Discovering Oberon: A Culinary Jewel Box Within the New Museum
Located in the heart of Manhattan, OMA’s newly designed restaurant, Oberon, encapsulates the art of architecture and dining in a single glance. Nestled within the recently completed extension of the New Museum, this “jewel box” of a restaurant is both striking and inviting—a true testament to contemporary design.
A Unique Architectural Design
Upon first approach, Oberon stands out as a metallic box, elegantly draped in a layer of cork painted silver. This design choice creates a harmonious relationship with the industrial materials prevalent throughout the museum. The exterior features a single horizontal band of frosted glass, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the ambiance within while maintaining an element of mystery. OMA described it as “hidden-in-plain-sight,” emphasizing its unique positioning within the expansive lobby.
Location and Accessibility
Oberon spans 2,500 square feet (230 square meters) on the ground floor, adjacent to the bustling museum lobby. Not only can patrons enter from inside the museum, but there’s also a separate, speakeasy-style entrance from Freeman Alley. This dual access enhances its allure, making it accessible from different directions, inviting visitors and locals alike to experience the dining space as an integral part of the museum.
A Contrast of Aesthetics
Inside, Oberon presents a striking contrast to the museum’s stark industrial aesthetics. The restaurant’s moody, cavernous atmosphere is intentional—designed to provide a warm, inviting retreat. Architectural partner Shohei Shigematsu expressed that the team envisioned Oberon as both an extension of and an independent entity from the museum itself.
Thoughtful Interior Design
The interior features a multitude of seating options, including fixed pockets and large open dining areas designed for both communal gathering and personal retreat. The organic textures and tactile finishes, primarily utilizing expanded cork, soften the typically clinical environment of modern museum spaces. Booth seating—crafted entirely from black expanded cork—creates an intimate atmosphere, complemented by pendant lighting designed by Minjae Kim, that hangs gracefully from scooped ceilings, illuminating each table.
Innovative Use of Materials
One of the standout features of Oberon is its innovative material choices. The cork used is not just sustainable; it’s also a unique fabric resulting from heating cork offcuts, self-bonding through its natural resins. This allows for carved, intimate spaces that feel lively yet serene. The innovative approach to materials not only addresses ecological concerns but also integrates a tactile softness that balances the museum’s characteristic whiteness.
Interactive Artistic Experience
Adding to the distinctive dining experience is an interactive digital artwork by Ian Cheng, prominently displayed behind the bar. This artistic installation merges beautifully with the restaurant’s contemporary design approach, enhancing the ambiance and offering diners more than just a meal—it’s an experience that engages multiple senses.
Natural Elements and Lighting
Oberon’s design thoughtfully incorporates nature, with booths filled with tropical plants that cast playful shadows across the frosted glass exterior, creating a dynamic interplay of light and form. This blend of nature and art within the dining space invites guests to linger, enhancing the overall experience.
The Bigger Picture
Oberon is not just a restaurant; it is a reflection of OMA’s innovative vision and their ability to create spaces that resonate deeply with cultural institutions. As part of the larger expansion of the New Museum, it signals a commitment to enriching visitors’ experiences, providing a communal space that feels both inviting and artistically significant.
Overall, Oberon stands as a beacon of design excellence and culinary ambition within the New Museum, offering a uniquely immersive dining experience that resonates with the essence of contemporary art and architecture.