The Kimmel Cultural Center

Originally designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, The Kimmel Center is Philadelphia’s premiere venue for the performing arts. Recent master planning by Kieran Timberlake matched with vibrant interior design by Marguerite Rodgers reinvigorate the building, making desirable connections to the public all day, every day. To offer patrons casual dining, Marguerite Rodgers partnered with Jose Garces to create the Garces Trading Company. Appointed with furnishings inspired by outdoor dining, teak wood, cabana stripes, and cane weaving are delightful in this context as are the oversized lamps. Textured, colorful rugs define two levels with a variety of seating arrangements. Overhead, the petal-shaped light fixtures create an intimate space within the vast plaza. A lounge/art gallery in an upper tier is made comfortable with furnishings similar to the café.

  • Architecture: KieranTimberlake
  • Lighting Design: The Lighting Practice
  • Contractor: Haverstick Borthwick Company
  • Photography: Halkin | Mason Photography LLC
Spacious indoor atrium with a glass ceiling, large wooden accents, and a modern café named Garces Trading. Several people walk and sit at tables; a dramatic abstract sculpture hangs above the café area. Natural light fills the open, contemporary space.
A modern lobby with high ceilings features people sitting at tables and a couch, socializing and working. Unique clustered pendant lights hang above. Upstairs, two people stand at a glass railing. The space has brick accents, large windows, and a Bakers House cafe counter.
Modern hotel lobby with high ceilings, geometric hanging lights, red brick wall, wood and blue seating, pink lounge chairs, small tables, and a bar with orange menu boards. Large windows bring in natural light from the city outside.
Modern café with patterned rug, brown leather banquettes, wooden tables, blue chairs, and armchairs. Sculptural light fixtures hang above. Shelves with colorful items and menu boards are behind the counter. Large windows let in natural light.
Modern bar with wood and brick accents, orange digital menu boards displaying drink options, shelves of bottles and glasses, high stools at the counter, patterned carpet, blue lounge chair, potted plant, and artistic white ceiling installations. Large window in background.
Modern dining space with wooden tables and chairs on a colorful rug; artistic white ceiling lights hang above. Brick and black walls frame the area, with a long counter and red stools by large windows overlooking a city street. Warm, inviting atmosphere.
Modern lobby with blue chairs, brown sofa, glass tables, and colorful artwork on brick walls. Large windows on the right let in natural light. A staircase with glass railing leads up, and an abstract sculpture group is visible near the windows.
A spacious atrium with a high arched glass ceiling, modern balconies, and people walking or sitting at a stylish café. Large windows reveal tall buildings outside, while posters and a wall listing names decorate the interior.
Large, modern atrium with a glass roof. People walk on two floors. An abstract, colorful mural is above the upper level. A restaurant with warm lighting is visible. Tall city buildings can be seen through the glass. Natural light fills the space.