Kiwi Curated
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
by Darren DunneOnce relegated to museums and private collections, art is more accessible than ever, thanks in part to the internet, and a movement toward exhibition in unusual places. Curiously, hotels have found themselves in the vanguard of this new direction, with an increasing number decorating their halls with bespoke pieces from masters of their craft. With this in mind, we’ve scoured our collection to share 11 hotels with impressive works and collections.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
Back in the 18th century, the English city of Bath was falling into disrepair. The medieval streets and alleyways choked with grime and the gentry of the time felt something had to be done. The British monarchy commissioned architect John Wood to remodel the city, and his designs stood the test of time, earning the city UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. Perhaps the most celebrated aspect was the iconic Royal Crescent, which today hosts The Royal Crescent Hotel. This 18th century wonder sits on a curved row of Georgian townhouses, flanked by manicured gardens. Within, works from 18th century masters like Thomas Gainsborough mingle with modern pieces by Scottish artist Ronald Smith and sculptures by Margaret Lovell.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
High up on Gerlitzen Mountain in the Austrian Alps, hote l12 sets out to tell an artistic story in a fairytale setting. Each one of its 12 guest rooms was uniquely designed by a different international artist to craft a unique tale. The rooms eschew the usual numbering convention and instead bear a sign of the zodiac on the door. All have been filled with artistic works to create memorable spaces, each quirkier than the last. If the scene within doesn’t inspire, gaze out the window and drink in the views over Lake Ossiach or the surrounding Alps.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has spent the last 50 years standing sentry over Victoria Harbour, but this time has also been spent amassing a collection of unique artworks and sculptures a museum would be proud to display. Many of the original design elements of the hotel can be attributed to noted designer Don Ashton, who acted as art director on the film Bridge over the River Kwai. Following Ashton’s blueprint, common areas have been filled with carvings celebrating Chinese history stretching from the Han Dynasty (207 B.C to 220 A.D) up to modern times. The extravagant Mandarin Suite is the hotel’s premier guest accommodation and it’s filled with treasures such as a Qing Dynasty court robe, a 19th century Shansi lacquer laundry chest and a pair of Sung Dynasty (A.D. 960 to A.D. 1279) Celadon burial vases that have been converted into lamps.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
Culture is never far away during a stay at Andaz Amsterdam, after all, the building used to house the city’s Public Library. As the first and only hotel in the world to boast what they’ve dubbed a “dynamic video art collection,” Andaz Amsterdam offers a truly unique proposition. Guests can wander through a digital museum that showcases more than 40 unique works from carefully selected international artists. Selections from the video art collection are showcased in different parts of the hotel, but the centerpiece of the show is contained in the Lounge with its nine 60-inch televisions.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
At Raffles Istanbul, a collection of over 200 art works has been gathered, a vast body of work that further celebrates the area’s diversity. The collection is based around a series of themes: Byzantium, precious gems, iconic Turkish landmarks and the rich history of the city itself. Each of the bright and airy guestrooms is anchored by an ephemeral wall mural that pays homage to various Istanbul landmarks. One of the hotel’s most striking pieces is “Lavinia,” a full-scale bronze sculpture in the lobby by artist Martin Dawe.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
During March and April, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost plays host to “Revealed”, a compelling photo exhibit curated by Olivier Widmaier Picasso, grandson of Pablo Picasso. The collection consists of 30 hand-selected photographs from the annals of Paris Match, a famous French Weekly Magazine. Each individual photo takes an intimate look at some of the world’s greatest modern artists at work, as revealed to the photographer. The artists featured include Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Jeff Koons, Pierre Soulages, Kees Van Dongen and Francis Bacon. After stopping in Munich, the collection will then move on to Sofitel Los Angeles where it will be displayed from April 24 to June 30.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
A recent entrant to Vancouver’s burgeoning luxury hotel scene, Rosewood Hotel Georgia makes a big splash with the largest hotel-held collection of Canadian art in the world. The hotel’s artworks are the result of a partnership with local Vancouver company, Farmboy Fine Arts. The partnership aims to celebrate the best of Canadian art while also complimenting the art deco-inspired interiors of designer Munge Leung. Included in the selection are works by Douglas Coupland, Sonny Assu and Patrick Hughes. The lion’s share of the artworks are located in public spaces, allowing members of the public to stroll in and enjoy them.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
London’s Kensington neighborhood has long been an arts hotbed, counting the Proud Gallery and Royal Albert Hall among its many treasures. In such illustrious company, the art collection at The Ampersand Hotel passes muster with an eclectic selection of pieces dotted around classically elegant interiors. Arriving in the lobby, one’s eye is immediately drawn to the colorful painting of a Yellow Throated Warbler, a piece by American artist Frank Gonzales. The artistic theme continues throughout the hotel. The guest rooms exude a warm atmosphere thanks to a plethora of curiosities and whimsical décor. Many are even styled after local sights such as the Natural History Museum.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
While the arts may not be most people’s primary reason for visiting Palm Beach, there are more than 200 cultural organizations working in the area, making it a surprisingly fulfilling destination for culture vultures. At Eau Palm Beach, a varied collection of artworks can be found; pieces by Donald “Drawbertson” Robertson, Leila Jeffries and Jenna Snyder-Phillips. The hotel has even partnered with the Palm Beach Cultural Council to put together a package where guests receive a Culture Pass to explore local sights such as the Flagler Museum, Norton Museum of Art and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
Any stay in New York tends to leave a person within close proximity to an art gallery or museum, but a stay at Gramercy Park Hotel comes with a world-class art gallery under the same roof. Decorating the hotel’s walls is an impressive art collection weighted toward contemporary American masters, sprinkled with pieces from British legend Damien Hirst. The collection is ever changing, featuring a large selection of works by Andy Warhol, Enoc Perek and David Salle, among many others. The guestrooms are equally impressive; boasting imported Italian linens, exquisite artworks and bathrooms with luxe beauty products.
11 Hotels with Impressive Art Collections
Room with a view is the standard traveler request, but at Andaz London Liverpool Street rooms come with a unique view not available anywhere else. In a nod to the city’s street art culture, each of the hotel’s Large King Rooms have been painted with murals depicting East London’s past, present, or future. The project was carried out by British artists Chris Price, Patrick Vale, ILoveDust and Patrick Morgan, with each putting their unique slant on the character of the area.
Back in the 18th century, the English city of Bath was falling into disrepair. The medieval streets and alleyways choked with grime and the gentry of the time felt something had to be done. The British monarchy commissioned architect John Wood to remodel the city, and his designs stood the test of time, earning the city UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. Perhaps the most celebrated aspect was the iconic Royal Crescent, which today hosts The Royal Crescent Hotel. This 18th century wonder sits on a curved row of Georgian townhouses, flanked by manicured gardens. Within, works from 18th century masters like Thomas Gainsborough mingle with modern pieces by Scottish artist Ronald Smith and sculptures by Margaret Lovell.
High up on Gerlitzen Mountain in the Austrian Alps, hote l12 sets out to tell an artistic story in a fairytale setting. Each one of its 12 guest rooms was uniquely designed by a different international artist to craft a unique tale. The rooms eschew the usual numbering convention and instead bear a sign of the zodiac on the door. All have been filled with artistic works to create memorable spaces, each quirkier than the last. If the scene within doesn’t inspire, gaze out the window and drink in the views over Lake Ossiach or the surrounding Alps.
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has spent the last 50 years standing sentry over Victoria Harbour, but this time has also been spent amassing a collection of unique artworks and sculptures a museum would be proud to display. Many of the original design elements of the hotel can be attributed to noted designer Don Ashton, who acted as art director on the film Bridge over the River Kwai. Following Ashton’s blueprint, common areas have been filled with carvings celebrating Chinese history stretching from the Han Dynasty (207 B.C to 220 A.D) up to modern times. The extravagant Mandarin Suite is the hotel’s premier guest accommodation and it’s filled with treasures such as a Qing Dynasty court robe, a 19th century Shansi lacquer laundry chest and a pair of Sung Dynasty (A.D. 960 to A.D. 1279) Celadon burial vases that have been converted into lamps.
Culture is never far away during a stay at Andaz Amsterdam, after all, the building used to house the city’s Public Library. As the first and only hotel in the world to boast what they’ve dubbed a “dynamic video art collection,” Andaz Amsterdam offers a truly unique proposition. Guests can wander through a digital museum that showcases more than 40 unique works from carefully selected international artists. Selections from the video art collection are showcased in different parts of the hotel, but the centerpiece of the show is contained in the Lounge with its nine 60-inch televisions.
At Raffles Istanbul, a collection of over 200 art works has been gathered, a vast body of work that further celebrates the area’s diversity. The collection is based around a series of themes: Byzantium, precious gems, iconic Turkish landmarks and the rich history of the city itself. Each of the bright and airy guestrooms is anchored by an ephemeral wall mural that pays homage to various Istanbul landmarks. One of the hotel’s most striking pieces is “Lavinia,” a full-scale bronze sculpture in the lobby by artist Martin Dawe.
During March and April, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost plays host to “Revealed”, a compelling photo exhibit curated by Olivier Widmaier Picasso, grandson of Pablo Picasso. The collection consists of 30 hand-selected photographs from the annals of Paris Match, a famous French Weekly Magazine. Each individual photo takes an intimate look at some of the world’s greatest modern artists at work, as revealed to the photographer. The artists featured include Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Jeff Koons, Pierre Soulages, Kees Van Dongen and Francis Bacon. After stopping in Munich, the collection will then move on to Sofitel Los Angeles where it will be displayed from April 24 to June 30.
A recent entrant to Vancouver’s burgeoning luxury hotel scene, Rosewood Hotel Georgia makes a big splash with the largest hotel-held collection of Canadian art in the world. The hotel’s artworks are the result of a partnership with local Vancouver company, Farmboy Fine Arts. The partnership aims to celebrate the best of Canadian art while also complimenting the art deco-inspired interiors of designer Munge Leung. Included in the selection are works by Douglas Coupland, Sonny Assu and Patrick Hughes. The lion’s share of the artworks are located in public spaces, allowing members of the public to stroll in and enjoy them.
London’s Kensington neighborhood has long been an arts hotbed, counting the Proud Gallery and Royal Albert Hall among its many treasures. In such illustrious company, the art collection at The Ampersand Hotel passes muster with an eclectic selection of pieces dotted around classically elegant interiors. Arriving in the lobby, one’s eye is immediately drawn to the colorful painting of a Yellow Throated Warbler, a piece by American artist Frank Gonzales. The artistic theme continues throughout the hotel. The guest rooms exude a warm atmosphere thanks to a plethora of curiosities and whimsical décor. Many are even styled after local sights such as the Natural History Museum.
While the arts may not be most people’s primary reason for visiting Palm Beach, there are more than 200 cultural organizations working in the area, making it a surprisingly fulfilling destination for culture vultures. At Eau Palm Beach, a varied collection of artworks can be found; pieces by Donald “Drawbertson” Robertson, Leila Jeffries and Jenna Snyder-Phillips. The hotel has even partnered with the Palm Beach Cultural Council to put together a package where guests receive a Culture Pass to explore local sights such as the Flagler Museum, Norton Museum of Art and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Any stay in New York tends to leave a person within close proximity to an art gallery or museum, but a stay at Gramercy Park Hotel comes with a world-class art gallery under the same roof. Decorating the hotel’s walls is an impressive art collection weighted toward contemporary American masters, sprinkled with pieces from British legend Damien Hirst. The collection is ever changing, featuring a large selection of works by Andy Warhol, Enoc Perek and David Salle, among many others. The guestrooms are equally impressive; boasting imported Italian linens, exquisite artworks and bathrooms with luxe beauty products.
Room with a view is the standard traveler request, but at Andaz London Liverpool Street rooms come with a unique view not available anywhere else. In a nod to the city’s street art culture, each of the hotel’s Large King Rooms have been painted with murals depicting East London’s past, present, or future. The project was carried out by British artists Chris Price, Patrick Vale, ILoveDust and Patrick Morgan, with each putting their unique slant on the character of the area.