This has to be one of the very few Mario games in existence where Bowser isn't a boss. Even in the RPGs where you recruit him, you usually end up fighting him at least once, but no! Here, he's on completely non-villainous terms with Mario and the other guests of the World Gallery.
Of course, he's still his rude self anyway. He's neglecting his kids and griping about his lack of representation. Where's his castle? Why's his portrait in the back? Doesn't he deserve better than this? Everyone knows he doesn't, but let's just be happy he's not trying to burn the place down.