Inspired by legendary 20th century magician Harry Blackstone Sr; The Blackstone Magic Bar is the first magic bar in China; an intimate space combining elements of magic with innovative mixology characterized by a modern interior design crafted to enhance the appreciation of the guests for the close-up magic performed by some of the best magicians in Asia.
We first met the founder of The Blackstone Magic Bar in 2002 when he was an aspiring young magician learning from the leading magicians in the world and we were honored to work with him to fulfill his lifelong dream of creating China’s first magic bar.
The project comprises two main areas; a central bar where the magician mixologists create signature cocktails while engaging clients with impromptu magic displays; and the theatre space with 30 seats where guests are treated to intimate magic shows several nights a week.
The inspiration for the interior design came primarily from signature pieces of Harry Blackstone Jr. including the Vanishing Birdcage; the Floating Lightbulb & the Dancing Handkerchief and we worked closely with the Client and his team of magicians to create an atmospheric space that would allow them to display their craft.
Located in Shanghai’s emerging Julu #158 nightlife district; the design experience of the Blackstone starts with the façade design itself; a combination of optical illusions and a large doors with small oblo windows completely differentiates it from the neighboring restaurants and bars.
The intimate bar area is composed of a limited series of materials and finishes that combine together to create a series of illusions and trompe d’oeil with the soft general lighting provided by the golden chandeliers custom designed and produced by the Venice based family company of Kokaistudios Principal Architect Filippo Gabbani.
The theater area; which remains hidden behind deep red theater curtains until showtime; is an intimate space of 30 theater style seats spread over 3 levels. The materials have all been considered in connection with the sophisticated lighting and sound system with the target to keep the guests attention focused on the center of the room where the magicians perform their craft.
Since opening last year The Blackstone Magic Bar has carved its own unique space in Shanghai’s night-life scene as was recently awarded as the New Bar of the Year at the annual That’s Shanghai Awards.
Project: Blackstone Magicbar
Client: Anson Chen
Location: Found158 Jululu, Shanghai
Contract Value: Confidential
Size: 80 sqm
Interior Designer Kokaistudios
Chief Architects: Andrea Destefanis , Filippo Gabbiani
Design Manager: Ian Yu
Design Team: Wei Tao, Xiting Wei
Photography: Seth Powers
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