Johannesburg’s newest premier luxury events venue, The Forum Hyde Park, has announced its official opening.
Blending elegance with versatility, the stylish venue accommodates up to 400 guests. With breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, The Forum Hyde Park caters to exclusive corporate events, bespoke private gatherings, and dinners and banquets.
Located in the heart of Hyde Park – an area known for its high-end shopping and convenient parking – the venue’s design is inspired by its lush, verdant surrounds. The space integrates earthy accents and natural light to enhance Johannesburg’s scenic views. “We selected a soft, warm, neutral palette with green marble accents to add visual interest without overpowering,” says Philippe van der Merwe, Co-Founder of Tonic Design.
“Our vision was to create a dynamic, indoor-outdoor space that feels intimate but luxurious,” says Glynis Hyslop, Managing Director of The Forum, adding that features include the stack-back doors that seamlessly integrate the inside and outside spaces, creating a fluid environment ideal for any occasion.
Paying homage to artist Cecil Skotnes, who originally designed a mural for Hyde Park, the main area is adorned with intricate plasterwork. Crafted by Tonic Design and brought to life by artisans Dudley & Sons, the feature brings a local touch of South African artistry to the venue. The space is further enriched by two magnificent pieces by Karel Nel, curator at the Norval Foundation, and sculptures by acclaimed artist Walter Oltman.
Tonic Design was chosen for its modern aesthetic and ability to capture the venue’s architectural essence. Signature elements include the expansive nine-metre ceiling, large windows, and a beautifully landscaped garden surrounding the reception area.
“Our goal was to create an elegant ballroom space with design details that serve as a subtle backdrop for countless future events. The ceiling and frieze design in the main space are focal points we carefully refined. As you move through the venue, volumes open up, and the ceiling details come together to reveal the design story,” adds van der Philippe. “Because of its prominent, elevated position, the ceiling’s design even draws attention from passing motorists.”
This project was a collaboration between contractors Zabicon, who delivered on a very tight deadline. Dudley & Sons were responsible for turning the ceiling and frieze design into something even better than initially envisioned, while Paul Pamboukian implemented The Forum Hyde Park’s lighting design. Tim Steyn was responsible for the landscaping.
The Forum Hyde Park is set to become the premier choice for those seeking a sophisticated, versatile venue for unforgettable events in Johannesburg.
