No Vacancy: Mysterious Australian Hotel Has No Rooms Available — Ever

In a Nutshell:

• Hotel EastLink is an intriguing and mind-bending sculpture located alongside a motorway in Melbourne’s Dandenong neighborhood.
• Designed by local artist Callum Morton, the 20-meter-tall structure resembles a high-rise hotel, but is purely ornamental and cannot be entered.
• The sculpture challenges perceptions of art and space, with its intentional placement in a barren field, surrounded by a busy motorway, and its deceptive appearance that confuses passing drivers.

If you’ve ever driven along the EastLink toll road in Melbourne’s Dandenong neighborhood, you might have done a double-take at what appears to be a high-rise hotel standing tall alongside the motorway. But don’t be fooled by the big red ‘HOTEL’ sign at the top, because Hotel EastLink is not what it seems. In fact, it’s not a hotel at all, but an intriguing and mind-bending work of art by local artist Callum Morton.

Unveiled in 2007, Hotel EastLink has been puzzling motorists ever since. Standing at 20 meters tall, 12 meters wide, and 5 meters thick, this unusual sculpture plays tricks on the eyes, making it seem like a real hotel to passing drivers. Some even go as far as looking it up online and calling for reservations, only to discover that there are no rooms and the building itself cannot be entered.

At night, Hotel EastLink takes on an even more mysterious vibe, with some of the windows lit up, creating the illusion that some rooms are occupied. But in reality, the whole structure is purely ornamental, designed to challenge perceptions and provoke thoughts about art and space. As Morton himself described it, “Motorists will view it from the car as an actual hotel and perhaps over time as a strangely de-scaled prop that has escaped a theme park or film set.”

Despite its deceptive appearance, Hotel EastLink is intentional in its placement and design. Located in the middle of a barren field, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a busy motorway, the sculpture stands out as a curious anomaly. Morton’s unique artwork challenges the way people think about art and the concept of space, inviting contemplation and curiosity from passersby.

“I think it’s kind of interesting how putting something in a space that is slightly beguiling or is a little bit strange, how that maybe changes the way people think about art or practice,” reflected Morton on his creation that continues to baffle and intrigue after almost two decades.

Hotel EastLink has even spawned its own website, adding to its mystique and allure. Visitors can learn more about the sculpture, its concept, and its history, further blurring the lines between reality and art.

So, the next time you find yourself cruising along EastLink in Melbourne, keep an eye out for the enigmatic Hotel EastLink. Is it a hotel? Is it art? Well, it’s a little bit of both and a whole lot of fun in unraveling the mystery of this quirky and captivating sculpture that continues to play tricks on the minds of motorists to this day.

Source: Oddity Central