STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN - Fabulous Gallery in Tribeca

No trip to Tribeca in New York City is complete without a visit to a gallery, and we may have just found the most ‘complete’ exhibition and display experience there is – STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN.

The collectible design gallery is found on Church Street, around the corner from the artful hub, The Greenwich Hotel. In a Beaux-Arts style building by Henry J Hardenbergh (he of the Plaza Hotel and Waldorf Astoria), STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN is an invention of gallerist Nacho Polo and his partner Robert Onuska. Together, they transformed the space over two years – and none of the 7000 square feet escaped their meticulous gaze. 

The project focussed on a technique that is oh-so-important to galleries – framing. Through the building’s elaborate classical façade, a stone staircase leads to decorative chestnut doors, which were hand-carved in Beirut and open into a space where curved walls feel like a warm embrace, despite reaching to double-height ceilings. Making the most of the lofty studs is a bronze and glass chandelier comprised of hundreds of individual petals that look as if they could fall.

The lighting in the space was designed in collaboration with specialists L'Observatoire International to ensure each viewing vignette is filled with an atmospheric glow – richly detailed, hidden library and integrated arched fireplace included.

The studio gallery is only available to view by-appointment, to ensure guests are immersed in the aesthetic, and emotional, experience. The soundscape – because there is a soundscape – is designed by DJ and producer Mia Moretti, and a custom scent spritz rounds out the sensory experience.

The art is an ambient combination of made-to-order contemporary pieces – emerging, exclusive and established – and the founders’ personal art collection, which is on rotation. Work and home are closely linked for Polo and Onuska, who have an apartment just over the way in Herzog & de Meuron's iconic Jenga Tower. 

At the base of the Tower is Anish Kapoor’s first public art sculpture in New York, the Mini Bean. Its silver, mirrored surface reflects the face of both buildings back at each other – adding another layer of perspective and reflection to STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN's contemplative offering.