As part of their ongoing global Art Series, Radisson Collection has partnered with the globally renowned botanical art studio, Studio Mary Lennox. Designed to showcase the creative works of contemporary artists, and aimed at enriching the guest experience, this unique botanical art installation is located at the recently unveiled Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan.
Studio Mary Lennox is acclaimed for their dramatic floral and botanical creations, with a portfolio featuring collaborations with luxury brands such as Loro Piana, Rimowa, Gucci, and Mercedes. For this exhibition, they were commissioned to create artistic pieces across the ground floor of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan, capturing the essence of Milan’s rich design scene and botanical urban landscape. Taking cues from the hotel’s architectural style, and the city’s vibrant stained-glass windows and local florals, the exhibition showcases a captivating collection of pressed and dried flowers and plants like wisteria, garden rose, jasmine, daisies, and clematis, commonly found in the city’s parks and gardens.
Adding to the spectacle, the ceiling skylights located on the ground floor bar are adorned with an expressive “fresco” style pattern, displaying wild compositions of pressed florals and greenery. Together with the natural light, this setup creates an ever-evolving dance of light and floral shadows from dawn to dusk, offering an enchanting ambience for guests and locals. This immersive exhibition extends from the hotel lobby to the Sofia Kitchen & Bar and will remain on display for the next six months.
Embracing the botanical theme, the hotel has concocted a new signature beverage, the Inti Por Vida, a twist on the classic Pisco Sour cocktail, incorporating floral and botanical elements such as chamomile and bay leaves syrup. Additionally, a self-guided botanical walking tour of Milan, curated by the hotel, provides guests an opportunity to explore the city through a floral lens, revealing floral-themed local bars, restaurants, and hidden gardens within walking distance from the hotel.
“Our hotel is very much rooted in Milan’s vibrant local culture, and this exhibition brings together art and nature in a delightful way that I’m proud to showcase to both guests and locals.” – Marco Scola, General Manager of the Santa Sofia Milan
Echoing this sentiment, Ruby Barber, the founder of Studio Mary Lennox, said, “We were inspired by the beautiful natural light in the hotel which creates an ever-changing game of light and shadow throughout the course of the day. Pressed and preserved behind plexiglass, the vibrant colors of the flowers are concentrated, and the distinctive shape of each unique plant is accentuated. The play of light and shadow creates beautiful floral silhouettes reflected on the walls and floors to achieve a dramatic effect. We are excited for guests of the hotel to discover the exhibition during their stay at the hotel.”
The botanical art installation celebrates the opening of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan, an iconic 1960s landmark building in the city that once served as the headquarters of Allianz Italy. The hotel boasts 159 guest rooms and suites, with interiors inspired by classic Milanese mansions, featuring an aesthetic of elegant maximalism.
As part of the experience, guests and locals can enjoy the Inti Por Vida, a signature beverage inspired by the botanical theme of the installation. A unique twist on the classic Pisco Sour cocktail, it includes floral and botanical elements such as chamomile and bay leaves syrup. This refreshing concoction encapsulates the spirit of Milan’s floral richness and complements the hotel’s art installation perfectly.
For those wanting to explore Milan through a floral lens, Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan has also curated a self-guided botanical walking tour of the city. The tour map, which is available from the hotel concierge, allows guests to discover floral-themed bars, restaurants, and hidden gardens within walking distance of the hotel. A delightful way to explore the city, this tour adds an immersive dimension to the Radisson Collection’s commitment to providing authentic local experiences.
For those unable to make it to Milan, the floral tour itinerary can also be discovered via the Radisson Collection Instagram account.
Santa Sofia Milan is housed in a renovated building known as a 1960s landmark in Milan. Originally the headquarters of Allianz Italy, the building maintains its original façade and copper roof but offers a completely transformed interior. Decorated in the aesthetic of elegant maximalism, the hotel takes inspiration from classic Milanese mansions, perfectly capturing the essence of Milan’s rich history.
Located centrally, halfway between Piazza del Duomo and the famous Navigli canal district, Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan features 159 guest rooms and suites. Guests can experience an eclectic mix of contrasting elements from different eras of Milanese history, from the lobby and reception area to the adjacent co-working spaces and the Sofia Kitchen & Bar. Drawing inspiration from the green of Milanese fountains, streetcars, and 1960s taxis, Sofia Kitchen & Bar, located in the former courtyard now covered by a glass roof, promises a unique dining experience.
For more information on the Radisson Collection Global Art Series, visit here.
