The Contemporary Maison (2005–Today)
A new generation brings design, innovation, and global collaborations.
2005
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Sophie Bakalowits (the 5th Generation) joins after studies in art history, economics, and law; later leads workshops and production.
2005
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Al Mushrif Palace - Abu Dhabi, UAE
In her first year with the company, the new generation — Sophie Bakalowits — helps secure a major commission: the complete lighting installation for the Majlis of the Al Mushrif Palace.
2010
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Castle Bratislava – Slovakia
Bakalowits was commissioned the entire decorative lighting for the representative rooms of the Castle.
The design for each room was developed specifically for this project according to existing historical details and based on the style of the lighting of Schönbrunn palace.
2011
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Galaxy Sky Casino - Macau, China
Bakalowits was invited to deliver the lighting package for the VIP gambling Area of this Casino.
The project included the lobby, hallways, Bar and several lighting´s for private gaming rooms.
2014
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Sheraton Doha – Qatar
Bakalowits was asked again to take part in the renewal of this Iconic Landmark and to bring new light to this hotel.
It included the several lighting fixtures for the rooftop restaurant and the private waiting room for Emir of Qatar near the Salwa Hall.
2014
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Maximilian Bakalowits (5th Generation) joins as a designer, re-establishing an in house design studio and renewing collaborations with artists and institutions (Vienna Design Week, Passionswege, Salone del Mobile).
2014
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Dresdner Zwinger – Germany
Bakalowits was commissioned to produce 2 baroque chandelier based on old photographs of the archive interior.
2015
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Private Palace - Muscat Oman
Bakalowits was commissioned for the lighting package for this palace included twelve rooms in the main palace building, as well as five villas located on the surrounding grounds.
2016
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Shangri La - Doha, Qatar
(Since 2019 JW Marriott)
Bakalowits was commissioned to design and produce the lighting for several areas of the hotel, including the ballroom, pre function rooms, and a lobby centerpiece measuring 4.5 meters in diameter and 1.2 meters in height.
2017
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MEA Ballroom at Beirut Airport – Lebanon
This project included nine ceiling lights—five double layered fixtures measuring 1.7 × 1.7 meters and four measuring 1.5 × 1.5 meters—as well as ten wall lights, each 1.7 meters in height.
2019 - 2020
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Bakalowits Lighting Design Award,
German Design Award & Iconic Award
Bakalowits invited a new generation of young designers into its house, opening the doors to a competition that asked them to imagine the future of light.
From this dialogue of heritage and innovation emerged a winning design—honored with the newly established Bakalowits Award and unveiled to the public at Salone Del Mobile 2020.
Its debut drew remarkable attention. What began as a visionary experiment quickly resonated far beyond the fair: the piece was nominated for both the German Design Award and the Iconic Award, ultimately becoming a winner of both international distinctions.
2020
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Raimund Theater - Vienna, Austria
Bakalowits developed, designed & produced the lighting for the refurbishment of the theatre. In total, over 17 chandeliers were manufactured for three separate floors.
2022
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Rosewood Hotel - Vienna, Austria
Bakalowits was asked to produce lighting fixture for the Rooftop Restaurant (Neue Hoheit), the Spa (ASAYA) and 2 luxury Suites.
2022
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Landestheater - Salzburg, Austria
Bakalowits was commissioned not only to restore the historic lighting especially in the auditorium but also to produce new fixtures for several areas of the theatre.
The greatest challenge of the project was integrating additional spotlights into the existing main chandelier without compromising its original design.
This was achieved successfully, transforming the restored auditorium into an even more radiant space.
2023 - 2024
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Vienna Design Week
Anna Zimmermann X Bakalowits
For Vienna Design Week, Bakalowits began a collaboration with emerging designer Anna Zimmermann.
During her first visits to the workshop, she became captivated by the traditional techniques used in crafting Maria Theresia chandeliers. Inspired by these methods, she reinterpreted them for everyday life—transforming heritage craftsmanship into a contemporary homeware collection created under the Bakalowits name.
Bakalowits Home Collection
Photo Credits: Daniela Trost
The collaboration proved so resonant that the partnership continued into the following year of Vienna Design Week. Together, they developed a new project that would become widely recognized:
The HOOK Collection
Once again, Zimmermann drew from the language of chandelier making—its bends, its joints, its sculptural logic—and translated these gestures into objects of daily use and desire. The result was a collection that carried the spirit of Bakalowits craftsmanship into a new, modern form.
Photo Credits: Leo Hilzensauer
2024
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Imperial Castle - Vienna, Austria
Restoration of four chandeliers Bakalowits has produced many decades ago, in the Wintergarten. The overhaul included new electrical wiring, repair and replacement of glass elements, and full surface refurbishment.
2024
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Theater an der Wien - Vienna, Austria
Bakalowits was commissioned to restore all historic lighting, many of which the company had originally produced when the theatre was first built. In addition, they were tasked with creating new lighting fixtures for several areas added during the restoration.
2024
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Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels – Belgium
Bakalowits was entrusted with the bespoke design and handcrafted production of lighting for multiple rooms throughout the property, including the in house spa and the exclusive rooftop apartments.
2025
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Private Palace – Qatar
Bakalowits was appointed to create a series of bespoke chandeliers for a private palace, including a landmark piece:
A main lobby chandelier measuring 15 meters in height and 2,5 meters in diameter, whose realization required a highly sophisticated technical solution.
Today
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Four family members work side by side, carrying a 181 year tradition of Viennese chandelier craftsmanship into the future.
What began as a small atelier has become a living heritage, shaped by the hands, decisions, and devotion of five generations.
The knowledge passed down through this lineage continues to guide every drawing, every joint, every crystal, ensuring that each Bakalowits luminaire remains connected to the same spirit that defined the maison in 1845.
As the world evolves, the family continues to safeguard this legacy — not by preserving it in place, but by advancing it with the same curiosity, precision, and cultural responsibility that have defined Bakalowits for nearly two centuries.
