2025 LANDMARKby Lexus
Lexus redefines trackside glamour with new pavilion for 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup
Lexus will unveil its new LANDMARK by Lexus pavilion for the Melbourne Cup Carnival this year, bringing elevated and personalised luxury to the Birdcage Enclosure at Flemington Racecourse.
The new architectural foundation for LANDMARK by Lexus allows for the three levels of the pavilion to merge more seamlessly, creating greater connection between the floors and a more cohesive sense of omotenashi, the Japanese spirit of hospitality.
This year, the pavilion will feature balconies on the top two levels for unrivalled and uninterrupted views of the famous Flemington straight, together with an expanded floorplan which will welcome more guests to LANDMARK by Lexus than ever before.
Inside LANDMARK by Lexus, guests will be immersed in the theme of Synthesis; where the human experience is defined by a merging of traditional craftsmanship and future technology. Visionary craftspeople have been appointed as collaborators, curating an experience exemplifying personalised luxury in the areas of culinary, design and lifestyle.
Lexus enters its eighth year as Principal Partner of the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) with naming rights to the Lexus Melbourne Cup. It follows a three-year contract extension that takes the highly valued partnership through to the end of 2027.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the lifestyle brand is honoured to continue as just the fourth naming rights sponsor in more than 160 years of running the world-famous two-mile race.
“The style and refinement of the Lexus Melbourne Cup aligns naturally with our core values,” Mr. Pappas said.
“It allows us to showcase the luxury lifestyle positioning of Lexus on an international stage amongst the glamour, colour and excitement that is the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“This year we will reimagine luxury with an all-new pavilion designed to be a synthesis of our traditional Japanese omotenashi hospitality and modern innovation.
“We will show how thoughtful use of technology can enhance the human experience to create harmony and everlasting memorable moments.”
The interior vision for the new LANDMARK by Lexus pavilion will be brought to life once again by Melbourne-based interior designer Brahman Perera, who is now part of the Lexus family as a Friend of the Brand.
Brahman is known for approaching design as a form of storytelling that evokes both emotion and atmosphere and will envision a space that celebrates the merging of human craft and contemporary technology, creating a sensory, immersive environment.
“Synthesis is about balance; the serene confluence of multiple layers to create an amazing sense of oneness. Throughout the pavilion, handcrafted details such as timber joinery, natural stone and bespoke textiles are paired with intelligent systems: responsive lighting, interactive surfaces, and AI-driven installations. This is not a clash of worlds but a harmony, where the warmth of the human hand is amplified by the possibilities of innovation,” Perera said.
On arrival guests will be greeted by a fragmented 3D-printed central sculpture, ‘Liminal Cycles’, by Slovakia-based research and design studio Crafting Plastics, drawing inspiration from the sleek spindle body of the Lexus LF-ZC concept car, itself a statement of future Lexus design.
Like the concept car, the artistic rendition incorporates innovative materials throughout. The bioplastic’s UV-responsive skin coating reacts to UV light and human movement to create a simulated pulsation akin to that of living beings’ inhaling and exhaling.
Guests will enjoy a variety of dining experiences that reflect the Japanese philosophy of omotenashi. Options will include a two-course sit-down offering as well as a more relaxed bento bar-style experience.
“The dining space is designed as an adaptable, intimate environment where the food becomes part of the architecture. Food and design become inseparable, the plate, the table, the room all working in unison to heighten the culinary experience,” Perera said.
Acclaimed chef Josh Raine - former Executive Chef at Michelin-starred Tetsuya’s and now Chef Owner of 40 Res - leads the way with a bold new restaurant concept inside LANDMARK by Lexus.
“The focus this year is sophistication through restraint - dishes that are refined, minimalistic, yet beautifully crafted. We will source ingredients that feel right for the season and place - Victoria’s best produce, paired with native Australian flavours,” Raine said.
“Spencer Gulf King Prawn with avocado miso and finger lime pearls, fresh, vibrant, and layered, will capture the brightness of spring; and Hiramasa Kingfish sashimi with ponzu and shiso oil will offer guests a dish that speaks to balance, precision, and natural elegance.”
As LANDMARK by Lexus guests progress through the space they will feel the connectedness of large-scale collages by Simone Esterhuizen, a Melbourne based artist and designer. Inspired by each race day’s traditional colour - blue for Victoria Derby Day, yellow for Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, pink for Crown Oaks Day and red for TAB Champions Stakes Day, the animated digital and analogue collages exemplify the synthesis theme.
Working in tandem with the design and art, florist Simone Gooch will craft Ikebana inspired floral sculptures throughout the pavilion, inspired by the Japanese heritage of Lexus. Collaborating with Lexus vehicle audio partner, Mark Levinson, the Level 3 lounge is filled with the chic sound of live mixed vinyl records on the world class, technically excellent turntables and hi-fi system.
Level three will offer a new balcony experience alongside desserts blending traditional techniques with modern innovation by Le Yeahllow. Alongside, guests will enjoy an innovative drink selection including a Yuzu Sake Japanese Spritz with edible nori garnish which transforms the cocktail into a multi-sensory experience.
For coffee connoisseurs, St Remio will once again welcome guests on arrival with its famous coffee creations. On level three, the St Remio Coffee Bar will serve indulgent specialties such as a Dubai Mont Blanc with a Pistachio Cloud.
Exclusive to LANDMARK by Lexus throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival are Lexus Ambassadors, TV personality Melissa Leong, racing royalty Kate Waterhouse, Emma Freedman, and former Rugby Union star player John Eales.
