Night at the art hotel: how ambitious collectors transformed a hotel stay into a museum visit.
Princess Europa may have met Zeus in the eastern Mediterranean, but the next stopover for the transfer of knowledge from Egypt was Crete. This was the centre of advanced civilisation and the myths bear witness to this. Ancient soil is the foundation of Minos Beach Art Hotel, which offers 5‑star luxury in the Gulf of Elounda – and continues to tell an ancient story as part of a remarkable art project.
Marvel at 54 art installations
A short walk through the sculpture garden, between shimmering limestone and bougainvillea, reveals what makes this resort unique. A gate and a bust for King Minos, an abstract Minotaur, Noah’s deconstructed ark – these are just a few examples of the 54 art installations maintained here by the G&A Mamidakis Foundation, established by Gina Mamidakis.
Don’t forget your diving goggles
Greece’s first and most important art hotel has been making history since 1988 with symposia, art residencies and an annual art prize. Some of the works are best admired through diving goggles – Kostas Ioannides’ installation “Lost Ears of Agios Nikolaos” is submerged in the sea and relies on wave reception.
