Ceci n’est pas un bar; it’s so much more. That’s how the people behind the world’s first Magritte Bar are presenting the place and if you’re familiar with the artist’s work, there really is no better way of presenting him.
To celebrate the 125th birthday of the world-famous Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte, Hotel Amigo in Brussels opened Bar Magritte on November 21st. On the menu? A bit of surrealism, of course, and a lot of cocktails.
“We are thrilled to open Bar Magritte, the world’s first and only bar in celebration of the iconic Belgian Surrealist artist René Magritte. Art and culture is central to all that we do at Hotel Amigo so it seemed like a natural fit to dedicate our new bar to the enduring legacy of one of Brussels’ most celebrated sons – especially on what would have been his 125th birthday”, explained Jan Nielsen, Hotel Amigo’s Managing Director and Managing Director for Rocco Forte Hotels Northern Europe.
The bar is a true work of art on many levels. First of all, there’s the cocktail menu, which was developed by mixologist Salvatore Calabrese. The beverages are divided into two separate categories: ‘His Works’ and ‘His World’. The first are, as the name suggests, inspired by works of the artist, while the second category draws inspiration from the people and world surrounding Magritte. The menu also features a little food section, inspired by Belgian classics and Magritte’s favourite dishes.
The design on the other hand was a combined effort of Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, and DO Design Studio. The colours are those that can be found in Magritte’s work, the bespoke wallpaper was inspired by ‘Femmes’ and the stained glass windows complete the picture-perfect interior.
“The subject matter is so rich and full of inspiration. Combining all the elements – from the cocktails developed by Salvatore Calabrese and our expert in-house team, to the beautiful glassware and uniforms we have selected, to the striking interior design by my aunt Olga Polizzi and DO Studios – and watching it all come to life as the fabulous world of Magritte has been so exciting”, said Lydia Forte, Group Director of Food & Beverage.
Moreover, guests at the Bar Magritte will be able to enjoy live music on certain dates. Perfect for a pitstop while visiting Brussels’ city centre or for a night out with an art-loving partner or friends.
