The evolution of “hotel art”
A review of love-nests for highbrow art lovers who travel the world in first-class.
The Thief Hotel — Oslo
The previous director of Norway’s National Museum of Art, Sune Nordgren is the current curator of The Thief Hotel, to the delight of the visitors.
In order to fight against the negative image of “hotel art” that tends to mainly consist of awkwardly positioned landscapes, Nordgren has curated THE THIEF: an eclectic collection of artworks made by established international artists of course, but, also by local artists. This collection is now exhibited in the 120 rooms and suites of the hotel. Needless to say that, since Nordgren’s arrival, the hotel holds the word’s record of the hotel with the highest insurance premiums for its art.
“Redefining “hotel art” is about giving the guests quality experiences, causing reflection and perhaps changing their perception of reality for a brief moment.” — Sune Nordgren
The Renaissance NY Midtown Hotel in New York
The Renaissance NY Midtown Hotel plays the card of the promotion of local artists in order to provide their guests with a “real” immersive cultural experience into the Big Apple’s soul.
The hotel is also a little paradise for your tech savvy side, thanks to its fully interactive digitally-enhanced floor-to-ceiling tapestry that changes its appearance based on guests’ interaction.
“As society becomes more and more global, people want to appreciate and connect to the local. It helps to bring things down into a human scale.” — Matthew Whitaker, Canvas Art Consultants director
the Ritz-Carlton in Singapore
The Ritz-Carlon is no ordinary hotel and is often described as having one of “Southeast Asia’s finest and under the radar, collections of modern and contemporary art”. Out of 4,200 works, 350 have been commissioned, therefore, even the finest connoisseurs will live a truly exceptional experience.
NB: Free iPod-guided tours are also available for non-residents!
Le Royal Monceau in Paris
The Royal Monceau is the all-time favourite of art lovers in Paris. The Parisian palace offers by far the most exclusive experience thanks to a unique service of Art Concierges ran by Julie Eugène who recommends the best art-related events and can provide bespoke programs including private viewing and studio visits. The talented consultant and cultural mediator of the hotel also presents her must-see art exhibitions and cultural events on her dedicated blog every week.
The Art Concierge service also works in close collaboration with the hotel’s in-house Art Gallery called the “Art District” which provides a dynamic artistic and cultural life with its busy calendar of events and exhibitions.
