1821 – Not Just a Bar is a spatial narrative hidden in the heart of Kalamata. Designed by Morphe Design Studio and architect Venia Panopoulou, the project reimagines one of the city’s oldest buildings without erasing its past. Its preserved exterior conceals a contemporary interior, balancing historical context with bold materiality. The name nods to the Greek Revolution – but not through nostalgia. Instead, guests encounter heritage through an unexpected twist: a hidden barbershop on the mezzanine level.
This dual identity transforms the space into an immersive, theatrical experience. The palette – marble, wood, raw metal – evokes permanence and tactility. Lighting and bespoke metalwork add sculptural drama, while every element is intentional. 1821 is not just a bar; it’s a curated moment in time, designed to reflect, surprise, and engage.

Credits
Interior
morphḗ design studio; Venia Panopoulou, Marcia Handrinou
Client
1821 The history Bar
Year of completion
2024
Location
Kalamata, Greece
Total area
220 m2
Photos
Konstantinos Theofilopoulos
Project Partners
Panagiotis Zagarelos Woodworks, Almeco Contract Furniture, Vfos lighting, Tomaras Wood