Whisper Bar

1287, Rua Santa Catarina, Lourdes, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

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Other Projects by Aptar Arquitetura e Construção

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AVRA Bar

Whisper Bar

1287, Rua Santa Catarina, Lourdes, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Firm

Aptar Arquitetura e Construção

Type

Hospitality + Sport › Bar/Nightclub

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2025

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

Undisclosed

Photos

Giancarlo Palmesi (21)

The Whisper bar and lounge, a new venture by Grupo Almanaque, was designed by the Brazil–based architecture firm Aptar Arquitetura, and stands out in Belo Horizonte’s gastronomic scene by offering guests the experience of visiting a secret bar.

Inspired by the 1920s Prohibition era in the United States and the rise of speakeasies—which symbolized freedom during a time of prohibition—the project creates a sensory and immersive atmosphere where past and present meet in a creative way.

Located in the basement of a commercial building in the Lourdes neighborhood, the space—previously used as a garage—now adds an element of suspense to the entrance ritual. The descent into the building’s underground level sets the stage for the air of mystery and exclusivity that defines the entire experience.

Upon arrival, warm, soft lighting, combined with the original polished concrete floor, contrasts with the exposed brick ceiling—a feature that, in addition to adding visual richness and texture, contributes to the room’s acoustic treatment, together with cellulose spray insulation. The iconic Chesterfield sofas, with their diamond-tufted folds, and mosaic-patterned rugs help create the vintage atmosphere that fills the space.

The bar takes on a central role in the lounge’s layout. At the back, a backlit liquor display playfully showcases the bottles in a variety of colors, including some placed upside down, ready to be served by a robot bartender. This futuristic element is an intentional contrast to the otherwise classic aesthetic of the space.

The lounge features varied seating arrangements: right at the entrance, tasting areas with living room-style setups are arranged near a piano and glass display cabinets, suggesting an elegant and intimate atmosphere. Further in, high tables with bar stools surround the bar area—ideal for cocktail enthusiasts.

One of the highlights is the projection-mapped wall, which simulates different scenes and serves as the backdrop for a set of linear velvet benches, accompanied by chairs and tables for casual dining. Velvet curtain walls enhance the scenography while also improving the venue’s acoustics. Lighting plays a leading role in the design, with ceiling-mounted tracks that highlight the textures, and spotlights that create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the room.

At the back, private booths are softly lit to highlight wire-framed glass tables with internal lighting, closing the journey with a strong sense of sophistication and exclusivity.

Credits:

Photographer: Giancarlo Palmesi
Construction Company: Uni

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Whisper Bar

1287, Rua Santa Catarina, Lourdes, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Other Projects by Aptar Arquitetura e Construção

AVRA Bar

Whisper Bar

1287, Rua Santa Catarina, Lourdes, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team