Art is not limited by size or shape: The Enigmatic ‘Hotel’ Sculpture Along Melbourne’s EastLink

 Prashun Kumar Upadhyay 

 12 May, 2024

In the midst of the vast expanse of the EastLink toll road, a peculiar sight catches the eye of passing motorists: a towering structure resembling a high-rise hotel seemingly plucked out of context, standing solitary against the backdrop of the Australian landscape. However, this ‘Hotel’ isn’t what it appears to be at first glance. Rather than a place of accommodation, it’s a thought-provoking piece of art designed to challenge perceptions and ignite curiosity. 

For our family embarking on a journey towards Mornington during their recent trip to Melbourne, the discovery of the ‘Hotel’ sculpture sparked both amusement and intrigue. Traveling with our daughter and a family friend, we found ourselves drawn to this unexpected sight in the eastern motorway of Melbourne. “It looked odd and was sitting in a place where the surroundings did not have any traffic,” remarked one of our family members, reflecting on their initial impressions. “We all had a chuckle as it seemed very out of place.”

Upon investigating further we unearth this ‘Hotel’ was unveiled on November 27, 2007, the ‘Hotel’ sculpture is the brainchild of acclaimed artist Callum Morton. Costing a staggering A$1.2 million to construct, this monumental artwork stands as a testament to creativity and imagination. Rising 20 meters into the sky and stretching 12 meters in length with a width of 5 meters, the sculpture commands attention from all who traverse the EastLink motorway.

As our family passed by the sculpture on our journey, we couldn’t help but be captivated by its surreal presence. “It was like stumbling upon a mirage in the middle of nowhere,” remarked our family friend, a local resident who had never noticed the sculpture before. “I had no idea it was here, let alone that it was a piece of art.”

Describing his creation as a “giant folly,” Morton’s ‘Hotel’ serves as a visual paradox, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. As motorists zoom past, they are presented with a mirage — a mirage of a hotel plucked from another dimension, an architectural anomaly devoid of guests or function.

For our family, the ‘Hotel’ sculpture became a highlight of their journey — an unexpected encounter with art amidst the monotony of the highway. “It was a moment of wonder in an otherwise ordinary drive,” reflected one of the family members. “We never expected to stumble upon something like this, but it added a touch of magic to our trip.”

Situated between Greens Road and Bangholme Road along the northbound carriageway of EastLink, ‘Hotel’ stands as a beacon of artistic expression in an otherwise mundane landscape. Its steel structural frame, concrete, and glass panels merge seamlessly with the surrounding environment, yet its presence is undeniably surreal.
Whether viewed as a roadside oddity or a profound statement on the human experience, ‘Hotel’ remains a striking landmark along the EastLink motorway — an enduring testament to the enduring power of creativity in unexpected places. And for our family, it serves as a cherished memory of an unforgettable journey through the landscapes of art and imagination.