Eduard Johan Niermans

Dutch youngster emerges as award-winning French architect

Eduard Niermans studied architecture at the then still so-called Polytechnic School in Delft. In 1883, he obtained his degree and left for Paris. After a few years of furniture and interior design, he focused entirely on architecture.

Niermans had an entirely individual style in which Dutch influences were recognisable. He combined knowledge of building styles from the past with a feeling for the spirit of the age. In 1889, he was awarded a knighthood by the French government in recognition of his contribution to the World Exhibition: he was responsible for the design and layout of the Javanese pavilion, which was part of the Dutch entry. In that year, he also built the famous Moulin Rouge in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

In 1895, he became a naturalised French citizen and a member of the Central Society of Architecture. He built dozens more buildings, including many hotels. From 1909, he did so from his Agence sur la Côte d’Azur in Nice. He lived in the same place, in the luxurious Villa des Eucalyptus, which he designed himself. Niermans died in 1928. He left a lasting legacy in numerous French cities in the form of his buildings.