Bar Luce

I have officially experienced the most "Wes Andersony" thing there is to experience. Previously I thought that I had accidentally stumbled upon that thing when I visited the Bagni Nuovi in Bormio, but it turns out there is an actual intentional Wes Anderson Mecca for the world now. That place is Bar Luce at the Fondazione Prada in Milan. A bar, or cafe as we would say in the US completely designed by Wes Anderson. After receiving no less than 15 emails, texts, facebook messages and phone calls asking me to visit this place, I made my own pilgrimage to Bar Luce.

The outside of the cafe leaves you with the same questions before arrival. It's rather inconspicuous until the door opens... then it is quite clear Bar Luce was designed by Wes Anderson. The textures, lines and colors are recognizable.

Custom Wes Anderson wallpaper... no. I do not know if you can get this for your house.

I borrowed this photo from amandahuynh on instagram because when we visited it was far too crowded to get a clear shot of the place.

The actual play list here at Bar Luce, just in case you need some ideas for your Wes Anderson themed party Ashely and Rebecca.

No one actually plays these... they just take pictures of them to put up on their blogs and instagram.... Just kidding

Jars of candy and italian pastries in the case.

The space is quite detailed, and I am certain that if I were more well versed in Wes Anderson movies and culture I would have noticed the little touches that make this place special. If you see some, let me know! I do however have enough experience to share that it truly does FEELS like walking into a scene from one of his films. The reason does not only lie in the decor, but more the people that are attracted to this place and the service staff. The decor creates the perfect backdrop that infolds everyone, but the people really make it come alive and give that feeling. Even being here I couldn't help but look at each person and imagine that they were really quirky and interesting with weird stories and that they probably talk in riddles and quips.

The wait staff wears these cute little get ups. I am not sure if this moment photographed truly shows the people here but there are chunky brown sweaters worn on hot Italian days, poodle skirts, Mary Janes, mini baby bangs, so many black rimmed glasses, and norm core jean vests.

This guy was one of my personal favorites, second only to the couple with the tiny dog wearing denim from head to toe who thought they were better than everyone else and could cut in line because they were pretty.

I wonder if she is here on accident... JK she is wearing a shirt covered in little steves!

What is not pictured are all of the instagram famous people who were posing EVERYWHERE. Against walls, in the sun, pretend walking/jumping, sitting in window sills pretending not to know someone was taking their picture while they looked away. So candid. IT'S ALL A LIE! They were more fun to watch than anything.

EVERYTHING says Bar Luce. The cups, the napkins, the sugar packets. So it is clear that this is for tourists, not a neighborhood hang out.

We sat down and ordered some coffee and panini. They have a small selection of panini, pastries, fruit and drinks. A perfect menu for a light breakfast, afternoon lunch or snack.

Everything was nice. The food was tasty, the coffee was good. It was enjoyable but I would say it is somewhere that really only needs to be visited once. There are far better bars in Milan for eating and drinking with friends. This is however something to see, and I would suggest it to anyone visiting Milan who has seen a Wes Anderson film. It is worth a trip, and besides the pavilion where it resides is very interesting.

Fondazione Prada is a gallery, event space and shop. There is always something to see here. I was particularly beside myself and obsessed with a building of the most intense gold I have ever seen. I mean come ON! Look at that thing. It is nearly blinding in the sun. What a perfect backdrop for an instagram photo where I pretend like I just happen to be standing there while someone takes my picture.

If you are interested in visiting Bar Luce, visit their site and check it out! It will be a fun experience that wont be regretted.