Today the famed Museum Art Hotel changes name following more than a $12m makeover, to QT Museum Wellington. This is the first New Zealand location for the boutique design- driven hotel collection QT Hotels & Resorts.
Each QT Hotel and Resort is inspired by and embodies the unique culture of its location. Embracing the creative culture of the Capital, QT Museum Wellington delivers a unique experience blending art, design and a dash of the absurd, resulting in cool luxury. With the needs of the modern traveler in mind, QT Museum Wellington also features high tech, sophisticated spaces, sassy private hire venues & a paradise for foodies with the acclaimed Hippopotamus Restaurant & Bar.
The refurbished public spaces and soon to be completed hotel rooms have been thoughtfully and creatively conceived by architect and designer Shelley Indyk. Indyk has created a bold backdrop to display the quirky art, offering a touch of Hollywood glamour whilst respecting the philosophy of the hotel.
The hotel’s room designs have been taken to a new level by Indyk including luxury modern traveller perks unique to the design-driven brand – from night caps to emergency bow-ties and other quirky amenities. Finishing touches have been created by stylist Anna Roberts and staff costumes by celebrated Broadway costume designer Janet Hine.
QT Managing Director, David Seargeant, says the refurbishment and rebranding represents the evolution whilst paying homage to the unique history of the hotel.
“In acquiring this iconic hotel brimming with personality which has become a favourite for visitors and locals alike, we wanted to evolve and build on its unique character. We have developed this by highlighting the eclectic feel whilst ensuring the quirky character of the QT brand features strongly”.
Chris Parkin says he’s delighted with the integrity QT has had in retaining the hotel’s unique cultural significance.
“The QT brand aligns so well with my original vision and philosophy for the hotel. It’s heartening to see the legacy the Museum Art Hotel has built, evolve with the stunning QT makeover and now rightfully aligned with the new name QT Museum Wellington.”
The hotel’s eccentric and eclectic art collection will continue to be displayed throughout the public spaces and will continue to unfold, selected by Amanda Love, QT Hotels Art Curator.
QT Museum Wellington doesn’t stop at signature QT style in public spaces and rooms. The beloved and acclaimed Hippopotamus Restaurant & Bar will continue to serve exquisite French-inspired fare under the direction of Executive Chef Laurent Loudeac. Wellington can also expect a new eatery to rival the city’s exceptional restaurant and bar scene mid-2017, in the form of a Japanese/Korean street food inspired bar Hot Sauce.
The hotel has operated under the direction of QT Hotels & Resorts since its sale in 2015. QT currently holds seven boutique properties across Australia and New Zealand, QT Queenstown will be next instalment of the boutique design-driven collection of hotels