Add cultural enrichment to your list of requirements when looking for a hotel for your next trip. Hotels today are taking décor decisions and elevating them to a level of premier art galleries. It’s not enough to hire an acclaimed architect—hoteliers now have to consult a famous art expert or big-name gallery owner as well. The result is standout collections that you can appreciate without even checking in—the art usually hangs in the lobby, bar, or restaurant.
So, skip the museum and stay a night at one of these hotels that feature collections and exhibits that give out-of-towners an excuse to return again and again.
The Kessler Collection
The Kessler Collection of hotels and resorts, including the Grand Bohemian in Orlando, Beaver Creek Lodge in Beaver Creek, CO, and El Monte Sagrado in Taos, NM, inspires guests through the beauty of art and music. Each Kessler hotel is filled with stunning pieces of art that enhance every area of a guest’s stay. Presenting unique artwork from internationally acclaimed artists, the gallery features paintings, sculptures, art glass, ceramics and even jewelry that are all available for sale.
Gramercy Park Hotel
This NYC boutique hotel features a private roof club and the über-exclusive Gramercy Park. But for art aficionados, the real appeal of the Gramercy Park Hotel hangs on its walls. With an impressive collection of artwork by Warhol, Basquiat, Haring, and Picasso, you’ll practically save yourself a visit to MOMA.
The James Chicago
The James Chicago houses an art collection that was partially curated by Gene Pressman, former co-CEO and creative director of Barneys New York. The Rooms, of this Chicago hotel, feature abstract nude photographs by Wolfgang Ludes, one of Germany’s leading still-life photographers, and Michael Kenna’s eerily beautiful black-and-white photos of Japan.
21c Museum Hotel
In Louisville, KY, you’ll find the 91-room 21c Museum Hotel that features 9,000 square feet of gallery space and houses a multimillion-dollar collection of contemporary art. Two featured works are by Brazilian artist Vik Muniz, who is best known for creating pieces out of materials such as chocolate syrup and garbage and then photographing them.
The Joule
The 129-room Joule is housed in a former Dallas, TX bank building dating to 1927, which was extensively renovated by famed restaurant architect Adam Tihany. The hotel’s art collection features Andy Warhol’s Electric Chairs silk-screen print and photographer David Levinthal’s large-scale Barbie Polaroids.
Have you had an art-inspired hotel stay? Share your experience with us here at Travel Smart Blog.


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