In the era of Instagram, hotel design has become more important than ever before. Their art collections becoming a major factor for the contemporary traveller. A Hotel with a finely curated art collection stands out from their competitors and helps to create a sense of individuality.
Here at Fused we’re all about creative travel. We all know that Museums, galleries and creative art spaces are an essential part of any city’s cultural landscape, but hotels with curated art collections take this a step further by not only collecting artwork, but also displaying it in public spaces for guests to enjoy.
These hotels are not only wonderful places to stay; they also double as vibrant art spaces, (that you can visit in your dressing gown any time you like)!
Here are 13 of our favourite hotels with great curated art collections:
NASHVILLE: 21C MUSEUM HOTEL NASHVILLE
Constructed in 1900, Music City’s contemporary art sanctuary the 21c Museum Hotel Nashville is now woven into the fabric of downtown, inviting both visitors and locals to enjoy the curated exhibitions, cultural programming, and culinary offerings inside the historic Gray & Dudley building. Just a few blocks from Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena and the vibrancy of Broadway, 21c serves as an art-filled escape and sanctuary from the hive of activity that fills the galleries and vibrant spaces in and surrounding the property. Featuring gleaming acrylic fingernails glued into patterned, reptilian forms and female anatomy rendered in neon light and boxing gloves – the Future is Female (on now and running until June 2023) examines the legacy and persistence of the struggle for gender equality and is just one of the specially curated exhibitions travellers can look forward to visiting at the hotel in 2023. With galleries free and open to the public 365 days a year, there’s never a bad time to visit and see something new.
visitmusiccity.com
THE THIEF: APPARATJIK HOTEL OSLO
Bands, visual artists, and anarchists: Apparatjik is a creative tribe that defies classification and which revels in surrealism, chaos and play. Founded in 2008 and comprising Coldplay’s bass player Guy Berryman, A-Ha member Magne Furuholmen, Mew singer / guitarist Jonas Bjerre, and Grammy winning music-producer Martin Terefe, Apparatjik’s unorthodox creative process has cumulated in conceptual design at THE THIEF hotel in Oslo.
Eclectic and innovative with a world-class collection of art THE THIEF, and its 118 rooms and suites, is the perfect setting for Apparatjik’s first design project: a suite as uncompromising and provocative as the quartet themselves – complete with holographic bedfellows on demand.
The hotel has its own art curator, Sune Nordgren, who has hand-picked some great pieces for the collection by Norwegian and international designers such as Andy Warhol and Richard Prince (pictured) as well as a selection of young, up-and-coming talents.
You’re emerged in art throughout the hotel. Installations, photography and graphic art can be seen throughout the common areas and rooms, and there are various pieces of video art shown on the interactive TV. There’s even art in the lifts – by British visual artist, Julian Opie. All guests also receive free entry to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, which is an added cultural treat.
THE EDITION: MIAMI BEACH.
This hotel is a stunning example of art and design coming together to create an immersive and unforgettable experience. The Edition’s art collection features works by contemporary artists such as John Baldessari, Rob Pruitt and Hernan Bas. One of the most striking pieces is a large-scale photograph by Richard Misrach, depicting a stunning Miami sunset. The edition’s commitment to art extends beyond the confines of the hotel, with rotating art exhibitions, artist-led workshops, and art-focused event editionhotels.com
VILÒN ROMA, ROME
Vilòn Roma is a hidden treasure of Rome that attracts art lovers from all over the world. Its location could not be more impressive, neighbouring Palazzo Borghese and Via dei Condotti, the outstanding examples of Late Renaissance and Romanesque architecture. The rooms have a bright and colourful ambience, as well as unique eye-catching paintings spread out across the property. Contemporary art adds an inimitable grace and attracts travellers with an art appreciation. Vilòn’s suites cultivate eclectic interiors with a mix of classical and modern decor with a view of Borghese Palace Gardens. The combination of preserved historical architecture and the elegance of the modern interior is equally stunning and balances one another. Art Deco elements can be spotted next to the Rococo-style columns and portrait photography installations that strike with energy. The building itself dates to the mid 16th century, where once it was a school for girls called ‘House annexed to Palazzo Borghese’. Today, this historic mansion has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Rome.
PILLOWS MAURITS AT THE PARK
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Amsterdam and the only new five-star property to open in the city centre in 2022. Pillows has artworks by Picasso and Gustav Klimt, among others from the owner’s private collection. The hotel combines timeless elegance and contemporary design, with gastronomy and events at the forefront.
pillowshotels.com
PEREH MOUNTAIN RESORT, NORTHERN ISRAEL
The art program at Pereh Mountain Resort has been evolving and taking on new dimensions since the property’s launch in 2021, thanks to a combination of permanent and temporary installations featuring local artists and promoting the rich and vibrant elements of the region.
The latest exhibition Wild. Art. Nature features the works of prominent Israeli contemporary artists, including Ohad Tsfati, Guy Lougashi and Shayan Rose Ben Sira as selected by Gal Gaon Gallery, a pioneering home of art and design that commissions and produces iconic pieces exclusively by top Israeli artists. As part of the previous collaboration with Zemack Contemporary Art Gallery in Tel Aviv, works by artists Leo Caillard, Yigal Ozeri, Jessica Sher, and graffiti artist Dede can still be seen throughout the property.
pereh.co.il
THE ADOLPHUS, DALLAS
Built in 1912 by German-born beer tycoon Adolphus Busch, the Adolphus was known for its beaux-arts influences and German-castle exterior. Guests can enjoy a collection of works by contemporary Texas artists curated by Lucia Simek of Dallas’ acclaimed Nasher Sculpture Center. In addition to showcasing local talent like Travis LaMothe and Francisco Moreno, the space has become a gathering place for art event series and salon-style talks.
adolpus.com
HOTEL ADRIATIC: ROVINJ
Hotel Adriatic, located in the heart of Rovinj on the northern coast of Croatia, is the oldest and only hotel on the main square of Rovinj. This boutique luxury art hotel features an impressive and unique collection of over one hundred art works by world-renowned artists from Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Germany and France, as well as bespoke art installations created specifically for the hotel.
Works of art can also be found throughout the communal areas of the building, including the hotel bar and new brasserie restaurant which are complimented by the site-specific art installations including a collection of taxidermy birds in flight and a dramatic neon light feature in one of the hallways.
maistra.com
FAENA, MIAMI
The Faena art collection is out of this of this World. Museum-quality artworks from world-renowned artists like Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso as well pieces are from some of the biggest names in contemporary art, including Damian Hirst and Jeff Koons are sure to inspire anyone who visits this stunning Miami landmark. You’ll find everything from paintings to sculptures to installations throughout the property. you’ll want to see all of it, grab a Negroni from the bar and plan on spending at least half a day here!
faena.com
ART SABRAI AT MOLORI, SOUTH AFRICA
Molori Safari, the jewel of Madikwe game reserve in the North-West, has always been known for its glamorous interiors, vibrant colours and spirited approach.
Along with new-look interiors boldly refurbished by the South African interior design team, Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of Hesse Kleinloog Studio, the luxury lodge now features an expanded art collection. Works by headline artists were specially selected from the private Ichikowitz Heritage Art Collection to complement the feel-good yet decidedly upscale interiors.
Based in Johannesburg, the Ichikowitz Heritage Art Collection is one of the largest collections of its kind, featuring South African and African artists dating back as far as the 1950s. The diverse collection includes paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photography and video, all capturing the mood and emotions of Africa’s transformation and positioning the arts as an impetus for dialogue.
roraprivatecollection.com
THOMPSON, SAN ANTONIO
Thompson San Antonio’s unapologetically stylish design pairs handcrafted materials, including natural parota wood and custom handstitched leather, with lavish furnishings and Texas-inspired touches. Residential-style indoor and outdoor spaces feature bold design elements, intriguing materials and textures, bespoke furniture and the curated works of internationally renowned artists and photographers. Captivating paintings, installations and sculptures are featured throughout the property, including original sculptures by Jeff Koons and Koray Akay, a limited-edition piece by Lucio Carvalho, photography by Lynne Douglas and a 3-D acrylic ink on aluminum painting from San Antonio-based artist, Eric Breish.
HOTEL SPAANDER, HOLLAND
located in a prime position in Volendam on the banks of the IJsselmeer the hotel opened in 1881 and was accommodated by artists who would donate their paintings in return for lodgings. The walls are covered in over 1400 art works of many styles and has a truly authentic Dutch feel to it. The restaurant serves up great, hearty local dishes with a view of the lake as a beautiful backdrop – what’s not to love. Once you’ve had your fill of art and food you can take a stroll down De Dijk, the main harbour strip of lively shopping, bars, restaurants and residential streets.
EDEN NAIROBI
Eden Nairobi is a former family home built by Tonio and Anna Trzebinski in the suburb of Langata that has now been transformed into a hotel with a living museum of around 200 paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. This place is a must-visit for people who are interested in art and an authentic Kenyan journey. The property is filled with family artworks, as well as cultural artefacts collected throughout a lifetime. The ceramics were made by Lana Trzebinski, while all the bronze sculptures are by Stanislaw Trzebinski. A collection of photographs was taken by friends – the artists, Mirella Ricciardi, Peter Beard, Fisher & Beckwith, Alexandra Penney as well as signed and personalised books by Wangechi Mutu, Peter Beard, Dale Chihuly amongst many other deeply personal treasures.
Every room in the boutique hotel is carefully designed with hand-picked objects and artworks. Moreover, all the spaces have a specific style and character engaging guests in the authenticity of the place. Eden has nine rooms including The Artist in Residence Cottage, created for people seeking inspiration from Africa or guests desiring longer-term immersion into a modern and stylish Nairobi. Eden offers impressive and eclectic décor, pulled together by Anna in her unique style. These daring and experimental combinations of layering of colour and texture with African DNA gently interact with the vibrant green surroundings of the nature.
eden-nairobi.com
HOTEL ELLA, AUSTIN
Housed in a gorgeous Greek Revival mansion built at the turn of the 20th century by notable Austinites, Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten, Hotel Ella is home to multiple collections of historic and contemporary art, photography and sculpture.
hotelella.com
