Diamond glow and Heart’s echoes: Celebrate Sofitel’s 60th anniversary with fine art & poetry exhibition

For the past 60 years, Sofitel has embodied French art de vivre all around the globe. Throughout 2024, the brand’s diamond jubilee is being marked by a series of 120 exclusive events and experiences at hotels and resorts worldwide.

This full year of festivities continues this October and November, as the newly renovated Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit sets the stage for Diamond glow & Heart’s echoes, an exquisite exhibition that pairs fine art and poetry.

Diamond glow, Heart’s echoes

Bringing to life Sofitel’s symbol, the cultural link, where cultures intertwine and local savoir-faire is valued, the exhibition celebrates Thai and French cultures flourishing together. It is an invitation to all guests, Bangkok residents and international visitors to explore the interplay of contemporary Thai painting and poetry by distinguished local and French artists.

Running until November 6, this immersive event spans three interwoven, seamlessly connected spaces to envelop all guests in a world of artistic elegance against the backdrop of the hotel’s spectacular new décor, following the completion of a major renovation last year.

A cultural journey through paintings & poetry

Stepping through the reimagined grand entrance of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, guests are transported from the city’s bustling streets and into a world of cultural fusion. A total of 12 original paintings from highly respected Thai artists are on display in the hotel’s Foyer, Atelier, and Celestial paths – plus one secret work!

Dominating the scene is an exquisite chandelier, a testament to the harmonious interplay of cultures, echoing the revered wai and water Thai gesture and celebrating the vivacious spirit of events like the Songkran festival, and Thai New Year. The lobby’s artistic glass panel blends Western opulence with unmistakable Thai warmth.

The foyer is dominated by two masterpieces by acclaimed Thai artists Sanan Ratana and Rerngsal Boonyawavichakul, standing between which a table is adorned with 40 Thai and French poems, creating an inspiring blend of visual and literary delights for visitors to savour.

Moving into the Atelier, four more vibrant paintings are displayed, each depicting the essence of Thai life, heritage and history in a variety of mediums, including acrylics, oils and watercolours, all presented in an intimate studio ambience.

The celestial paths then lead viewers along a multi-sensory walkway through six mesmerising paintings that serve as windows to personal interpretation. This evocative experience extends across two floors and through the hotel’s elevator halls.

To reward guests for completing their journey of discovery, one secret item – a handwritten work by one of Thailand’s most revered poets – awaits at the end of the exhibition.

Oliver Schnatz, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit General Manager, extends this thanks to the artists and writers making the exhibition possible.

“We are thrilled to present these invaluable creations by distinguished Thai painters and esteemed French and Thai writers, celebrating a moment of artistic elegance at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, where free minds meet. May this exhibition inspire us all to embrace the beauty of cultural diversity and celebrate the joy that art brings to the richness of our collective human journey.”

Diamond jubilee celebrations to reach a crescendo in Southeast Asia

The Diamond glow, Heart’s echoes exhibition marks the latest surprise instalment of Sofitel’s 60th anniversary celebration, which reaffirms the brand’s commitment to creating luxurious experiences, infused with joie de vivre and heartfelt service.

Throughout this year, the brand has actively reached out to its local communities to stage a series of occasions that connect with guests and weave Sofitel’s French zest with the authentic spirit of their locale. These heartfelt celebrations will continue to spread across Indochina in the coming weeks and months, as Sofitel prepares for two dazzling culinary events in Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital city, and Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi invited the epicurean experts from La Tour d’Argent, the 400 year old Parisian restaurant, to stage a unique culinary takeover at Le Beaulieu, the hotel’s fine-dining venue which was recently selected by the Michelin Guide.

The immersive gastronomic week that ran from October 23 to 27 presented diners in Vietnam with the chance to savour some of the world’s finest French cuisine, with a five-course lunch menu and an eight-course dinner menu that has transported diners’ senses to the banks of the River Seine. For more information and reservations, please call +84 24 3826 6919 or email metropolehanoi.lebeaulieu@sofitel.com.

The anniversary festivities will then reach a dramatic crescendo on November 19, as Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort hosts a truly one-of-a-kind event. As the sun sets over Angkor Wat, diners will be invited to a dazzling gala dinner at the Kravan Temple, one of the most breathtaking wonders in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological park.

Hosted by Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, and attended by Paul Dubrule, the co-founder of Accor, this exclusive event is set to become an occasion that resounds through the history of the Sofitel brand.

Sofitel now boasts a presence in some of the most captivating destinations throughout Southeast Asia and Korea.

From the historic elegance of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi to the cultural allure of Sofitel Luang Prabang and Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, we journey to the stunning island beauty of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa.

Then, let us not forget the vibrant urban energy of Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, and Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara. In each locale, Sofitel seamlessly weaves the spirit of joie de vivre.

The Diamond glow, Heart’s echoes exhibition is open every day at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit until November 6 and it is free to enter.

Press Release