- MGallery Collection championing history around the world for Heritage Days from 20 to 22 September 2024
- A dozen renowned MGallery hotels across Asia set to open their doors for locals and travellers to explore
Silk painting is one of the Heritage Days experiences at Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery Collection in Sapa, Vietnam
This September sees European Heritage Days, a vibrant celebration of culture, art, and architecture set to return with its 40th edition. This annual festival sees privately owned historical and architectural treasures throw open their doors, inviting locals and travellers alike to explore their diverse cultural legacies.
While traditionally celebrated within Europe, MGallery Hotel Collection, a champion of local heritage, will join in the festivities with its hotels participating around the world. Following last year’s success, 2024 will see 11 MGallery properties in Asia (excluding China) open to the public, providing the chance for communities to experience their heritage.
Discover local treasures with captivating experiences at MGallery
The expertly curated experiences will invite guests to explore and live the storied pasts of some of its most iconic buildings and monuments. From musical and artistic immersions to culinary adventures, experiences have been tailored to each hotel’s unique history and the cultural heritage of the surrounding areas.
Uncover incredible culture in Asia
Hidden history is unfolding in Laos at the 3 Nagas Luang Prabang – MGallery Collection, set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 1898-built Lamache House, transformed into 3 Nagas, was once a site for the court to discuss topics of the day. Later, it became a famed ice cream shop, officially supplying the royals. The Heritage Days interactive experiences involve a quest to find and photograph this historic place and its artefacts before ringing a bell and discovering a cool treat. A cocktail-tasting test unlocks a complimentary beverage, with classics served along with a sketchpad and pen for drawing impressions of the spectacular surroundings.
Vietnam’s glamorous Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery Collection, designed by Bill Bensley, is hosting a creative tour in the hill tribe landscape of Lao Cai’s Sapa. This reveals the stories behind the hotel’s interior design and looks at interesting architectural features. Workshops inspire creativity with outdoor art sessions and traditional silk and bamboo paper fan-making with skilled artisans. Custom-designed keepsakes are a memento of these Heritage Days. Meanwhile, Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery Collection is hosting its limited-edition Music Box High Tea. Set in the hotel’s stunning atrium space, The Courtyard, gelato sticks in the shape of Hanoi’s iconic historic buildings and timeless signature cocktail pairings are served. The five-star Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection offers a unique walking tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site setting. A temporary art exhibition tells the story of the unique city of Hoi An and of local traditions in partnership with renowned photographer, RÉHAHN. At Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection, art graces every corner year-round, reflecting Vietnam's vibrant culture. This September, the hotel hosts a special exhibition, featuring a captivating collection of paintings by local artists paired with traditional Vietnamese costumes.
Fire shows at Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong - MGallery Collection highlight Heritage Days experiences
Thailand’s stunning hilltop resort, Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong - MGallery Collection embraces the soft serenity of Sukhothai and the ancient Kingdom of Siam; stepping back in time. The khim, a traditional Thai instrument, plays, while gong and lotus flower rituals imbue a sense of customary tradition at the start of the Heritage Days journey. Classic snacks are savoured such as miang kham with salty, spicy, crunchy, sour, and sweet ingredients wrapped in bite-sized leaves, plus mini custardy coconut pancakes, khanom krok. Mesmerising Muay Thai displays and fire shows light up the cultural landscape. Meanwhile, the Avista Grande Phuket Karon - MGallery Collection, with its gorgeous spa and floating breakfast experiences, honours Thai culture with traditional dancing, batik workshops, and drum rituals, plus artefacts from Phuket’s tin mining history.
In the Philippines, the Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection celebrates Heritage Days with a city tour in style in a classic Buick and a guided walk around the hotel’s points of interest. The Filipino Fiesta Buffet, a heritage-inspired six-hand dinner, is organised on 19 September, in association with the Manila Food & Wine Festival and the Department of Tourism. A Filipino-Chinese merienda (afternoon tea) is also served with a traditional batirol to make beverages. Other experiences include a calligraphy workshop, an exhibition by Haring Ibon of bird photographs, and a cocktail-making session with specially crafted concoctions.
The contemporary aesthetic of Hotel Naru Seoul Ambassador - MGallery Collection, the first MGallery brand hotel in South Korea, is brought to life with a tour of its imaginative sculptural installations; a reflection of modernity within an age-old setting by the iconic Han River.
Guests and visitors are invited to discover Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection artworks during Heritage Days
The newly opened Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection in Japan offers a guided tour of its curated artworks, showcasing Hokkaido’s culture. The experience concludes with a tasting of Kaitakushi beer, produced in a historic brewery across the street, offering a taste of Sapporo’s rich heritage.
In Indonesia, the historic Hotel Majapahit Surabaya - MGallery Collection, an official cultural heritage landmark, proudly displays the building’s past. Film footage, photographs, and a guided tour of original features highlight the history of the hotel, which dates back to 1910 and hosted iconic stars of yesteryear.
Catherine Cherabieh, Brand Vice-President of MGallery Hotel Collection, says: “Heritage is in our DNA. We pride ourselves on being a guardian of some of the most unique hotels, whether through their storied history or artistic magnificence. While we always bring a touch of modern luxury and contemporary design to all our hotels, it’s imperative we preserve each building’s cultural heritage. Within every MGallery, there is a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture unique to the local area and we’re so pleased to be able to share these spaces with the wider public.”