Wed/Thurs April 10-11, 2024 – A WONDERFUL CHILDRENS’ TALE ON THE WALLS

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APRIL 10-11, 2024

See inside the

BEMELMAN’S BAR


AT THE CARLYLE

ISSUE # 1218

ATLAS OBSCURA

The walls are decorated with whimsical murals painted by the creator of the Madeline franchise. 

IN A BAR IN MANHATTAN that is covered in art, lives the last public place Ludwig Bemelmans’ whimsy plays a big part.

The story of the feisty literary heroine Madeline begins in Paris, but the girl with the red hair and big yellow hat travels all around the world in the books written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. Much like his most famous character, Bemelmans’ life began in Europe, in the Austrian Tirol, but he emigrated to the United States when he was nearly 20 years old. After working in the hotel industry and serving in the army, he began writing and illustrating books for children. He found huge success with his Madeline series, the first book of which came out in 1939.

He went on to write five books about the spunky seven-year-old and her adventures, and also produced popular artwork for publications like The New Yorker and Vogue. In the 1940s, Bemelmans took on a commission that combined two of his passions: hotels and painting. He was contracted to decorate the new bar that was built in The Carlyle, a luxury hotel in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

For this, he was paid not in cash, but received free board for himself and his family for a year and a half, the duration it took for the wall murals to be completed.

The dull yellow of the walls is enlivened by elephants, rabbits, and other animals frolicking around Central Park, all painted in Bemelmans’ trademark style. Madeline and her friends can also be spotted, alongside other typical park scenes like dogs sprinting with their owners and nurses taking babies for a stroll. The simplicity of the wall art is contrasted by the more luxurious Art Deco interiors of the bar. The ceilings are coated in gold leaf and leather banquettes line the walls, placed near glass-top tables. 

The whimsical artwork adds to the New York City piano bar’s quiet appeal and it is the only remaining place where Bemelmans’ work that is open to the public. It’s all there is, and there isn’t anymore.

Know Before You Go

Located in the Carlyle Hotel.

A cover charged is applied to individuals and tables when the jazz band is playing in the evenings, usually after 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday $25 per table and $15 for an individual. Friday and Saturday $35 per table and $15 for individuals. The bar opens at noon and serves food after 5 p.m. (These prices are subject to change)

WEDNESDAY PHOTO OF THE DAY

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TUESDAY PHOTO OF THE DAY

Photo: The Eternal Light, with star‑shaped lamp atop the flagpole, in Madison Square Park, architect Thomas Hastings designed it

 1918 erected and lit on November 11, 1923  honors military heroes of WWI with battlefields on which fought 

Joyce Gold and Ed Litcher got it right

CREDITS

ATLAS OBSCURA
JUDITH BERDY

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