Hotel Majapahit, Part II: Art Nouveau Treasure

In an earlier post, I highlighted the historical significance of the place where I am staying, Hotel Majapahit.  This post features the architectural significance of the property. 

Hotel Majapahit was built in 1910 and is one of Southeast Asia's best examples of Art Nouveau architecture, which was in vogue at that time, though it was past its zenith and was beginning to be overshadowed by other schools of thought. Art Nouveau is characterized by use of long curved shapes, stained and etched glass, organic features like leaves and trees, use of arches, and sensual ornamentation.  I have attached several pictures here of Majapahit's Nouveau elements--note the basic design of the building relies heavily on arches.  The light fixtures, particularly the gigantic chandeliers in the main conference hall are particularly representative of Art Nouveau as are the stained glass windows.

As the Majapahit engaged in expansion efforts during the 1920s, Art Nouveau had been supplanted by Art Deco as the popular trend in architectural style.  One defining feature of Art Deco is the use of geometric shapes (like squares and triangles) and sharp edges and you can notice these subtle differences in some of Majapahit's later design, particularly in the motifs of the newer stained-glass windows.

I enjoy both Art Nouveau and Art Deco, so staying in the Majapahit has been an extraordinary visual treat besides being a hotel of exceptional service and quality.





Art Nouveau Chandeliers in Main Conference Hall--my favorite and most-striking Nouveau element in the Majapahit.





Stained glass roof paneling in Main Conference Hall




Arched Nouveau stained glass windows with organic floral design:  three key Nouveau elements



Some neo-classical influence here too, but the basic motif is the Nouveau arch.



Etched glass with Nouveau motif--very typical of this architectural style




Lounge area including furniture with Nouveau influences






This is the Main Lobby, finished around 1930--notice the transition to Art Deco with the geometric patterns in the upper stained glass and the paneling below it.  The Art Nouveau chandelier ties together the divergent designs.  



Classic Art Nouveau architecture with arches dominates the vast majority of the external structure of the Majapahit.



Geometric columns and stained glass with geometric figures are definite Art Deco elements in the lobby expansion that was completed in 1930, during the heyday of the movement. 

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