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Hotel Indigo Auckland, the city’s newest lifestyle hotel, is proud to unveil an exciting collaboration with acclaimed contemporary artist, photographer, and adventurer, Stuart Robertson – lauded for his global art project Peace in 10,000 Hands.
In celebration of Auckland’s vibrant past and present, Stuart has curated a unique photographic exhibition that spans all 25 floors of Hotel Indigo Auckland. Each floor tells a distinct chapter of Auckland’s story through a photographic lens, capturing the fabric of the neighbourhood and its modern-day popular culture.
The 25 Floors 25 Stories collection highlights iconic landmarks like the Civic Theatre and Chelsea Sugar Works Factory, highlights legendary figures such entertainer Freda Stark and aviator Jean Batten, and explores the history of The Motor House (the hotel’s site) where Dexter and Crozier famously imported New Zealand’s first Cadillac.
Through a mix of historic and contemporary photographs, Stuart’s 25 Stories capture the essence of Auckland’s neighbourhood and soul. The 25 stories have been showcased in a limited-edition coffee table book which will also be available for guests to purchase.
“It’s been an honour to curate this photographic collection for Hotel Indigo Auckland,” says Stuart Robertson. “From digging through archives to capturing my own shots and crafting the 25 Stories, it’s been a real pleasure to create a visual journey that connects guests to Auckland’s spirit and transforms the hotel into a living art gallery.”
In addition to Stuart’s work, Hotel Indigo Auckland’s lobby is a treasure trove of creativity, housing two astonishing art installations by multidisciplinary artist, architect and designer Raukura Turei. Her works, created with pigments sourced from sites tied to her whakapapa (genealogy) and whānau history, explore profound connections to atua (gods) and tīpuna (ancestors).
Complementing Turei’s lobby installations is a collection of handcrafted pieces curated by renowned stylist Simone Haag. This includes inspiring works by celebrated local artists such as David Austin, Simon Ogden, Levi Hawken, and ceramicists Craig Spencer and Peter Hawkesby, Hokianga weaver Tira, sculptor Ben Pearce, conceptual artist Andrew Rankin, potters Tony Swanson, Kit Rennie, Tai Berdinner-Blade, and Vanessa Ceelan, painters Simon Ingram, Lottie Consalvo, Nick Herd, and Kathy Barber. From wooden sculptures to clay, glass, and leather creations, every piece has been thoughtfully selected to evoke a deep sense of place and connection.
“We are proud to champion the incredible diversity of artistic talent that surrounds us in Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Hotel Indigo Auckland general manager Mathew Simister.
“As New Zealand’s first neighbourhood-inspired Hotel Indigo, we aim to celebrate Auckland’s vibrant culture and rich history through evocative art and storytelling for our guests. Partnering with Stuart Robertson and other talented local artists has been one of the highlights of our opening.”
As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts global lifestyle Hotel Indigo brand, each property embraces its unique neighbourhood identity. In Auckland, this means paying homage to its history as a motor house, once home to the first importers of the Cadillac in New Zealand. The hotel has retained its original 1912 heritage-listed façade, blending historic charm with boutique modernity.
Hotel Indigo Auckland offers stunning views of Auckland’s skyline and harbour from 27 floors of a 41-storey tower that also houses luxury residential apartments. Conveniently located near the New Zealand International Convention Centre (opening February 2026), Sky Tower, Britomart, and Wynyard Quarter, Hotel Indigo Auckland provides an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers.
With its bold design, exceptional art collection, and deep connection to the city’s history, Hotel Indigo Auckland is set to leave a lasting impression on visitors from around New Zealand and the world.
