The Werkbund estates arose between 1927 and 1932 in Stuttgart, Brno, Wroclaw, Zürich, Vienna and Prague. They influenced 20th century architectural trends considerably. The estates constitute a highly significant cultural legacy, which are still the subject of intellectual debate and a destination for multinational visitors.

As a group, the Werkbund estates constitute an outstanding testimonial to the shared beginnings, and spread throughout Europe, of modern architecture. They illustrate the interconnections between European avant-garde figures, whose cultural interrelations and architectural theories traversed national boundaries.

The history of the estates reflects political and social shifts in 20th century Europe: democratic departures following WWI, denigration of the internationally-minded avant-garde by nationalist and racist regimes, and splitting into East and West after World war 2.

Following the fall of the Iron Curtain, their paths have again converged. The transnational network enables exchanges on multiple levels; conservation; and communication – particularly to young people – about the birth of modern architecture as a shared European achievement.