Bar Rouge – Top of Switzerland
High above the rooftops of Basel, close to the sky, with a magnificent view over the bustling city life and picturesque landscapes, Bar Rouge is located at a height of 105 meters...
An event location that is a bar, lounge, and club all at once
While our lounges invite you to enjoy delicious drinks and tasty snacks in the evening, Bar Rouge is one of the hottest clubs in town at night. Art, culture, and cult come together at this location to create a breathtaking atmosphere.
Whether it's a corporate event, delicious aperitifs, an unforgettable birthday party, or an exciting night out with friends – we cater to your individual wishes and organize the perfect event for you. With its exclusive ambience, Bar Rouge offers that extra something for every occasion.
What we stand for – our philosophy
We do not discriminate based on religion, race, or gender. Bar Rouge stands on neutral ground. We accept all sexualities and value every person for who they are. Our staff understands the needs of our guests. No one is given preferential treatment or discriminated against based on emotional whims. We are open to criticism. We all abide by agreements and treat each other fairly and respectfully.
Learn more about discrimination
Press
Novak Djokovic, Joachim Löw, and Grace Jones enjoy their cocktails here.
20 years of Bar Rouge: Sipping a drink in a relaxed atmosphere with breathtaking panoramic views – this has been possible for two decades high up in Basel's Messeturm.
Where can you relax and enjoy a cocktail at a lofty height of 105 meters with spectacular panoramic views over Basel? You can enjoy this pleasure at Bar Rouge, high up in the Messeturm. And it has been doing so for 20 years. Bar Rouge first opened its doors on December 12, 2003, and has since established itself as a popular meeting place and sought-after event location in Basel. When asked about the highlights of the last 20 years, Martin Kistler, member of the Bar Rouge management team, replies: "In recent years, we have had the pleasure of welcoming various celebrities. Our highlights include Novak Djokovic, Joachim Löw, Lutricia McNeal, Grace Jones, but above all the band Jamiroquai, who celebrated with us backstage, remains a fond memory."
A balanced door policy as a factor for success
But there have also been setbacks to contend with over the past 20 years. Kistler cites the demise of Baselworld, which has dramatically changed the cityscape. He adds: "The coronavirus crisis is probably one of the biggest challenges in the history of any restaurateur." Kistler believes that one of the bar's success factors is its balanced door policy. "We aim for a 50-50 ratio of women to men," he says. This makes women feel safe and secure in the bar. Two cocktails top the popularity list at Bar Rouge: the Rouge Tonic, consisting of hibiscus-infused gin, elderflower liqueur, triple sec liqueur, hibiscus tonic, lime juice, and various fruits. Second place goes to the Basil Smash Mule, made with gin, ginger beer, lemon juice, homemade sugar syrup, and fresh basil.
Basler Zeitung newspaper dated December 12, 2023, Dorothea Gängel
History
BarRougeplage was a unique project at the Arteplage in Yverdon-les-Bains during Expo.02 in Switzerland. BarRougeplage officially opened on May 15, 2002. The last party took place on October 20, 2002. Since then, BarRougeplage has been dormant somewhere in Switzerland, waiting to be reawakened somewhere in the world.
BarRougeplage was like the cherry on top of the cake: small, eye-catching, and seductive. It stood in the most beautiful spot on the Arteplage, on the mini peninsula right by the lake near Club Mondial. The unique view over the water and the clouds and the magical glow of the semi-transparent fiberglass bar with its two entrances inspired first kisses. It was the bar to get to know each other and the lounge to say goodbye. Here, in the reddish light and with an aphrodisiac drink in your hand, you could flirt, relax with culinary snacks, and enjoy the power of the senses to the sound of calm music.
BarRougeplage was a bar dedicated to art and culture. Small installations by various artists were displayed sporadically. The ceiling of the bar was painted by London artist Tod Hanson. The ceiling lamp is a unique piece by Walter Wetter. The photos in the floor display cases are by Swiss artist Gabriela Spahr. The lounge area in front of the bar was created by Guy Bébié and Bernhard Rosner. The furniture in the bar was designed by Alessandra Baggiani (Morphing Systems). The design is by Arteplage architects Anne Seiler, Annette Spindler, and Tristan Kobler, Morphing Systems. (Designer "extasia")
BarRougeplage constantly updated its spontaneous and lively program. Live concerts and DJs from all over Switzerland made visitors dream. On special evenings, Sabine Leuthold's famous Hexenbar drinks were served by candlelight on the small lawn in front of the bar.
Throughout Expo.02, BarRougeplage welcomed you into a lightly perfumed atmosphere where you could sample aphrodisiac BarRouge drinks and snacks accompanied by a touch of love, all in such an electrifying atmosphere that it awakened your senses and you surrendered to seduction.
Rediscover and experience the sensation of that first kiss, "le premier baiser," at Bar Rouge in Basel, in the Messeturm, Level 31.