The Most Special Location for Coffee & Bites in Central Tirana
Project: Opera Café
Studio: Atelier 4
Status: Completed
Location: National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Albania, Scanderbeg Square, Tirana
Photography: Besart Cani
The Opera Café in Tirana, located in the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Albania, is a standout spot in Scanderbeg Square. Designed by Atelier 4, this café combines old-world charm with modern design, creating an elegant atmosphere for visitors.
The café is spread over two floors, giving it a spacious and open feel. It connects directly to the theatre’s grand concourse, which features the classic Italian fascist style of monumental architecture. This includes tall columns, beige stone, and large staircases that welcome guests into the theatre.
Atelier 4’s design for the Opera Café beautifully mixes elements of the theatre with a Parisian Café vibe. The interior is filled with touches that remind visitors of the theatre, like elegant nouvelle vague lamps that provide a warm glow. A standout feature is a large, decorative curtain in a golden color, adding a touch of glamour. The color scheme includes dark velvet green and metallic gold chandeliers, creating a rich but cozy place.
The flooring is made from local Albanian red marble with white veins, adding a bold and beautiful contrast to the lighter shades used on the walls and bar area. The bar itself is designed with shifted shelves, illuminated with warm golden light to highlight the selected bottles. Each shelf has spotlights, drawing attention to the fine drinks available.
Atelier 4 did a great job mixing the elegant style of the theatre with the lively energy of a central city café. The combination of lights, colors, and shapes creates a space that is both buzzy and comfortable, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy.
The Opera Café is more than just a place to grab a coffee or eat e bite; it’s a space where you immerge in culture and kind of disconnect from the monotony of the ongoing style around the city. Atelier 4 has successfully created a place that matches the historic feel of the National Opera and Ballet Theatre while also providing a modern and inviting colorful space. As Oscar Wilde once said, “I claim that theatre is the greatest form of art, the fastest way in which individuals can share with each other the meaning of being a human being.” The Opera Café captures this spirit, offering a place where architecture, art, and human connection meet.
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