The Clara Arte Hotel, located within the Inhotim Institute in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, inaugurated the Galeria Wing on August 21st, a new annex that added 30 new accommodations to the hotel. This expansion raised the total number of rooms from 46 to 76 and was developed with a strong emphasis on accessibility, integrating materials and architectural elements that converse with the artistic collection of the complex.
The total investment in this expansion was R$ 59.3 million. The Galeria Wing was built adjacent to the common areas, to the left when viewing the infinity pool, and is fully accessible, following the principles of universal design. The project was meticulously planned to accommodate people with reduced mobility or disabilities, as well as families with small children, using an adaptable accessibility system where support equipment is provided before check-in.
With the addition of the Galeria Wing, the hotel increased from six to ten types of accommodation available. Notable additions include the Galeria Suite, which offers a private room for couples, single beds, a double vanity bathroom, and a bathtub; and three Presidential options, featuring an integrated living room, two bedrooms, a hydromassage, a shower sauna, and a balcony. The Presidential 5 stands out as the largest unit, with over 71 square meters just in the main room.
The aesthetic of the new units prioritizes architecture, presenting neutral tones in the furniture, freijó cladding, and corten basalt flooring. All accommodations feature a mini-kitchenette, the focal point of which is the Volúpia Maestro quartzite on the counter and facade, equipped with a mini-fridge, water filter, coffee maker, and microwave.
The 30 newly created rooms were inspired by the 20th anniversary of the Inhotim Institute and receive the same set of works: the Multiple Tunga, a commemorative edition made to celebrate two decades of the museum. This set includes seven pieces, such as a facsimile of a Tunga manuscript on True Rouge, and six photographs from the last installation of the piece with the artist. Tunga, originally from Pernambuco, was a great supporter of the foundation of Inhotim.
The integration of art was already a characteristic of Clara Arte before this expansion. In collaboration with Carbono Gallery, the hotel exhibits works by renowned national and international artists, such as Sandra Cinto, Vik Muniz, Claudia Andujar, Tomie Ohtake, Regina Silveira, Sonia Gomes, Arnaldo Antunes, Julio Le Parc, Jonathas de Andrade, Nuno Ramos, Lenora de Barros, Panmela Castro, and Antonio Obá. These works are integrated into the environments, and a QR code allows guests to obtain more information about the artists and their careers.
In the common areas, the fusion of art, architecture, and materials is visible in various details. The covered and climate-controlled pool is lined with artisanal ceramic tiles by the Pernambucan artist José Patrício, in 22 shades of gray. Furthermore, the playroom features pieces signed by the plastic artist Artur Lescher.
The expansion adds to the existing accommodations, including the Luxury Suite and the Master and Master Plus bungalows, the latter offering a balcony, fireplace, double bed, sofa, and bathtub—in some units, the latter is sculpted from soapstone, functioning as a work of art.
On the gastronomic front, the menu is signed by Chef and CEO Taiza Krueder, incorporating influences from Mineiro cuisine. The stay includes full board, with four daily meals, in addition to à la carte dishes served during the Show Kitchen nights. There are also vegetarian and vegan options prepared with organic ingredients.
Because it is located inside Inhotim, guests can use electric carts at the reception to be taken to their preferred gallery. Since the museum is not open to the general public on Mondays and Tuesdays, hotel guests enjoy exclusive tours of the institute from 10 am to 1 pm, with a variable daily schedule.
On Monday, the route includes the Adriana Varejão, Lago, Cosmococa, Fonte, and Yayoi Kusama galleries, as well as the external installations Troca-Troca by Jarbas Lopes, and Gui Tuo Bei by Zhang Huan. The tour also covers the Largo das Orquídeas and notable species of the gardens, such as the Canary palm, imperial bromeliad, and corifa.
On Tuesday, the itinerary visits the Psicoativa Tunga, Praça, Nascente, and Lygia Pape galleries, and presents three outdoor works: Viewing Machine by Olafur Eliasson; Desert Park by Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster; and Open the Door, Brumadinho Bus Station, by John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres. The tour also passes through the Educational Nursery – Garden of All Senses, Desert Garden, Transition Garden, Meliponary, and Vandario, allowing observation of species such as philodendron, brazilwood, octopus agave, ema cinnamon, jequitibá, and ariri-mirim.
Until September 4th, the new wing will be in soft opening phase, with promotional rates for two adults starting from R$ 1,782.90 with full board, a price that will later be adjusted to R$ 2,207.19.