El Silencio Ibiza
This year marks the tenth anniversary of one of the most extraordinary clubs ever – Silencio in Paris, conceived by the brilliant David Lynch. Lynch masterfully blended the best elements of the contemporary art scene. Now, its owner and founder, Arnaud Frisch, has opened El Silencio Ibiza, a beach club in Cala Molí on the island’s west coast, where music and art harmoniously coexist with the sun and sea. We traveled to Ibiza to experience this place firsthand and chat with Arnaud.
El Silencio Ibiza is situated in a picturesque, small bay known for its spectacular sunsets. The beachside restaurant, managed by ToShare (a collaboration between French chef Jean Imbert and Pharrell Williams), relocated here from St. Tropez last summer. The space, designed by Moredesign, features cocktails crafted by Diego Cabrera. Visitors enter from the beach through a massive installation by Miranda Makaroff, where a giant, whimsical octopus greets them. On our late Sunday afternoon arrival, DJs Pional and Pascal Moscheni were already spinning tunes at ground level, creating a casual, laid-back atmosphere.
Before this, we were comfortably settled at the Sir Joan hotel in Ibiza’s capital, enjoying views of the port and the historic city center. This oasis offers a retreat from the world, a place to recover from the island’s hustle and bustle or nightlife, and it features one of the area’s most acclaimed Japanese restaurants, Izakaya. It takes just half an hour to reach El Silencio Ibiza by car. After relaxing in our room, we set off for the beach club.
Reflecting on a Decade
It’s been a decade since El Silencio opened in Paris. What are your initial thoughts when you think back to that time? Any particular feelings, memories, or stories?
We collaborated with David Lynch and architect Raphael Navot for months to create a unique space for concerts, performances, an intimate movie theater, photo exhibitions, and talks, complemented by food and cocktails from a new generation of chefs and bartenders. I recall the hustle and bustle, but also the support from artists who brought this project to life. In its first month, this small venue hosted Lana Del Rey’s first concert in Paris, a Kanye West after-show performance, and a gig by The Killers, all for just three hundred lucky guests.
Adapting Over Time
El Silencio has adapted over the years, developing pop-up spaces at events like Art Basel Miami, Cannes Film Festival, and the Berlin Biennale. Currently, there’s a pop-up in Paris combining film and gastronomy. Can you tell us more about this project? Is the original club currently closed?
Silencio was created for creative night owls. Our restaurant and cinema in Saint Germain Des Près is a daytime venue for our community. We are collaborating with chef Guillaume Sanchez, a fermentation expert and cinema enthusiast, who created menus inspired by movie themes such as Festival de Cannes, Hollywood, black & white, and biopics. This fall, our lineup will connect both venues: music and performance at Rive Droite Silencio Club, and cinema, talks, and gastronomy at Rive Gauche Silencio restaurant and movie theater.
Celebrating a Decade with El Silencio Ibiza
Ten years later, we have El Silencio Ibiza, a fantastic new venue. What’s your assessment of these past years? This new opening seems like a perfect way to celebrate the decade.
Silencio has gathered creative communities for the past decade. It’s a tool to experiment and launch music, cinema, or artistic projects. We aim to be a vibrant venue, always in touch with the ever-changing industry. Over the years, Silencio has adapted to host new cultural actors like the Contemporary Art Foundation and streaming platforms, and kept up during the pandemic by creating a food delivery service with innovative chefs.
Origins of El Silencio Ibiza
How did the idea for El Silencio Ibiza come about? What has been your relationship with the island until now? Did you frequently visit?
El Silencio in Ibiza celebrates and gathers creatives away from major cities. The island’s unique pace is what we wanted to share. When the opportunity at Cala Molí arose, we seized it. I’ve been visiting the island for holidays over the past 20 years, but I stayed here in November to brainstorm new projects while our venues were closed due to the pandemic.
Ibiza: The Perfect Fit
Ibiza is the perfect setting for Silencio’s newest stage, as it’s a haven for artists. Would you have considered another location for this project, or is the island integral to it?
I wouldn’t have chosen another place for this project. This unique island attracts travelers from diverse backgrounds who share values of freedom and tolerance. This spirit was even stronger during the COVID crisis, fostering more intimate interactions.
Design and Collaboration
I love the space’s design, with its Mediterranean aesthetic that emphasizes artisanal and essential elements while maintaining comfort. How did you connect with Moredesign? Did you always know you wanted to work with them? Did you collaborate on the space design, or did you let them handle it?
When we decided to open in Ibiza, we sought talents familiar with the island’s history and nature. We aimed for sustainability and a ’70s vibe. We explored the island’s archives for insights into Cala Molí’s past. Then we met Moredesign, who immediately grasped our vision and agreed to collaborate, opening a few months later.
Balancing Local and International Influences
There’s a balance between local elements (Moredesign, Miranda Makaroff’s installation) and international ones, like ToShare running the restaurant. Had you worked with them before? The culinary offerings are varied, with a beachside restaurant and a tapas bar by the pool. What are your highlights? Your favorite dishes?
ToShare is a Mediterranean project by French chef Jean Imbert and artist Pharrell Williams. We met Pharrell during our Miami Art Basel pop-up in 2011, and he later visited Silencio Paris. We hosted one of his performances in the Design District with Takashi Murakami. We met Jean at Cannes Festival and invited him to manage our pop-up restaurant and a dinner in Paris for the Oscars. For El Silencio, Jean adapted his menu to local produce. My favorites are the avocado and melon starter, followed by the fish and ratatouille.
Art and Music at El Silencio Ibiza
At El Silencio Ibiza, art and music are prominent. You encounter Miranda Makaroff’s large-scale installation, “Mari Mari,” which is likely the most Instagrammable feature. Is this the first of a series of interventions by different guest artists? How did you connect with Miranda? Had you worked together before?
This is our first collaboration with Miranda. We sought a Spanish artist who embodied the island vibe and understood our vision. We met on the island during winter. Her “Mari Mari” installation exceeded our expectations, being both immersive and playful, adding vibrancy to the space. Our guests love its immersive aspect.
Musical Direction
The musical direction is overseen by Arman Naféei (The Standard, Chateau Marmont…). What are his responsibilities? Does he curate the DJ lineup? Can you share who will be performing in the coming weeks, or is it more spontaneous?
Arman serves as a ‘directeur d’ambiance’ for various projects and is well-connected in the fashion world. He interviews artists for a podcast called “Are We On Air” and saw Ibiza as an ideal summer playground. He created playlists for the pool and restaurant, and invites friends and fellow artists to perform at sunset, including Arca, Claire Laffut, Fiona Zanetti, DJ Pippi, and more. We also host events with Pascal Moscheni and Johannes Goller, featuring DJs like Josh Wink, Nightmares on Wax, and Bushwacka.
The Secret to Success
El Silencio Ibiza seems poised to become ‘the place’ of the summer. What is the magic formula for a venue or nightclub to stand out from the crowd?
Our group, Assembly, aims to unite architects, chefs, and artists to create unique venues. We’ve collaborated with talents like David Lynch, Virgil Abloh, Jakob+McFarlane, Studio KO, and more. We found an incredible spot on the island and worked with exceptional talents to create a space that fulfills our desire to reconnect with friends after long months of isolation and closed cultural venues.
Future Plans for Silencio
What other plans do you have for Silencio? Now that restrictions are easing, do you plan to open more pop-up spaces?
We’re preparing to launch a new Parisian project with a cultural program spanning both Rive Droite and Rive Gauche venues. We’ll celebrate Silencio’s 10th anniversary with a year-long series of pop-ups and events.
An Invitation to El Silencio Ibiza
For those reading this, why should they visit El Silencio this summer?
Cala Molí is a stunning beach where you can enjoy a menu by one of France’s top chefs, sip cocktails by Salmon Guru by our pool, immerse yourself in Miranda Makaroff’s installation, and listen to Balearic beats from top DJs at sunset. In September, we plan to invite innovative chefs to offer rotating menus and experiment with local ingredients.