By Sandra Eagle
It actually looks like a gigantic colourful toy block, as motorists zip by on Highway 400 in Vaughan, Ont., but the Miele National Headquarters & Gallery is actually an event space in disguise.
Few people would know that the airy space, which hosts a product gallery by day for the German firm known for its meticulously engineered appliances, can be transformed into a chic, architecturally beautiful and productive event space with a slight of hand.
The building boasts a central hall of 7,500 square feet, anchored by two-storey glass walls in the East and West boundaries. A skylight above the central hall lets in the sunlight, and a Yamaha grand piano’s curved lines are juxtaposed with the clean white walls. The central gallery by itself can accommodate up to 250 people for a stand-up reception, and can serve 80 guests for a sit-down luncheon or dinner.
At the west end of the main gallery is the Miele Gallery active kitchen, with five-island workstations, with the latest in Miele appliances and sleek white cabinetry, forming a natural U-shape around a removable central dining area. Each station can accommodate team-building culinary workshops or a teaching environment. The kitchen is separated from the gallery space by collapsible folding glass doors and is about 1,500 square feet. In addition to this space, a large prep kitchen for “behind the scenes” set-up is fully equipped with commercial appliances and stainless steel countertops for the in-house or a client’s preferred caterer.
Unobtrusive but state-of-the-art on-site plasma screens, built-in rigging points, computer projectors and sound systems are an added bonus for audio-visual and branding opportunities.
Marc Daoust, manager, National Galleries & Events, based in Vaughan, Ont., says the event space is a hidden gem that lends itself to a myriad of event styles. “We’ve had everything from Audi product launches, complete with vehicles to galas complete with aerial acrobatics cavorting in the soaring high ceiling here.” In addition to the wide column free space, the Miele Gallery also rents out an 80-seat boardroom and additional small meeting rooms off the gallery. An added bonus is the on-site free parking for over 100 vehicles.
And what’s even better is that there are three galleries across the country to choose from. Miele has event galleries in downtown Vancouver and Montreal as well.
Contact Marc Daoust (905) 532.2270 x. 236 to arrange a site visit.
