From a distance The Ritz Carlton, Millenia, Singapore is just another high rise architectural marvel that adds to an already attractive Singapore city skyline. But as you move quite closer, a magnificent 200-foot driveway curves to arrive at a spectacular gateway. The moment you step in, the 32-storey luxury hotel's lobby offers an artistic welcome.
The first thing that catches your attention is a stunning suspended roof sculpture. “‘Hey, what’s that?’ is often the first question asked by many guests who step in for the first time,” says Evelyn Yo, Director of Public relations, Ritz Carlton Millenia, Singapore.
As a result of your query you are told that it is the ‘Cornucopia’ designed by the famous New York artist Frank Stella which weighs a whopping 2,800 kilograms. The creation is made of fibre glass material similar to that used in surfboards. This creation was designed in New York, and then manufactured by traditional boat-makers in Cannes, France, before being shipped to Singapore.
As the guests move a little further inside the luxurious oasis, they are embraced by the breathtaking interiors that reflect unprecedented flair and sophistication. You might think such lavish and plush interiors are often what make a super luxury hotel, so there’s nothing unusual about it.
But what distinguishes the Ritz Carlton Millenia, Singapore from other luxury hotels of the world is its exclusive art collection comprising 4,200 pieces by many artists like Dale Chihuly, David Hockney, Frank Stella, Henry Moore and Andy Warhol. The art collection has been considered by many to be amongst the finest corporate modern art collections in Singapore and Southeast Asia. “Valued at approximately $5 million, 90 per cent of the works were specially commissioned for the hotel including 350 major, ‘museum quality pieces’,” informs Yo.
If the in-house guests wish they can have a guided art tour of the hotel. The works are predominantly ‘pop art’ or colour field pieces, an American art style that dates to the 1960s. California-based art consultant and curator Elizabeth Weiner, who assisted in assembling this collection, describes the artworks as ‘vibrant expressionism’.
The displays in the public areas, meeting facilities, guestrooms, and guest corridors, enhance the distinctive contemporary architectural design of the hotel.
The hushed elegance of Chihuly Lounge beckons as you glance over your shoulder while checking in. In this lounge also, an attractive wall sculpture is the focal point. Dale Chihuly, one of the world’s foremost glass artists, created it which is entitled ‘Sunrise’. It comprises almost 300 yellow hand-blown glass spirals. Its full magnitude is best appreciated in the evenings when strategically positioned lighting gives the piece full depth and contrast.
The piece is mirrored by ‘Sunset’ in shades of green on the opposite Greenhouse restaurant wall. Chihuly's whimsical, multicoloured stalks and bulbs mingle with real foliage in enclosed gardens next to Greenhouse restaurant and behind the registration desk.
At the entrance to the poolside and the adjoining seafood restaurant, ‘Moby Dick’ - a 3D mural by Frank Stella again captures your attention. Yo told that the artist was inspired by white beluga whales in the NY city aquarium when he created the Moby Dick series consisting of 138 paintings and sculptures which pay tribute to Herman Melville’s masterpiece novel. The works possess rolling waves and a dominant but elusive whale like presence.
Strategically placed at the Ritz Carlton Fitness centre & Spa is the painting ‘Celia’ by David Hockney. Celia Birtwell was wife of Hockney's friend Ossie Clark whose many paintings were done by the artist. At level three, one stops to see the four etchings entitled ‘Floating Rocks’ by Henry Moore. Moore believed in carving sculpture that reflected truth to materials. The results are often sensuous, raw yet monumentally imposing forms.
The hotels’ individual pieces are beautifully placed to complement surroundings. ‘Balinese dancer’ by award-winning Indonesian artist Nyoman Gunasar, is situated in Chihuly Lounge with its daily entertainment. Within Snappers restaurant, ‘Red Whale’ by Yasmine, depicts marine life in a lively burst of colour, complementing the Mediterranean theme of the restaurant.
The rest of the works are from well-established contemporary American artists such as Larry Zox, Elsworth Kelly, Rainer gross and Malcolm Morley.
The Ritz Carlton Millenia, Singapore is not only a luxurious oasis for a weary body and a fatigued mind but also a sanctuary for your aesthetic sensibilities as well.
