A highlight of the upcoming cultural and musical event introducing this exciting new shopping village will be the unveiling of a sculpture by one of Mexico's leading artists. Juan Soriano, who died earlier this year, was, like his contemporaries artist Frida Kahlo and novelist Octavio Paz, a member of the Mexican School cultural movement. And during an illustrious 70-year career, his award-winning art was featured in 130 exhibitions around the globe.

In Mexico, his public art includes a large bronze dove at the entrance to Monterrey's Museum of Contemporary Art. And soon, his latest and final work will grace this upscale commercial and residential development that includes three condominium towers beside the NH Krystal hotel. Among the 30 or so businesses soon to open here are Starbucks Coffee, Vallarta's first, and Thierry's Steakhouse, owned by Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes fame and described as "an American steakhouse with a French flair." Patrons will find ample underground parking, with facilities for more than a thousand vehicles. Saturday night's inaugural events, which begin at 8 pm, will also include a Mexican fiesta, fashion show, mariachi, contemporary violin music, fireworks and more. For further information about Peninsula Vallarta, see www.lemmus.com.