MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - Aug 30, 2012) - Things are getting wild in Melbourne as the city celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Zoo with 'Mali in the City,' inspired by the zoo's most famous Asian elephant calf, Mali. The citywide public art installation, taking place through September 15th, 2012 near the Melbourne Marriott Hotel, showcases 50 life-size Asian elephant sculptures created by local artists.
In honor of 'Mali in the City,' the Melbourne Marriott Hotel has created a new accommodation package available through October 28, 2012. The 'Mali in the City' package offers rates as low as $259 a night and includes a Mali gift bag. To book the package, visit the hotel website at www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/melmc-melbourne-marriott-hotel/ or call 1-800-228-9290 in the US; be sure to enter/mention the promotional code ARN when booking.
The Melbourne Marriott Hotel is also participating in the celebration by transforming its exterior into a canvas for local artist Zara McKenzie's "Mali, Harmony." The piece uses footprints to symbolize extinction and was inspired by pride, heritage and earth tones. Like an elephant, the 21-year-old's creation represents balance, harmony and tranquility.
The elephant sculptures will be placed throughout various points in the city close to the luxury Melbourne hotel, from the streets to neighborhood parks, in an effort to spread the message of conservation both locally and globally. All 50 of the sculptures will eventually be auctioned to raise money for the zoo's wildlife conservation efforts.
Those who stop by this Melbourne city hotel to check out the public work will receive a free gift bag. The hotel's concierge is available to help navigate the trail of sculptures, but a mobile app is also available for those who want to explore the exhibit on their own; it includes artist, location and sponsor information. For more information about 'Mali in the City,' visit www.zoo.org.au/mali.
About the Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Located in the heart of the city, the Melbourne Marriott Hotel offers exceptional facilities, attentive service, luxurious accommodations and a look that highlights both its boutique size and its grand style. Accommodations at this 5-star hotel offer plenty of space and come in either queen or double configurations. Relax with Marriott's signature Revive bedding package, stay on top of things at the office with a work desk and high-speed wireless Internet access and make yourself at home with a 42-inch LCD TV, iPod docking station, toaster and tea/coffee service. This Melbourne CBD hotel also features a fitness center, sauna, table tennis, indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpool for active guests.
Set in the heart of the theater district, this Melbourne hotel makes it easy to explore nearby shopping on Bourke and Collins streets, cultural and culinary treats in Chinatown and attractions including the Melbourne Museum, Royal Exhibition Building, NCG and Rod Laver Arena and Etihad Stadium. Enjoy meals throughout the day at this city center hotel, where you can get a caffeine boost morning or night at the Espresso Bar, meet up with friends for cocktails at Elements or enjoy a leisurely meal featuring local, seasonal produce at Essence on Exhibition. Those looking for a special, stylish and state-of-the-art meeting venue can host up to 250 guests in this hotel's 4,650 sq. ft. space; catering, onsite event coordinators and a full-service business center are also available.
