QT Wellington, a hotel renowned for its eclectic art collection, is bringing the street art vibe indoors to celebrate its partnership with The Art of Banksy exhibition, which opens today in Wellington.   

Wellington artist Aidan Walbækken is adding new art to the walls of the hotel's iconic Gallery 4 level, bringing his own take on street art indoors, with a touch of Banksy. “Wellington is a city with a thriving street art culture and bringing it onto a finite space was an interesting challenge that I've hugely enjoyed.  

“Graffiti as an art form has a distinct lack of rules which is boundless and expressive. It is often overlooked and not acknowledged for the prerequisite skillset which often propels artists into careers and is a gateway to explore their own creativity. I can't wait to see people experience the room totally immersed in art.”   

The gallery room will be available for guests to book for a limited time, in a package that includes two tickets to the Art of Banksy exhibition, two cocktails and naturally, breakfast before a big day of art critiquing.  

Those who believe food and art don't mix should think again. With a splash of colour here and a lick of paint there, Chef Antoine Collet has taken graffiti and street art and transformed them into three tiers of delicious bites for Graffi-Tea High Tea in Hippopotamus. Macarons and white chocolate éclairs with a rebellious splash of paint sit alongside crab cakes and salmon gravlax, and the pièce de resistance – Tatin Pomme d'Amour with spiced apple and caramel mousse, Collet's take on Banksy's 'Girl with Balloon'. 

Inspired by the captivating world of urban art, expect colour and flavour to collide in this High Tea with a tantalisingly limited run, from $69 per person.  

Free spirits and those who like a bit of rebellion in a cocktail list can push the boundaries with the Art of Spirits Cocktails, a special menu that brings art into every pour. An artistic expression of bold flavours inspired by Banksy as well as the art in and around QT Wellington, Gallery Lounge will be slinging adventurous tipples for the duration of the exhibition.  

 Try out The Mural Next Door inspired by the neighbouring Shark Wall, or a flirty take on a martini and soon-to-be signature cocktail Q Tease, or – love it or hate it – The Golden Mile. 

Those stopping by to dabble in a High Tea or a toast to the rebellious spirit of Banksy after enjoying the exhibition should flash their tickets to the bar staff to indulge in a little something extra. 

General Manager at QT Wellington Colin McClean says, "Banksy is a household name around the world and as a brand that's always pushed boundaries, we're excited to bring some of that rebellious energy into the hotel. Art is a huge part of the QT aesthetic, so we're thrilled to be partnering with the Art of Banksy exhibition and let the experience linger a little bit longer for anyone inspired by the works. Wellington is a city where artists of all mediums are respected and revered, and partnering with Walbækken to create a unique experience for guests is a beautiful way to merge all the things QT stands for – art, unexpected guest experiences and quirky luxury.” 

Visit QT Wellington from 28 November to 20 January and experience street art like never before.