Beneath the grand arches of Amsterdam’s historic Vondelpark Pavilion, Café Vertigo has been reborn with a cinematic new identity by Studio Modijefsky.
Long a haunt for film buffs, creatives, and park-goers, the café now blends the building’s storied past with a modern vision inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 thriller Vertigo.
Studio Modijefsky approached the project as a filmic sequence, using perspective, rhythm, and layering to play with perception. Vertiginous lines in the walls, floors, and ceilings guide the eye, creating subtle disorientation while immersing guests in a narrative that feels both familiar and dreamlike.
How the design scenes play out at Café Vertigo
In the souterrain, plush velvet arches and faceted mirrors recall backstage lounges, while upstairs, the bar makes a bold statement in glossy purple lacquer against the pavilion’s formal architecture.
The winter garden glows with floor-to-ceiling coral curtains that echo the parasols on the terrace, and a constellation of orb lights hovers above, visible from the park.
Tapping into history
Historic cues shape the design at every turn. The Vondelpark Pavilion, built in the late 19th century by architect Willem Hamer Jr., has housed everything from a grand restaurant to clubs like Au Caveau Parisien and Kiekeboe—both known for their mirrored walls, velour, and vibrant palettes.
Rather than erasing this layered history, Studio Modijefsky referenced it. Pink hues nod to Kiekeboe, mosaic textures recall early salon details, and arched alcoves reinterpret original motifs.
Lighting and art play supporting roles
Vintage and custom fixtures create a moody interplay: alcove sconces echo showerhead forms, bar pendants recall dressing room bulbs, and illuminated glass racks add drama. Behind the bar, three Tiffany-style lamps warm the tiled walls, inviting more intimate gatherings.
Art completes the narrative. A reflective mobile by Bregje Sliepenbeek catches shifting light, while works by Indigo Sum, Lotus Krabbé, Jesper Dobbeling, and others weave local artistry into the cinematic theme. Playful and nostalgic, the collection nods to Amsterdam’s creative spirit and the pavilion’s cultural legacy.
Café Vertigo’s outdoor spaces
Outside, one of Amsterdam’s largest terraces stretches from the park’s edge to the pavilion steps. The lower level buzzes with casual energy, while the upper balcony offers a bistro-like setting with treetop views.
Papaya, orange, and yellow parasols bridge the greenery of Vondelpark with the pavilion’s elegance, extending the café’s cinematic mood outdoors.
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