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a children's garden, among others. The gardens are also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and butterflies, and have been recognized by the Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation. The gardens have been compared to the works of André Le Nôtre and Lancelot Brown, and have been featured in publications such as House & Garden and Garden Design.

Art Collection

The art collection at Longue Vue House and Gardens is a treasure trove of European art, featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Salvador Dalí. The collection also includes works by American artists, such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Edward Hopper. The collection is showcased throughout the estate, with many pieces on display in the garden room and the living room. The collection has been recognized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, and has been featured in publications such as Art in America and The Art Newspaper. The collection is also notable for its inclusion of works by female artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt.

Conservation Efforts

Longue Vue House and Gardens is committed to conservation efforts, with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The estate has implemented a variety of initiatives, including the use of solar power and rainwater harvesting. The estate is also home to a variety of wildlife conservation programs, including a bird sanctuary and a butterfly garden. The estate has been recognized by the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency for its conservation efforts, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. The estate is also a member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the World Wildlife Fund.