• Sands China has brought “clawsome” fun back to Macau via Philip Colbert’s iconic lobster art.
• The exhibition features colossal, eye-popping installations at prominent locations in Macau.

In the first quarter of 2025, Sands China partnered with British pop artist Philip Colbert to launch a city-wide maritime-inspired art exhibition.

Running from 15 January to 14 May, the exhibition is supported by the Marine and Water Bureau, Municipal Affairs Bureau, Macao Government Tourism Office, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Public Security Police Force and Macao Science Center. Having spanned six distinct locations (currently five), the project showcases Colbert’s signature lobster cartoon persona series, blending large-scale installations with themed sculptures to highlight Macau’s coastal charm and enrich its cultural tourism offerings. Renowned for his surreal lobster character and hyper-pop aesthetic, Colbert previously collaborated with Sands China during “Art Macao 2023”. This second partnership brings his whimsical art to new heights, integrating international creativity with Macau’s evolving identity as a cultural hotspot.

The collaboration also underscores Sands China’s intent to bring internationally acclaimed art to Macau, further promoting maritime and cultural tourism, diversifying coastal tourism products and enhancing Macau’s unique cultural atmosphere.

The exhibition unfolds with Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation in Macao at two locations – Macao Science Center’s waterfront, where a 15-meter-tall inflatable Lobster Submarine floats near four onshore lobster sculptures, and in The Venetian Macao’s outdoor lagoon, which hosts a 7-meter-high Lobster Flamingo – a playful lobster atop a flamingo float. At Macao Cultural Centre’s ‧ART Space, Colbert held his first solo show in Macau, The Journey to the Lobster Planet Macao, which concluded on 15 February after featuring 23 paintings and sculptures. Meanwhile, the romantic Le Jardin hosts a giant Lobster Painter standing in the French garden as a photo hotspot for residents and tourists.

At the revitalized former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses, the exhibition further integrates art into the community with Philip Colbert’s Macao Art Tour. Among its seven sculptures are two standout works created specifically for Macau, including the 4-metre-high stainless-steel Lobster Firecracker, featuring The Lobster King in his signature egg suit, holding a giant firecracker and sending best wishes to all during the festive Chinese New Year season.

Nearby, at Taipa Houses, The Lobster Cockerel – inspired by Portugal’s cultural heritage – presents the character as a vibrant rooster mascot guarding the Loja Portuguesa de Macau, acting as an ambassador of hospitality to local and international visitors.

Both pieces will remain on permanent display in Macau after the exhibition.

Coinciding with the Chinese New Year, Sands China hosted a series of festive activities at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory to enhance the holiday atmosphere. Additionally, a sharing session was held at ‧ART Space, where Colbert engaged with 20 local art students on his creative process and insights.

Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China, emphasized the exhibition’s innovative scope, stating that it combines indoor and outdoor displays across multiple locations, featuring museum exhibitions and outdoor installations to cater to diverse audience preferences.

“We aim to introduce a new format where the entire city becomes an exhibition, including our coastline – a blend of indoor-outdoor interaction across various sites and regions,” he said.

Wong added that many international artists have shown strong interest in Macau in recent years, with several hoping to hold exhibitions in the SAR. He believes such initiatives not only elevate the city’s artistic ambiance but also draw global attention to Macau, attracting more visitors.

Colbert echoed this sentiment, telling local media that presenting his work through large-scale installations alongside museum exhibitions and coastal sculpture trails allowed his art to integrate into the city in an unprecedented way.

“There’s almost nowhere in the world that feels as appropriate to do that than Macau. I feel Macau is a city where anything is possible,” he said.