Art Series Hotels has opened its eighth art inspired hotel, The Fantauzzo, at Brisbane’s new cultural hub Howard Smith Wharves.
Carved into the cliff under the Story Bridge, The Fantauzzo is a blend of architecture, nature and art. Inspired by acclaimed Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo, the six-storey hotel immerses creativity and contemporary luxury. Fantauzzo says, “The hotel gives all guests the chance to connect with art and immerse themselves in a really creative experience.”
The $100 million flagship hotel has a view of the Brisbane River and CBD. With 166 suites, The Fantauzzo also includes the relaxed Italian eatery Polpetta on the ground floor, a rooftop pool and bar, gym and state-of-the-art function rooms. Six original artworks and more than 500 giclée prints feature throughout the hotel, while guests can enjoy complimentary art tours, in-room art channels and libraries to get up close and personal with Fantauzzo’s work.
Fantauzzo’s artwork takes on a photorealism inspired design practice known as SJB. The artist uses this to create a counterpoint – a contrasting backdrop to his work through dark tones and muted finishes that challenge the traditional white gallery space. The scheme also combines raw concrete finishes with black glass and tiles to create strong accents. Natural rock and timber take cues from the cliff face and external facade, acting as an earthy installation. The angular forms found on both the facade of the building and interior elements provide further clarity and distinction between Fantauzzo’s artworks and the hotel’s design.
Simone McGrath is the Chief Operating Officer Pacific at one of the world’s leading augmented hospitality groups, Accor. McGrath says that, “It’s very exciting that we can finally share this stunning property, the first Art Series hotel to open under our management, with guests visiting Brisbane from other parts of Queensland, interstate and overseas.”
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