Gebrüder Thonet Vienna steps into Milan’s nightlife with Take Me Out, a photographic project by Beppe Brancato that places the brand’s signature pieces in some of the city’s most vibrant nightspots. The series captures the interaction between classic furniture and contemporary social spaces, transforming each setting into a visual narrative. Shot in Milan’s bars and lounges, the project reveals how these iconic designs evolve with their surroundings.
From bar counters to intimate dining corners, pieces by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna become key players in a dynamic scene. Their presence in these venues reflects a deep-rooted design philosophy, one that bridges history and modernity.
A Visual Dialogue Between Past and Present
The project unfolds across several renowned locations, each contributing to Milan’s distinctive nightlife culture. Camparino in Galleria, a historic bar in Piazza Duomo, features Hermann Czech’s Czech armchairs, elegantly positioned as cocktails are crafted behind the counter. Upstairs, the Spiritiello Room presents a visual dialogue between two Magistretti 03 01 chairs, one black, one red. Designed by Vico Magistretti, these chairs showcase his refined approach to bentwood craftsmanship. The Cirque stool by Martino Gamper, with its sculptural chain-like structure, stands out in a setting dominated by metallic tones. It balances both function and artistic presence within the space.
Bar Paradiso, near Porta Romana, is a lively space that attracts a mix of university students and international guests. Here, Adolf Loos’ Loos Café Museum chair, first designed in 1898, takes on a fresh identity within a contemporary environment. Nearby, Gamper’s Trio low stool, with its angular geometry and unexpected bentwood details, introduces a playful contrast. Inside, Nigel Coates’ Bodystuhl chair, with its fluid silhouette, interacts with the reflective surfaces of steel accents, while the Stocksessel walking stick/folding stools, originally designed in 1866, hang discreetly below the bar.
Iconic Pieces in Milan’s Most Beloved Nightspots
At Jamaica Bar, a venue rich in cultural history, India Mahdavi’s Loop armchair in a vibrant red stands out against warm wood tones. Its signature curved armrest adds a sculptural touch, reinforcing the artistic atmosphere of a place frequented by writers and creatives for decades. Nearby, Josef Hoffmann’s N. 811 stools, designed in 1930, reflect the bar’s mix of classic and modern influences, while a gray Stocksessel stool/walking stick nods to the brand’s 19th-century origins.
The eclectic Palinurobar in Città Studi, known for its ‘70s-inspired aesthetic, brings a more playful energy to the series. Here, Trio stools line up along a vintage-style bar, their structured forms standing out against the retro décor. The Cirque stool, with its unique mix of colors and materials, integrates into the space, while outside, a red Magistretti 03 01 chair and a burgundy Trio low stool reflect the neon glow of the bar’s signature wavy wine bottle sign.
Design Meets Atmosphere at Milan’s Hidden Gems
Further along the Naviglio canal, Motelombroso offers a quieter, more refined contrast to the energy of the city. A sanctuary for food lovers, the restaurant plays host to some of most well-known designs of Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. The Schaukelstuhl rocking chair and Kleiderständer coat and umbrella stand complement the space’s architecture, while the Hideout armchair by Front, upholstered in lime-green fabric, introduces a vibrant focal point.
Discover More Impressive Furniture Collections
At La Conca, a historic café reimagined as a bar and social hub, the N. 14 bistro chair, designed by Michael Thonet in 1860, sits among green laminate tables and Palladian terrazzo flooring. Simple yet refined, this classic piece reflects decades of innovation in bentwood craftsmanship. In an adjacent room, the Wiener Stuhl armchairs and N. 18 stool create a relaxed yet structured environment, reinforcing the connection between traditional Milanese café culture and contemporary design.
Beppe Brancato’s Vision of Design in Motion
Through his lens, Beppe Brancato captures more than just furniture. He reveals how design interacts with atmosphere, movement, and social interaction. With a background in editorial and commercial photography, Brancato has worked with major publications like Elle Decoration, Icon, Living, Marie Claire Maison, Style Magazine, and Wallpaper*. His collaborations also extend to brands such as Alias, Cassina, Flos, Kartell, Knoll, Pedrali, and Zanotta.
