Bacardi Limited: 1862 Cocktail Bar

Planning Factory Bermuda

Short description

Bacardi Limited unveiled a new achievement in architectural and bar design, as well as a unique brand experience with their extensive global headquarters renovations, particularly the monumental tribute to the world’s largest privately-held spirits company: 1862 Cocktail Bar.
The building is inspired by an original design by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Today, the recent renovations bring modern technology while still honoring the past of the family-owned business. Though in the epicenter of the building, the original, unstructured, 60’ x 60’ cavernous space was widely under-used and hardly unadorned besides a 18’ x 40’ heritage oil painting of palm trees and an installation of the luminous night sky that reflects the astronomy of the fateful night in 1862 when the business began dubbed “Under the Stars”

This epic renovation kept in mind the family lore this widely-adored space holds by the team and family members.

Renovations began with archivists and conservators storing the permanent art installation for preservation until it is rehung and the decision made to amplify the image in other ways through branding of bar materials. Use of glass and other reflective materials became a focus for design to highlight Under the Stars’ beauty.

The slanted wall behind the painting was removed, as well as the vault it was housing. The completely custom bar installation began with laying a new structural platform foundation, as well as complex circuitry design for electronics, lighting, and AV.

Millwork is unique and brass inlays, including Bacardi signature, as well as vaulted doorways, extend the use of special wood up the 19.5’ shelving and cabinetry. The solid brass railing, adorned with bat devices and motif, is multi-functional to be removed for filming and town hall meetings. Gorgeous quartz was chosen to coordinate with the blue installation, with weight requiring special consideration.