Bar Oppenheimer by artist Tobias Rehberger, New York

Frieze Art Fair in New York
For this year's Frieze Art Fair in New York, German artist Tobias Rehberger has transplanted a dazzling version of his favourite Frankfurt drinking den to Chelsea's Hôtel Americano
(Image credit: Press)

New York is the ultimate mecca of multiculturism, and now the city welcomes its latest international import: Tobias Rehberger (opens in new tab)’s Bar Oppenheimer. Launching during Frieze New York (opens in new tab) by his London gallerist Pilar Corrias (opens in new tab), the German artist has gone above and beyond to replicate - and reinvent - his favourite Frankfurt local within Hôtel Americano (opens in new tab).

One part sculptural artwork, one part fully functioning bar, the second edition of Bar Oppenheimer (opens in new tab) remains faithful to the spirit of the original – but with a characteristic Rehberger twist.
 
The striking striped interior is based on ‘dazzle camouflage’, a trick used by camoufleurs in the First World War to confuse enemy submarines and prevent them from accurately identifying their position. The psychedelic prints serve a more playful purpose in the Oppenheimer doppelgänger, although that’s not to say a few cocktails won’t have guests seeing double.

We caught up with Rehberger in the original Frankfurt bar for our June 2013 issue (opens in new tab). Pick up a copy to find out what inspired this act of transplantation.

The original Bar Oppenheimer

The artist at the original Bar Oppenheimer.

(Image credit: Stefan Heinrichs)

striking striped décor based on Second World War

Rehberger's replica features striking striped décor based on Second World War 'dazzle camouflage'

(Image credit: Press)

The Frankfurt bar

The New York space has exactly the same size and proportions as the Frankfurt bar, but with added stripes

(Image credit: Press)

ADDRESS

Hôtel Americano
518 West 27th Street
New York

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