The Hotel am Konzerthaus in Vienna is located in the immediate vicinity of such cultural institutions as the Akademietheater, Konzerthaus and Musikverein. This exclusive location provided the inspiration for the new design concept of the restaurant and lobby. With its decidedly theatrical flair, this extraordinary hotel concept was developed under the fitting motto of “Backstage on stage”. The first thing the visitors notice when entering the lobby is the “Cloud of Light”, a scintillating glass object consisting of countless hand-made elements – a modern take on the classic chandelier. The eye is then immediately drawn to the elevators, which are surrounded by a dramatic red velvet curtain and fitted with shiny brass doors. From here, a left turn will take visitors to the reception and lobby, while the entrance area merges smoothly into a lounge area on the right. “The design of the bar and restaurant areas, draws on elements that can be found in typical Viennese houses as well as in the nearby theatres,” explains BWM project manager Aleš Košak. The Viennese elements include parquet flooring, brass, marble, velvet, and spherical lamps. They are complemented by new, exciting ideas with great charisma such as the bar, a centrepiece with an enormous stage presence that is clad in shiny, pleated brass and features a red velvet “show-time curtain”. This curtain not only conveys theatrical flair, but can also be opened or closed in accordance with the bar’s opening hours.