mbar is always interested in design and art projects that suite both its contemporary profile as well as the functionalist, classic building it is housed in called Lasipalatsi built in 1935. Also in our own choices regarding furniture and interior design we have attempted to respect the building itself while giving the space some new edge.

The café section chairs are by the Finnish desginer Ilmari Tapiovaara from 1957, titled "Nana". Lounge chairs are Ray Eames fibreglass molds from early 1950s with Eiffel base. Lounge sofas are designed by Donald Chadwick in 1973 for Herman Miller. Tall net café chair tops are also by Eames.

Our dj-stand, aquarium, magazine rack, and bar shelves are designed by bar founder Tapio Mäkelä; graphics printed on glass are done by Emil Bertell.

mbar terrace is designed by architect office Talli, Minna Lukander as the chief architect. Finishing touches such as furniture, wooden surfaces and the images printed onto the service building are designed by mbar. The photographs on the terrace building by nature photographer Markku Tano (from Finnish Nature Photography Archive)

Other special features include spotlights designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro. Many aspects of interior design, like the overall lighting, are part of the Lasipalatsi original architecture. For instance, wall and ceiling colors are protected by the Finnish museum legislation. The Lasipalatsi ("Crystal Palace") building was opened in the winter of 1935, designed by architects Viljo Revell, Niilo Kokko and Paavo Tynell. Where mbar resides, Valio operated an ice cream bar.

art and regalia

comics machine
mbar´s comic strip vending machine has been converted from an old cigarette machine by the Finnish Comics Association. Jenni Rope and colleague artists gather at the bar to hand draw the cigarette boxes, filled with a comic strip (2 euros each). The machine is a true marvel.

walls
mbar does not run a gallery as such, yet we feature works which suite mbar overall idea and design.