High above Dubai’s financial heart, on the 52nd floor of ICD Brookfield Place, 1920 has redefined the cocktail bar as more than a destination—it has become an atmosphere, a narrative, and an immersive design experience. Since its debut in January 2025, the venue has quickly become a gathering place for the city’s tastemakers, seamlessly weaving together mixology, music, and design into one evocative whole.
The inspiration for 1920 is drawn directly from the Roaring Twenties, an era of contrasts: ambition by day, abandon by night. That duality became the cornerstone of its concept, balancing the discipline of a workspace with the allure of a hidden speakeasy. At once professional and provocative, the interiors channel the era’s glamour without imitation, creating a space that feels both intimate and expansive, suspended in time above the city lights.
The project bears the unmistakable signature of Barcelona-based designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, known for his narrative-driven interiors across more than 600 projects worldwide. His involvement stretched from the first sketch to the final styling, with details sourced everywhere from global flea markets to Dubai’s own antique dealers. Each piece, whether a curated lamp or handcrafted glass tile, adds to the venue’s layered storytelling.
One of the central design gestures is a monumental mural made from ceramic tiles sourced from Spain. Rising with the vertical rhythm of early skyscraper lobbies, it commands attention without overwhelming the space. Around it, layers of antique décor, glass installations, and rich textiles deepen the sense of intrigue. Reflective surfaces and warm woods evoke modernist sleekness, while velvet upholstery and rich colors—reds, golds, and blues—speak to the sensual allure of twilight.
Lighting is central to the mood of 1920. Sculptural sconces and fluted glass panels create an interplay of shadow and shimmer, while the glowing onyx bar becomes a jewel-like anchor. During golden hour, the venue glows in soft amber; by night, it transforms into a cinematic stage, with deeper tones and sharper rhythms defining the shift from sanctuary to celebration.
The space itself unfolds like a narrative journey. Guests enter into hushed booths and semi-private nooks, evoking secrecy and intimacy, before moving toward open lounges and the DJ stage. Seating evolves from plush sofas for private conversation to high stools near the music, reflecting the venue’s dual energy: a retreat and a performance.
At its heart, 1920 is where music and mixology converge. The brass-and-glass back bar rises like an altar, where bartenders perform with the precision and fluidity of jazz musicians. Cocktails are crafted with respect for tradition yet punctuated by playful, unexpected notes. Just beside it, the vinyl DJ booth grounds the soundscape, curating nights that lean on soulful vinyl sets and retro-inspired rhythms—music as narrative rather than backdrop.
What makes 1920 distinctive in a city of spectacle is its restraint. It doesn’t demand attention; it rewards it. Every curve, every surface, every flicker of light has been designed to offer elegance without excess. In a city known for grandeur, 1920 stands apart as a bar that feels like a secret—one shared only with those who seek both design and intimacy, drama and discretion.
For more information or reservations, visit 1920.ae or find them on Instagram at @1920dubai.
