Explore how The Four Seasons Hotel at Embassy One, Bengaluru, integrates art and design to celebrate the city's creativity, featuring works from over 25 Indian artists.
New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature that celebrates the spirit of creativity and innovation. In earlier posts, we featured various cultural events including art festivals and music festivals.
Art and design can be effectively blended to transform hotels into cultural destinations that resonate with creative communities. Thoughtfully designed interiors, curated exhibitions, and commissioned installations elevate the experience and storytelling.
This approach positions a hotel as not just a place to stay, but a creative landmark where culture and hospitality intersect. Spaces such as lobbies, lounges, courtyards, lifts, and corridors can be designed as flexible venues that support exhibitions and collaborative projects.
Handcrafted details and regional aesthetics communicate authenticity while maintaining the elegance expected of a luxury hotel. Prioritizing innovation in spatial experience creates truly memorable gathering hubs.
An outstanding example is The Four Seasons Hotel at Embassy One, Bengaluru, home to original works by more than 25 contemporary Indian artists. “Every installation has been thoughtfully selected to tell stories of the city, social change, and the relationship between people and nature,” says the hotel’s general manager, Biswajit Chakraborty.
“Rather than serving as decoration, the collection creates meaningful connections with the destination, making art an integral part of every stay,” he adds.
The architectural narrative of the hotel is crafted by the renowned studio Yabu Pushelberg, centered on the concept of the fractured grid. The firm envisioned the hotel as the home of an art collector, curated with an eclectic mix of Indian heritage and international modernism.
The hotel spans two towers in the heart of Bengaluru, combining large stone-filled spaces with local and international sensibilities. Featured artists include Saju Kunhan, Thukral & Tagra, GR Iranna, and Sucheta Ghadge.
Manjunath Kamath’s massive ceramic disc installations draw from the philosophy and culture of ancient South Indian dynasties. Sumedh Rajendran uses provocative imagery to discuss development, based on animals and skeletons.
The tonal variations in Prakash Ghadge’s artwork with dots and dashes are outstanding, moving viewers into deep observation and reflection.
Founded in Toronto, The Four Seasons Hotels have grown into a global luxury icon with over 120 properties worldwide. Their golden rule is to treat others as they themselves would like to be treated.
“What makes the Four Seasons story remarkable is that, even after more than six decades, its philosophy has remained unchanged. Since 1961, we have believed that true luxury is defined by how people are treated,” affirms Chakraborty.
The Mumbai property opened in 2008, followed by Bengaluru in 2019. “Both are united by the same commitment to intuitive service and genuine care. Here, that philosophy comes to life through our hospitality, art, and experiences that celebrate the spirit of Bengaluru while remaining unmistakably Four Seasons,” he adds.
The guest journey in the living gallery has been carefully choreographed. “From the arrival experience to the transition through public spaces into the guest rooms, a gradual shift is created from the pace of the city to a calm and personal sanctuary,” he says.
“Bengaluru has always been a city where innovation and creativity go hand in hand. It is where technology, design, literature, and contemporary art coexist,” explains Chakraborty.
This vibrant urban environment fosters new ideas and collaboration. “As India's high-tech capital, Bengaluru continues to be a place where tradition and modern thinking intersect,” he adds.
Exhibitions are featured in the aptly-named space titled Art gallery: Curated by CUR8, which also hosts literary workshops. “They bring together writers, artists, and thought leaders to exchange ideas on hospitality, literature, culture, and storytelling,” Chakraborty describes.
Beyond art and literature, there are regular culinary pop-ups and immersive dining experiences. “We introduce our guests to different cultures and traditions from around the world,” he says.
“We want every guest to experience Bengaluru through our hotel. The art collection, the dining experiences, the wellness offerings, the cultural programs, and most importantly, the people they meet all help tell the story of this city,” he adds.
Each month, the hotel’s gallery transforms around a distinct theme, focusing on promoting Indian artists. “By curating these changing exhibitions, we ensure that every visit offers guests a fresh and authentic cultural experience,” Chakraborty describes.
Artists featured over the past year include Yusuf Arakkal, V Hariraam, SG Vasudev, and CS Krishna Shetty. “We also partnered with MeMeraki for a collaborative showcase of eight Indian art forms, from Pattachitra to Thangka paintings,” he explains.
The Vilasa exhibition is on display until the end of July, featuring artists such as Arunava Mandal and Gautam Bansal. Artworks on display include The Brahma Kamals, Cartography of Forgotten Dreams, and Dahaad.
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated alongside contemporary art by Phan Hong Thanh, Duc Viet, Phan Van Thanh, Minh Du, and others. “They capture everyday life, nature, spirituality, and cultural heritage, bringing together art and cuisine in a unique cultural experience,” Chakraborty says.
There is also an array of gastronomy, wellness, and mixology. For example, the Copitas cocktail bar will host an exclusive takeover by Nouvelle Vague, regarded as one of the world's 50 best bars.
“Ultimately, we want the hotel to be more than a destination for a meal. We want it to be a place where our guests celebrate the creative energy that defines Bengaluru,” Chakraborty concludes.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at The Four Seasons Hotel at Embassy One, Bengaluru.)
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