Autumn brings art to Sapa hotel

As autumn breaks in northern Vietnam, a leading hotel in the mountains will be showcasing local artists.

Hotel de la Coupole Sapa – MGallery Collection will present Upon the Mountain, Down on the Hill from September 25 to October 25, 2026, featuring 28 works by five contemporary Vietnamese artists.

Presented in collaboration with Hanoi Studio Gallery, Upon the Mountain, Down on the Hill will feature works by Pham Thai Binh, Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, Nguyen Quoc Trung, Pham Tra My and Pham Thuy Tien in the hotel’s lobby-level Art Gallery Area.

Rather than treating the landscape simply as scenery, the exhibition explores its relationship with people, memory and emotion. 

The five featured artists bring experience across painting, sculpture, traditional lacquer, silk and large-scale installations. 

“At harvest time, Sapa’s landscape changes almost by the day, encouraging people to pause and look more closely,” said a representative of Hotel de la Coupole Sapa – MGallery Collection, who mysteriously was not identified in the media release. Very strange. 

“This exhibition extends that experience into the hotel. Visitors can encounter the mountains and terraces outside, then see the different memories and emotions they inspire in the work of five Vietnamese artists. It feels entirely at home in a place where art and storytelling are already part of the journey.”

The exhibition belongs naturally within Hotel de la Coupole’s theatrical interiors. 

Conceived by maverick architect and designer Bill Bensley, the hotel imagines a meeting between the French haute couture of the 1920s and 1930s and the colours, patterns and craft traditions of Sapa’s ethnic communities. 

Paintings, antiques, fashion pieces and collected objects appear throughout the property, placing the new works within a wider encounter with art, history and place.

See HOTELDELACOUPOLE.COM

The Louvre reopens the doors to robbery site

Paris is back to normal with The Louvre Museum this week reopening its Apollo Gallery to visitors, 10 months after one of the most daring museum robberies in modern history. 

The gallery welcomed visitors again - but without the display cases or the French Crown Jewels that made it one of the Louvre’s biggest attractions. 

Museum officials have removed all precious objects while plans are developed for a new high-security vault elsewhere in the museum, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The Apollo Gallery has remained closed since October 19, 2025, when a gang carried out a clever daylight raid that stunned the art world - and security operatives at The Louvre. 

Disguised as construction workers, the thieves used a cherry-picker truck to gain access through a vulnerable first-floor window overlooking the River Seine.

The robbers completed what French Culture Minister Rachida Dati described as a “four-minute operation,” escaping with eight jewels from the French Crown collection worth an estimated €88 million (about US$102 million). 

The haul included necklaces, a tiara, a brooch and other priceless treasures from the Napoleonic era. 

One damaged item, the emerald-studded crown of Empress Eugénie, was later recovered outside the museum but the remaining jewels have so far not been recovered. 

Louvre president Christophe Leribault says the Apollo Gallery is returning to its original 17th-century role as a ceremonial state gallery rather than a jewelery exhibition. 

The surviving Crown Jewels will eventually be moved to a purpose-built, windowless secure room elsewhere in the museum.

A French parliamentary inquiry later concluded that security at The Louvre had been neglected for years, despite repeated warnings that the Apollo Gallery’s riverside windows represented a significant vulnerability.

Despite the absence of the Crown Jewels, the Apollo Gallery remains one of the Louvre’s most spectacular baroque interiors. Its soaring vaulted ceiling, decorated by artists including Charles Le Brun, inspired Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors and continues to rank among the museum’s architectural highlights.

The Louvre is home to more than 33,000 works spanning antiquities, sculpture and painting - from Mesopotamia, Egypt and the classical world to European masters. Its star attractions include the Mona Lisa, as well as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Tasmania gets a uniquely eclectic new library

From words by William Shakespeare to Hunter S. Thompson and David Bowie, the new library at Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) is decidedly eclectic.

Phrontisterion, a $100 million library housing Mona owner's David Walsh’s collection of nonfiction, novels, rare books and maps, autographs opens to the public at Berriedale, north of Hobart, from 10am on Sunday.

"I was always all-in on books and libraries," Walsh says. "My first library card was the great leveller, the thing that gave impoverished child-me a chance to seek."

Phrontisterion, a word that suggests ‘a thinkery’, takes its name from Aristophanes’ Clouds, in which the author ridicules the self-certainty of the educated.

Walsh says it is a place to explore, be entertained, and research topics as diverse as ancient brewing methods, winter rituals, heavy metal pollution, Antarctic exploration, science fiction, sex, casinos, charcuterie, and the museum collection.

Rare books include Shakespeare’s ‘First Folio’, a second edition of Sir Isaac Newton’s Opticks, and the sixth edition of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species, the last produced in the author’s lifetime.

There are also books signed by Umberto Eco, J.G. Ballard and Hunter Thompson, and hand-written documents by Balzac, Bowie, Whitman, Flaubert, Einstein, Newton, Marconi and Alexander Graham Bell.

"If you want to know what David is really like, browse his bookshelves," says Mona’s librarian, Mary Lijnzaad.

The way Phrontisterion organises books is as idiosyncratic as the collection itself. It uses novel technology to treat books as curatable objects rather than conforming to the Dewey Decimal System, used by libraries around the world.

Phrontisterion is connected to Mona’s existing buildings via tunnels in the sandstone. It’s located in the space beneath the inverted-ziggurat levels of Elektra (top image), Anselm Kiefer’s monumental concrete amphitheatre.

See phrontisterion.net.au 

Books and more books: Mona to unveil new wing

Need another excuse to visit Tasmania?

Mona founder David Walsh (right) has just come up with something. It only took him 10 years to get it done.

After four years of construction and 10 years of headaches, Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) is set to open its new wing in June, Walsh reveals.

It will feature a vast library to house his collection of rare books, maps and more, along with artworks by Anselm Kiefer, Julian Charrière and others.

"I was always all-in on books and libraries," Walsh says. "My first library card was the great leveller, the thing that gave impoverished child-me a chance to seek.’

The Phrontisterion, coined by Aristophanes in his work Clouds, for ‘a thinkery’, in which he ridicules the self-certainty of the educated, will draw from Walsh’s collection of "a big bunch of books".

Mona’s librarian Mary Lijnzaad said: "If you want to know what David is really like, browse his bookshelves."

Phrontisterion is connected to Mona’s existing buildings via tunnels in the sandstone and located in the space beneath the inverted-ziggurat levels of Elektra (above), an Anselm Kiefer amphitheatre, first built at Kiefer’s studio at La Ribaute in Barjac, southern France, with sculptures and paintings by the artist installed throughout.

The new wing will accommodate Breathe, a permanent installation by Julian Charrière, whose solo exhibition Hard Core will reside at Mona from June 6, 2026 to April 5, 2027. The installation invites visitors to breathe air that has never been breathed before.

The opening of the new wing also coincides with the return of Ryoji Ikeda’s light tower, spectra, and the Mona debut of In Absence, an architectural installation created by Kokatha/nukunu artist Yhonnie Scarce and Melbourne architects Aaron Roberts and Kim Bridgland for the 2019 NGV Architecture Commission.

The 9-metre-high timber tower takes inspiration from traditional eel traps and is adorned with 1,400 hand-blown, black glass murnong, or daisy yams.

See mona.net.au

Images: Supplied by Mona

New arts trail brings creativity to the streets

Fans of street art will probably enjoy a new art trail that launched recently in northern New South Wales.

The Clarence Valley has unveiled its Public Art Trail, inviting visitors to wander through murals, sculptures and installations across the region.

Designed to let art lovers slow down, explore and connect with each town's story, the trail turns streets, laneways and public spaces into an open-air gallery.

The trail covers coastal hamlets Yamba and Iluka, river towns Maclean and Grafton, and the village of Glenreagh.

The artworks celebrate local culture, history and creativity at every turn. The trail is part of the Clarence Valley's Art, History & Culture Hub, which also includes the Art Gallery Trail, Museum Trail, Heritage Trails, and the Lower Clarence Aboriginal Tourist Drive.

The trails aim to let visitors "explore the stories, creativity and culture that bring the Valley to life".

The Clarence Valley region includes the coastal plain and lower valleys of the Clarence and Nymboida rivers.

Bringing art to the streets of regional Victoria

The small towns of Gippsland in Victoria host a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year, making the region a popular weekend getaway destination.

Neerim South, in West Gippsland, will transform into an open-air gallery from February 28 to March 15 this year as the fifth biennial Neerim Artsfest brings a range of striking sculptural artworks to the heart of the region. 

Celebrating contemporary sculptural art in a regional setting, Neerim Artsfest invites visitors to explore artworks displayed throughout the town - in parks, along streets and inside local venues - all free to enjoy.

The 2026 theme, The Spirit Soars, challenges sculptors to create works that evoke freedom, wonder and visual excitement, resulting in a diverse and imaginative collection set against Neerim South’s leafy streetscapes and country charm.

Neerim South has a long-standing connection to the arts, particularly sculpture, famously marked by the seven-storey Neerim Bower that welcomes visitors at the town entrance. Just 100 kilometres from Melbourne, the town offers an easy cultural escape. 

Festivalgoers are encouraged to begin their visit at Algie Hall, open daily from 10am to 4pm during the festival, where indoor sculptures are on display and maps of artwork locations are available. 

From there, visitors can wander at their own pace through the town’s parklands and streets, discovering exterior works along the way.

Beyond the sculptures, visitors can enjoy walking and cycling along the Rokeby to Neerim Rail Trail, sample local brews and live music at Five Aces Brewing Co., dine at Neeri Nuff Wine Bar & Kitchen, or immerse themselves in nature at rainforests, wetlands and waterfalls.

The festival also coincides with the Rokeby Market on March 14, slated to feature more than 100 stalls showcasing handmade, homegrown and locally produced goods.

Images: Nicky Cawood

AlUla stakes a claim as an arts and cultural centre

 

Saudi Arabia has never been a major travel drawcard for Australians but the go-ahead AlUla precinct is aiming to make a global impact.

With a wide range of events and drawcards, AlUla, is an ancient Arabian oasis city 350 kilometres north-west of the city of Medina and 1,100 km from Riyadh. 

The area is also known for its striking landscape of rocks, canyons, and wadis, which contrast with the city's palm-filled oases. 

The Royal Commission for al-Ula (RCU) envisages making it a global destination for culture and tourism. 

The AlUla Arts Festival returns for its fifth edition later this month, transforming the ancient city into a stage for contemporary art, design and culture. 

Running from January 16 to February 14, the festival features new art commissions as part of the fourth edition of Desert X AlUla. 

It also includes a major art exhibition, a collaboration between the contemporary art museum in AlUla - as part of its pre-opening programme - and Paris's Centre Pompidou. There will also be a Design Space AlUla exhibition spotlighting Saudi and international talents. 

Visitors will also enjoy live music and immersive performances.

AlUla is seeking to solidifying its position as a year-round global hub for creativity with festival part of AlUla Moments 2025-2026 Calendar. 

“AlUla Arts Festival is the contemporary expression of ancient traditions of creativity and cultural exchange in AlUla," said Hamad Alhomiedan, director of arts and creative industries for RCU. 

"With this year’s diverse program, AlUla becomes a canvas for creative dialogue and a catalyst for conversations in the Kingdom and beyond. We are proud to showcase ambitious works by some of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated artists alongside internationally renowned pioneers, all inspired by the unique culture and landscapes of AlUla."

Desert X AlUla 2026 (January 16-February 28) will presenting 10 new site-specific artworks inspired by the poetry of Kahlil Gibran. 

Other upcoming festivals include Arduna (February 1-April 15) with many of the highlights in the 

AlJadidah Arts District.

 

For more info see https://www.experiencealula.com/en 

Turning wine bottles into works of art

Magnums of Yalumba's The Signature blend will play a key role at this year’s Sydney Contemporary art fair as part of a collaboration that blends artistic expression, social inclusion, and one of one of Australia’siconic wines. 

Yalumba will partner with Studio A at this year’s Sydney Contemporary at Carriageworks by providing 50 magnum bottles to be transformed by Studio A artists into works of art. 

The bottles will become part of a limited-edition collection that celebrates individuality and collaboration. 

The collector’s edition magnums will be exhibited at Sydney Contemporary and available for purchase during the fair for $225 each.

Studio A is a Sydney-based social enterprise that champions artists with intellectual disability, supporting them to build sustainable careers and share their voices through art. 

Studio A CEO and artistic director Gabrielle Mordy said the collaboration is “all about creativity, inclusion, and the power of meaningful connections"

"By transforming each magnum of The Signature into a stunning one-of-a-kind artwork, our artists are sharing their creativity and voices with new audiences while raising vital funds that empower them to thrive professionally," she said. 

"We’re thrilled to see such an iconic Australian wine brand champion inclusion and celebrate the unique talents of artists with intellectual disability.”

Yalumba proprietor Robert Hill-Smith said the partnership feels like a natural fit for the winery, which has long valued creativity and community. 

“For 175 years, Yalumba has been guided by a spirit of community and creativity, so it is a privilege to partner with Studio A for Sydney Contemporary," he said. "The transformation of our Signature magnums into works of art is a beautiful expression of individuality and collaboration. 

"We are proud to help provide a platform for these artists to share their remarkable talents and stories with the world.”

All 50 bottles will remain on display for the duration of the fair before being shipped to buyers, with $10,000 in proceeds supporting Studio A’s inclusive arts programs, helping provide vital materials, studio space, and mentorship that nurture the next generation of artists and open doors to opportunity.

See studioa.org.au

Image 1: Studio A artist Lex Tan shows his works of art on The Signature bottles

Discover warming winter treats at Yalumba

Winter may have arrived but there is still a busy calendar for wine lovers at one of the Barossa's most popular destinations.

Yalumba's historic Wine Room is ready to welcome visitors indoors for a season of warmth, flavours and fine company.

The winter events begin with The Signature & Museum Release Tasting Lunch on Friday, June 14.

Held in the Signature Cellar, this is an intimate tasting experience hosted by former chief winemaker Louisa Rose.

Guests can enjoy a three-course lunch from Vintners Bar & Grill chef Peter Clarke with paired wines including the new release The Signature 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz along with a previews of the 2025 museum releases.

The SALA Festival at Yalumba runs in August.

South Australia’s Living Artists (SALA) will hold two exhibitions in the Wine Room.

First, the Vintners Art Prize - an annual collaboration with Vintners Bar & Grill - showcases local talent with artworks exploring themes of food, wine, and place. Open to residents and workers of the Barossa and Light Regional Council areas, entries close July 18, with the winner announced on July 23.

There will also be a solo showcase by Yalumba’s own Lisa Tekell. Inspired by Australian fauna and flora, Lisa’s finely detailed oil paintings are connected to the natural world.

Her works this year focus on native flowers in full bloom, as seen in her travels, and will be on 
display throughout the month. Book a wine tasting and explore these local works at the same time.

Winter Wine & Whisky at Yalumba will run on August 8-9 and is a mid-winter celebration of flavour, fire, and craft at Yalumba - including the release of a new Smith’s Angaston Whisky.

Guests can enjoy a guided tasting of the new limited-edition whisky along with a behind-the-scenes look at the Hill-Smith family's historic pot still and fistillery and live cooperage demonstrations with barrels being hand-charred for whisky maturation.

Acoustic music on the Terrace and a hearty fireside meal by Howard’s Fire will also be on offer.

Tickets include a glass of Yalumba wine, the whisky tasting, and a meal.

The Yalumba Wine Room is open daily 10am-5pm at 40 Eden Valley Road, Angaston.
Bookings recommended. www.yalumba.com

Hotel bars turning cocktails into works of art

 

Who doesn't love a cocktail? From negronis to Cuba libres, from the beaches of Thailand to the city streets of Paris, cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy a touch of modern art at 120 MGallery hotels worldwide in celebration of World Cocktail Day on May 13.

The boutique hotel collection is teaming up with French lifestyle brand Maison Sarah Lavoine to "take mixology to a new art form" with the launch a set of exclusive glassware paired with a trio of limited-edition cocktail creations from the world's first craft gin Citadelle Gin.

The media blurb says "MGallery and Maison Sarah Lavoine have a shared passion for uncovering and championing the soul of spaces, whether through sublime objects or storied properties, in a way that is accessible for all".

Featuring Maison Sarah Lavoine's bold and playful colours, the collection includes a tumbler and two coupes, each with matching coasters

The glassware features MGallery's distinctive diagonal geometric pattern, set against Maison Sarah Lavoine's exclusive Pantone colours.

“Each MGallery property tells a unique story - one of elegance, storied heritage, and soulful design," says Maison Sarah Lavoine founder and creative CEO Sarah Poniatowski, 

"Drawing inspiration from these living art galleries, this glassware collection was created to capture the free-willed spirit of travel, warmth of togetherness, and unique beauty. 

"Design is more than just the aesthetics - it's about bringing spaces to life and finding their character to create lifelong memories. It can transport and inspire, just like the immersive experiences MGallery Collection offers for its guests, and together, we've truly created pieces of art."

Phew!

The three new cocktails have been designed specifically for the glassware. 

They are the Crystal Diva with Citadelle Gin Original, fino sherry, jasmine and lemongrass cordial, and orange blossom,  garnished with a white chocolate shard and a touch of jasmine and lemongrass; the Timeless Negroni with Citadelle Gin Original infused with sandalwood, red vermouth, and Italian bitters with pineapple and pandan, and the Honey 75 with Citadelle Gin Original with local olive olive oil, verjus, salted local honey, orange and cardamom syrup, topped with Pommery Champagne. 

Chief Marketing Officer of MGallery, Xavier Royaux, said: “Mixology is an expression of art at MGallery and to have three exceptionally unique cocktails crafted with Citadelle Gin specifically for each of the Maison Sarah Lavoine glasses, really takes the 'art of the pour' to a new level. 

"We're excited to bring a new blend of flavours that create space for visitors to immerse themselves in the moment, to build new memories and connections while sipping these one-of-a-kind mixes.”

The three limited-edition cocktails will be available in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, will be added to the permanent MGallery cocktail menu, along with a Sage Highball, a citrusy Spring Sour, a fruity Guava Adonis, a lemon accented Bee's Heat and a tropical Paolo Verde.

Available to sample from May 13 , the Citadelle Gin cocktails will be served in their Maison Sarah Lavoine cocktail glass in MGallery bars across the globe until August 31.

For those interested in recreating the experience at home, the limited-edition Maison Sarah Lavoine glassware line is also available for purchase at MGallery Boutique.

Some art with your wine tastings?

The South African wine region of Stellenbosch has become a living canvas as it hosts Southern Africa’s only triennale until April 30.

The Stellenbosch Triennale 2025 is showcasing Ba'zinile - A Rehearsal for Breathing, an artistic journey that weaves through local streets and venues.

This public art exhibition brings together local and international artists whose works invite contemplation about resilience, imagination, and shared humanity.

Visitors can stroll between installations and venues including: 

# From The Vault – Explore curated treasures at the Rupert Museum and Stellenbosch University Museum.
# On the Cusp – Experience contemporary works at Oude Libertas.
# In the Current – Engage with art that speaks to our present moment at Oude Libertas.
# BIOSCOPE Film Festival – Visual storytelling that transcends borders.
# IMIZWA Embodied Interventions – Watch art come alive through performance.
# ABALOZI Sonic Mappings – Experience the intersection of sound and space.

You can also enjoy jazz nights, a harvest festival and choir performances.

Spier Wine Farm, meanwhile, will be transformed into a nocturnal gallery from March 21 to April 21.

Spier Light Art invites guests to wander through 16 illuminated installations that weave art, light and landscape.

This free family event begins at dusk and can be combined with with sunset picnics and bubbles under the stars.

Read more about this illuminating experience

Chapel Hill launches new art prize

 

McLaren Vale winery Chapel Hill has today announced the inaugural Chapel Hill Horizons Art Prize.

The $5,000 acquisitive art prize invites artists to interpret local landscapes and show their vision for its future. 

South Australian artists can submit their entries from today until July 14.

The short-listed works will be exhibited at Chapel Hill during this year’s South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA), with the winning piece added to the winery’s permanent collection which is displayed all year round in the winery chapel (above). 

The winning artist, who will receive a $5,000 cash prize, will be announced at the exhibition opening on Sunday, August 3.

The prize theme, ‘Horizons’ encourages artists to "explore the dual meaning of the word: both the physical line where the earth meets the sky and the symbolic concept of something that might be attained". All artworks are required to include a distinct horizon line to be featured in the exhibition.

Art has long been part of Chapel Hill’s identity. Chief winemaker Michael Fragos, who this year is celebrating his 22nd vintage at Chapel Hill, is an avid visual art enthusiast and the walls of the winery’s chapel are adorned with artworks for visitors to enjoy.

“Chapel Hill is defined by its spectacular surroundings," Fragos said. "Every day we take inspiration from the beautiful landscape, the views back over McLaren Vale and the coast as well as the shimmering sunsets. 

“Since hosting Adelaide Festival events at the winery in the 1970s, Chapel Hill has a long and proud history supporting artists. It is so exciting to now bring together all of these elements with our inaugural Horizons Art Prize.” 

SALA Festival CEO Bridget Alfred commented, “We are thrilled to include the inaugural “Horizons Art Prize” exhibition in the 2025 SALA Festival, and welcome Chapel Hill Wines’ championing of South Australian artists and our fabulous SA culture. 

"We encourage all eligible artists to enter and look forward to seeing the finalists in August!”

The competition will be judged by a panel of notable local and industry names, to be announced at a later date. 

Short-listed artworks will be exhibited at Chapel Hill Wines, McLaren Vale from August 3 to September 16. 

For more details or to submit works visit www.chapelhillwine.com.au/horizons-art-prize/

Get walking: Sculpture by the Sea is back

Nothing beats a good seaside walk.

Except, perhaps, a seaside walk that has been enhanced by interesting artworks.

Sculpture by the Sea has returned to the Bondi to Tamarama Walk and will once again be the world’s largest free to the public sculpture exhibition.

The spectacular coastal walk has again been transformed into a 2km~long sculpture park featuring 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is one of Sydney’s most popular events, with 500,000 visitors viewing over 100 sculptures by artists from around the world each year.

Held since 1997, this free exhibition captures the imagination of Sydney and its visitors for three weeks each spring and is billed as the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world.

The popularity of the Bondi exhibition led to the creation of Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe in Perth on Australia’s west coast in March each year.

Staged since 2005 the Cottesloe exhibition features over 70 sculptures and is enjoyed by 220,000 visitors, making the exhibition as much a part of Perth as the Bondi event is in Sydney.

The Sydney event runs from Friday, October 18, to November 4.

The amusement park that's also an art collection

Imagine an amusement park with an art theme.

Where else would that work other than the good old US of Ay?

Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy, billed as the world’s first art amusement park, will open for a limited time at The Shed in New York City on November 20, after a successful debut run in Los Angeles.

It is descrbed as "a colourful, riotous fun house of carnival rides and attractions by the 20th century’s most celebrated and innovative artists".

That doesn'y mean Banksy, it means folk I have never heard of.

Luna Luna features a ferris wheel by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a carousel by Keith Haring, a wave swinger by Kenny Scharf, a wedding chapel by André Heller, immersive pavilions by David Hockney, Salvador Dalí and Roy Lichtenstein (OK, I have heard of them) alongside pieces from Arik Brauer, Sonia Delaunay, Monika Gil’sing (nope).

Originally brought to life by the Viennese artist, pop singer, cultural pioneer, and peace activist Heller, Luna Luna debuted in Hamburg, Germany, during the summer of 1987 where it hosted 300,00 visitors.

The park's rides were later abandoned in storage containers for more than 30 years before being hunted down by entrepreneur Michael Goldberg and then purchased by musician Drake.

“You can be art-obsessed or have never heard of Basquiat, and Luna Luna will put a smile on your face," says Goldberg, Chief Experience Officer for Luna Luna and founder of Something Special Studios.

"It’s one of those rare projects that has the power to bring together all walks of life - it’s a nostalgic format done in a totally new way.”

The resurrected Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy debuted in December 2023 in a studio in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles hosting more than 150,000 visitors.

Tickets for New York go on sale soon. See https://www.lunaluna.com

A shopping centre with an arty difference

Ginza Six is a shopping centre in one of the chicest quarters of downtown Tokyo.

It is home to hundred of stores, including luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy and Jimmy Choo as well as a range of food and drink outlets.  

But its rooftop garden is also a delightful haven from the heat on a hot Tokyo day.

Take the elevator up to level 13 and walk around the rooftop for spectacular views of Tokyo from every angle.

There are also shady gardens in which to take a leafy moment from the mayhem below, and a paddling pool which is loved by locals and their kids.

The good news is that access is absolutely free from 7am to 11pm at night.

Also free to enjoy to anyone entering the complex is an eye-catching selection of artworks and installations.

The current installation is the quirky Big Cat Bang, by artist Kenji Yanobe.

Here are some images of both the artworks and the rooftop garden and views. 

GINZA SIX, 6 Chome-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City

traveling traveling cat that brings good fortune, by leading contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe. Kenji 
Yanobe is known for his mechanical sculptures and gigantic sculptures that combine social messages with uniqueness. 
The large atrium space in the center of GINZA SIX is treated as a galaxy including the Earth, with countless space cats flying in the sky and floating spaceships paying homage to the Tower of the Sun. Kenji Yanobe, who inherited the creative genes of Taro Okamoto, will weave the dynamism of the universe from the Big Bang to the present as a story of new life.cat that brings good fortune, by leading contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe. Kenji 
Yanobe is known for his mechanical sculptures and gigantic sculptures that combine social messages with uniqueness. 
The large atrium space in the center of GINZA SIX is treated as a galaxy including the Earth, with countless space cats flying in the sky and floating spaceships paying homage to the Tower of the Sun. Kenji Yanobe, who inherited the creative genes of Taro Okamoto, will weave the dynamism of the universe from the Big Bang to the present as a story of new life.

An artistic sliver of Japan just outside Hobart

Take a Sydney style guru, a Hobart suburb and some Asian inspiration and you have a new place to stay in Tasmania: Provider House.

The Japanese-inspired cabin is the brainchild of Tara Bennett, who runs Provider Store in Sydney's hip Surry Hills district. 

She has created a tranquil space in Lenah Valley - just outside of Hobart - to showcase some of the goods she sells in her store. 

Lenah Valley is 15 minutes from Hobart’s CBD and Provider House takes its inspiration from Japanese design and native Australian bush, offering guests the opportunity to experience the beauty and functionality of Japanese home wares in an Australian setting.

Bennett first thought of Provider House in 2021 during the pandemic lockdown, when she was flying back and forth to Brisbane to care for her mother who was unwell. 

She started searching houses online and came across an old, run-down wooden cabin with no water or power. 

“I knew it was right as soon as I walked up the crazy steep driveway,” she said. 

“The Japanese homewares we source are more than just utensils; they represent a way of life through craftsmanship and design," she said. 

"I wanted to create a space where people can experience both form and function then take it home with them.”

Provider House is designed to be a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

It has a fully equipped kitchen and a ryokan-inspired cedar bathtub. The living areas feature Japanese-design, books, artwork and antique furniture. 

Think three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, Japanese ceramics and artworks, a "zen garden" and sunken fire pit - and across the road from Provider House you will find the trails to New Town Falls.

Bennett used Sydney-based architecture studio, Trias to design the main rooms of the house and collaborated with Tokyo brand At-Aroma to create an exclusive Provider House scent - made in Japan and inspired by deep forest, running water and fresh air.

She also worked with the designer behind Ace Hotel Kyoto’s robes, Daitoushingu, to create Provider House robes, Shinto Towel to create forest green towels that blend with the Australian bushland surroundings and ceramacist Milly Dent ,who hand-built the basins in the house.

"Each product at Provider House has a story and a history, and that makes it all the more special," she said. "By collaborating with artisans, we are able to create products that will be cherished for years to come."

The Provider House is now open and reservations can be made through Airbnb. I will report back once I have stayed there. Hopefully sooner rather than later.  

For more info visit the Provider Store website at https://www.providerstore.com.au/.

Special edition wine casks make an artistic point

First koalas, now bees.

Winesmiths, the bag-in-a-box wine range from the people at Yalumba, have collaborated with Australian artist Billie Justice Thomson, who has turned her focus to Australia’s native flora and the honey bee, with her illustrations printed on limited edition two-litre Winesmiths packs.

The packs are now rolling out into liquor stores, with the entire collection to be available from August to December. Part of the proceeds from sales of the shiraz and pinot grigio will be donated to the Wheen Bee Foundation charity to aid research.



Thomson is known for her nostalgic illustrations and paintings of iconic food and drinks.

The limited edition designs appear on the sauvignon blanc, semillon sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and dry rosé.

The shiraz is excellent - well worth keeping a box on hand - while the pinot grigio is fun and lively. I also enjoyed the semillon sauvignon blanc a lot. 

The artist says her inspiration was drawn from the the vineyard.

“It was such a great process, we looked at the native plants that grow in and around the vineyards,” she said.

“Bees and native plants play an important role in the biodiversity of vineyards and ultimately in the wine itself. I’ve always been attached to natives, they’re so uniquely Australian.

"They’re so rugged and often a little bit strange.”

Winesmiths’ senior brand manager Lisa Antoney says: “The Winesmiths Billie Justice Thomson edition shines a light on the sustainable environment required to make our wines, as well as the sustainability benefits our packaging delivers.

“Just like an artist, our vineyards require as much love and attention to drive a healthy eco-system, delivering beautiful natural flavour and yield. We don’t compromise on quality in any way.”

This is the second iteration of Winesmiths' limited edition casks, with the producer having previously worked with Mulga the Artist to raise money for koalas.

The Winesmiths x Billie Justice Thomson limited edition will have an RRP of $16.

Meet the curious creatures "protecting the environment"

A series of enormous wooden sculptures will be installed south of Perth later this year.

Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, and standing at up to 5-metres tall, the "protectors of the environment", will each have their own distinct personality.

“We can design an entire world out of trash when we know what to do with it," Dambo said.

"That's why I build these larger-than-life projects out of recycled wood and materials. I hope my work inspires others to be kinder to nature and our planet."

Visitors will be encouraged to explore the Mandurah region, less than an hour south of Perth, to discover the installations at various locations when the exhibition opens to the public later this year.

Dambo has exhibited extensively throughout the world including in Denmark, the US, France, Germany, China, South Korea and Chile.

His works celebrate the diversity, beauty and importance of the natural world, with all the artist's works handmade using recycled materials.

This public art event is initiated and produced by FORM – Building a State of Creativity Inc., and will be delivered in collaboration with the City of Mandurah.

A lifestyle town with a holiday vibe, Mandurah combines dolphin spotting and relaxing canal cruises with adventures to lesser-known wetlands and beaches.

Cruising, NFTs, the Metaverse, artworks and other oddities

 OK. I am a silly old-fashioned fart. Mentions of block chains and non fungible tokens do my head in. 

But this is apparently serious travel news, so I pass it on in bewilderment (just don't pay me in crypto currency).

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced it will sail into the Metaverse (what?) with the launch of the cruise industry’s first collection of NFTs (these are non fungible tokens). 

NCL will offer a collection of six NFTs for auction and sale to celebrate the launch of the company’s Norwegian Prima Class on Wednesday, April 13 on NCL’s soon-to-launch online NFT marketplace. 

The NFT art pieces were created by Manuel Di Rita, widely known as Peeta (one name, how very hip!) the Italian artist who designed the hull art on the Norwegian Prima and her sister vessel Norwegian Viva. 

The first of the six art pieces will be auctioned at the starting rate of USD$2,500, with the remaining NFTs sold for prices beginning at USD$250. 

The winner of the auction will be awarded a balcony stateroom on one of Norwegian Prima’s inaugural US voyages, setting sail from Miami, Florida - the cruise capital of the world.

“We are so excited to partner with Peeta on this first for our brand and for the industry,” said NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer. 

“Peeta is a talented artist who has brought the magic and beauty of the ocean to our ships, so we are happy to share this with our guests and to donate the proceeds of this new venture to Teach For America, an organization and a cause very near and dear to our hearts.”

The first piece in the NFT collection resembles the hull art on Norwegian Prima, offering the buyer an opportunity to own a piece of the Norwegian Prima for years to come. 

The additional five NFT pieces showcase some of the innovative 3-D designs often depicted in Peeta’s works and will be on display on board Norwegian Prima, including in the ship’s three-level Penrose Atrium.

“We strive to adopt the most cutting-edge technology at Norwegian Cruise Line and strongly believe that providing our guests the opportunity to own digital assets that connect them with an unforgettable cruise experience is an essential step forward,” said Scott Piccolo, Chief Digital Experience Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. 

“We are incredibly proud to work with Peeta on the cruise industry’s first ever NFT collection.”

All proceeds from the NFT auction and sales will be donated to Teach For America. Teach For America finds, develops, and supports a network of leaders who expand opportunities for children. 

For more information visit www.ncl.com

Underwater sculptures to be living artworks

Meet an art gallery that will ultimately only be enjoyed from underwater. 

The Museum of Underwater Art, in partnership with Museum of Tropical Queensland, has launched its next stage of sculptures. 

Ultimately destined for the Great Barrier Reef, five of the Museum of Underwater Art's next stage of sculptures are being launched at the Museum of Tropical Queensland, in Townsville, before they are installed in their underwater home.

The Ocean Sentinels display will offer an opportunity to view the works before they begin to transform into their own micro reefs when placed on the Great Barrier Reef.

MOUA board director Paul Victory said the exhibit is about connecting with as many people as possible, to spark meaningful conversation around the Great Barrier Reef and its future.

“The chance to see the world-class sculptures in the flesh and learn about their stories, promoting reef conservation and the link between art and science to a wider audience, is incredible,” he said. 

Incredible might be pushing it - but it is certainly interesting. 

“This unique exhibit allows the public to enjoy and experience the next stage of the Museum of Underwater Art and learn about the important work we've been doing with coral planting, reef health surveys, providing education and work opportunities for Indigenous guides, and more,” he said.

“These are thought-provoking sculptures, they tell a story and have been created to highlight the important work of world-leading marine scientists,” he said.

Artist Jason deCaires Taylor designed and created the hybrid-form sculptures that celebrate the work of eight incredible marine scientists and community members. 

“I hope that in years to come a variety of endemic species such as corals, sponges and hydroids will change the sculptures' appearance in vibrant and unpredictable ways,” deCaires Taylor said.

“Like the Great Barrier Reef itself, they will become a living and evolving part of the ecosystem, emphasising both its fragility and its endurance.” 

Local member for Mundingburra, Les Walker, said the Museum of Underwater Art was shaping up to be one of Queensland's great new tourism attractions.

“This unique North Queensland tourism experience is predicted to generate more than $22 million each year for Townsville's visitor economy,”  he said. 

With politicians it is always about the money; never the art. 

“We know the Museum of Underwater Art has great potential to attract divers and snorkellers from across Australia and the world," Walker added.

“The timing of this new investment in tourism is welcome after the economic impact of Covid-19." 

The artworks will be on display at the Museum of Tropical Queensland until May 15. 

It is envisaged that the sculptures will be installed underwater by June, with the final location to be decided by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

For more details on the MOUA project visit moua.com.au. For information on visiting the exhibition at the Museum of Tropical Queensland see mtq.qm.qld.gov.au