For this one though, you’ll have to be a member to enjoy. Luckily we got a chance to experience it in person, and it was quite impressive — from the striking architecture to the thoughtfully designed (and themed) cocktail menu.
The newly revamped Chapel Bar comes from both Fotografiska and NeueHouse, the private work and social space that opened nearby in Madison Square.
Meant to be a gathering place for the cultural tastemakers of NYC, Chapel Bar dates all the way back to 1867, when it was known as the “Renwick Gem” Schoolhouse. It was originally constructed by James Renwick Jr., the architect who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
In this era, award-winning interior design studio Roman and Williams transformed it into a dark, sophisticated space that pays homage to its historic (and religious) roots. The breathtaking interior includes a moody jewel tone color palette, floral installations by Floratorium, photography installation by Miles Aldridge, coinciding with his Fotografiska exhibition, and a VIP “Confessional” room with experiential cocktail service.
Get tickets to Fotografiska here.
As for the drinks? Inspired by its original purpose, the carefully curated menu of cocktails and spirits were all first created by monks, priests, and influential figures – both “historic and folkloric.” This includes a selection of chartreuses, champagnes, gins and more.
And the design makes the perfect background for the well-crafted cocktails!
“The concept for Chapel Bar was to build a sanctuary for culture – a place to worship art, photography, fashion and music in a chic setting, surrounded by creative and curious individuals,” says Josh Wyatt, CEO of Fotografiska and NeueHouse, “We’re bringing together a kindred member base who are passionate about pushing culture forward in their personal and professional lives, and we welcome the magic moments and passionate energy that will come from this gathering of minds and spirits.”
To experience Chapel Bar, guests will need to become either a Fotografiska Patron or NeueHouse Member.
The space may look especially familiar as of late, since it was featured in the new hit Netflix show, “Inventing Anna.” Based on the feature story from New York Magazine, it follows how Anna Sorokin (better known as Anna Delvey) pretended to be a German heiress, infiltrating the NYC elite and eventually scamming hotels and banks out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
You can spot Fotografiska and the outside of Chapel Bar in episodes 3 & 4, when Sorokin wants to use it as the location of her private arts and culture social club, the “Anna Delvey Foundation.” Of course at that time it was before the museum was there, when it was simply the old Church Missions House that was up for lease.