Philippe Starck's Maison Heler Opens in Metz: Surreal 19th-Century House Atop Hotel

The Maison Heler, a new hotel in Metz, France, designed by Philippe Starck, has officially opened. The hotel is located in the Amphithéâtre district near the Centre Pompidou-Metz. Its distinctive feature is a 19th-century Lorrain-style house seemingly perched atop a contemporary nine-story building, creating a surreal and dreamlike landmark. This design is inspired by the fictional story of Manfred Heler, an inventor whose home was mysteriously lifted into the sky. The hotel houses 104 rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, and event spaces. The restaurants include La Cuisine de Rose, a floral brasserie dedicated to Manfred's imagined love, Rose, and La Maison de Manfred, located within the rooftop house, offering panoramic views of Metz. Ara Starck's stained glass windows infuse the restaurant with an ethereal presence. The interior design incorporates whimsical objects, paying homage to the city's historical landmarks. Maison Heler also serves as a living gallery, featuring whimsical objects inspired by French painter and illustrator Jacques Carelman's Catalogue d'Objets Introuvables (1969). Guests encounter playful artifacts: a crystal hammer, inverted rocking chairs, and plaster anvils.