Maison Ruinart, the oldest champagne house founded in 1729, is set to unveil its global art series, Conversations with Nature, at Art Basel Hong Kong. For the 2026 edition, the Maison has partnered with renowned Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata, known for his striking in-situ installations crafted from wood and pieces of furniture. Through his commission, Kawamata invites visitors to become observers of the subtle "vibrations of nature", a principle essential to the harmony of champagne itself

The collaboration underscores Ruinart’s long-standing commitment to the natural world. Frédéric Dufour, President of Maison Ruinart, encapsulates this philosophy, stating, “Our Conversations with Nature reflect how we have always strived to understand nature in order to better respect it and raise awareness of the need for harmony with the natural world.”

As an official partner of Art Basel Hong Kong, the Ruinart Art Lounge will immerse guests in Tadashi Kawamata’s installation, highlighting the Maison’s "creative synergy between champagne, climate and contemporary art". Kawamata’s contemplation of the vineyards - the "morning mists, humidity, and the discreet presence of birds and insects" - guides his work, drawing a direct parallel between his creative universe and the expertise of Maison Ruinart. This shared focus on observing life means that just as the Chardonnay masters listen to nature and the climate, Kawamata’s works "resonate with their environment," offering "An invitation to see things differently".

Kawamata’s artistic approach treats the environment not merely as a backdrop but as an active participant. On his process, he shares, “I don’t try to “represent” nature as such. Rather, I want to observe and collaborate with it. The wind, rain, sun and gravity are all part of my sculptures. Nature isn’t simply a décor; it is a creative partner”. 

Beyond Hong Kong, this collaboration will result in three permanent, in-situ installations—Tree Hut, Nest, and Observatory—in Reims, Champagne region, forming a coherent whole at the Maison’s emblematic address, 4 Rue Des Crayeres. These additions aim to emphasize the link between art, champagne know-how, and the local terroir.

Visitors to Art Basel Hong Kong will be able to discover:

Building Plans: Models made from simple materials that condense the essence of Kawamata’s monumental installations, revealing the "organic logic of his constructions, which are akin to bricolage".

Tree Huts: "Fragile, poetic huts perched high up in trees" exploring the concept of a refuge suspended "between nature and culture".

In a tangible expression of the theme, Kawamata has also sculpted a limited-edition wooden case (22 pieces) for a Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Jeroboam. This miniature shelter "resonates with his architectural reflections on scale and awareness of the fragility of biodiversity".

Born in Hokkaidō, Japan, in 1953, Tadashi Kawamata lives and works between Tokyo and Paris. His acclaimed work, which has been featured at major institutions globally, explores the relationship between art, architecture, design, and daily life, frequently highlighting the environmental impact of reusing materials. His constructions, such as "belvederes, footbridges, fragile piles and shelters" challenge our attachment to permanence and are designed to be experienced.

The Conversations with Nature installation will be on view at the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, during Art Basel Hong Kong 2026, from March 27 to 29.