Sands China Unveils “Philip Colbert’s Macao Art Tour” at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses
Part of the company’s revitalization series
Philip Colbert’s citywide ‘Lobster’ exhibition live now throughout Macao
(Macao, Jan. 16, 2025) – Sands China Ltd. unveiled its “Philip Colbert’s Macao Art Tour” exhibition Thursday at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses, as part of the company’s revitalization series.
Residents and visitors can head there to see Colbert’s artworks illuminate the area from now until March 16. Among the seven sculptures on display are two that are set to remain in Macao permanently – a Lobster Firecracker and Lobster Cockerel specially crafted by Colbert by drawing inspiration from these two historic locations. This lively showcase is supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Government Tourism Office.
In order to enhance the Lunar New Year ambiance for visitors at Iec Long during the festive season, Sands China is providing free lobster-themed fai chun by an on-site calligrapher Jan. 25-26, 3-5 p.m. and Chinese instrumental music performances Feb. 1-2, 4-6 p.m.
Additionally, Sands China hosted a sharing session at ‧ART Space at Macao Cultural Center 1F, where the pop art master shared his experience in art creation with 20 art students studying in local tertiary institutions.
Giant installations of Lobster, the iconic cartoon persona of world-famous pop art master Philip Colbert, can be seen throughout Macao as the Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation in Macao exhibition is now running at five concurrent locations, highlighting the beauty of Macao’s coastline:
- Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation in Macao
Now until March 16 at the Macao Science Center waterfront and at The Venetian® Macao outdoor lagoon
- Philip Colbert’s Solo Exhibition: “The Journey to the Lobster Planet Macao”
Now until Feb. 15 at ‧ ART Space at Macao Cultural Center 1F
- Sands China’s Community Revitalization Series: “Philip Colbert’s Macao Art Tour”
Now until March 16 at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses
For more details about the exhibition, visit https://en.sandsresortsmacao.com/sands-lifestyle/events/king-lobster-vacation-2025.html .
Photo caption：Sands China holds an unveiling ceremony Thursday for Sands China’s Community Revitalization Programme: “Philip Colbert’s Macao Art Tour” at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory. This lively showcase, which also features installations at the Taipa Houses, is supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Government Tourism Office.
Left to right: Philip Colbert; Kuok Mio U, acting vice president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR; Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Jennifer Si Tou, head of tourism product and events department of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited
Photo caption：Inspired by the historic site, Colbert created the 4-metre-high stainless-steel Lobster Firecracker installation sculpture specially for Macao. It features The Lobster King in his signature egg suit, holding a giant firecracker and sending best wishes to all during the festive Lunar New Year season.
Photo caption：Colbert’s Sitting Lobster Mushroom installation features Lobster lounging in a mushroom costume, drawing on the mushroom’s rich symbolic history in both popular culture and nature. Mushrooms, often associated with magic and transformation, serve as a metaphor for the hidden wonders of the natural world.
Photo caption：Colbert leads guests of honour on a tour Thursday of Sands China’s Community Revitalization Programme: “Philip Colbert’s Macao Art Tour” at the Taipa Houses.
Photo caption：The Lobster Cockerel installation specially created by Colbert is now on display at the Taipa Houses. Inspired by the rich Portuguese cultural environment, The Lobster King is featured as a distinctive cockerel mascot and stands outside the Loja Portuguesa de Macau, acting as an ambassador of hospitality to local and international visitors.
Photo caption：The Taipa Houses also feature the installations Lobster Soup Can, Lobster Spam Can, Lobster Sunflowers on Van Gogh's Chair, and Birth of the Lobster. The series pushes Colbert’s iconic lobster persona into dialogue with the history of portraiture.
Photo caption：Colbert’s Lobster Flamingo installation is now on display at The Venetian Macao’s outdoor lagoon. The iconic Lobster King floats in a bright pink flamingo life ring, enjoying the scenery of the Cotai Strip during the Lunar New Year period.
Photo caption：Guests of honour gather together in front of Philip Colbert’s Lobster Flamingo installation at The Venetian Macao’s outdoor lagoon Thursday.
Photo caption：Lobster Submarine features Colbert’s iconic lobster piloting a bright yellow submarine, paying homage to The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine. With bold colours and oversized forms, this artwork blends Colbert’s playful style with classic pop art and 60s British nostalgia, bringing his retro-futuristic world to Macao. This 3-metre-high art piece echoes its giant 15-metre-high counterpart at the Macao Science Centre Waterfront.
Photo caption：Colbert autographs his Lobster Submarine installation Thursday at The Venetian Macao.
Photo caption：Sands China hosts a sharing session for 20 Macao art students to learn from Colbert Thursday at ‧ ART Space.
Photo caption：Apart from Colbert’s artworks, Sands China‘s “Philip Colbert’s Macao Art Tour” also features interactive booths and photo props to deliver the company’s blessings to local residents and tourists. Additionally, Sands China is providing free lobster-themed fai chun by an on-site calligrapher Jan. 25-26, 3-5 p.m., and Chinese instrumental music performances Feb. 1-2, 4-6 p.m., to enhance the Lunar New Year ambiance at Iec Long for visitors during the festive season.
