In recent years, there’s been a rise in the art hotel. Conceptually, an art hotel goes far beyond simply hanging artwork on the walls, but defining exactly what it is remains a bit murky, as each hotel has their own creative spin. For some, it’s showcasing local artists in rotating exhibits, while others host artists-in-residence and provide regular art-related programming.
For the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis, art was integrated into every detail of the hotel. Thirty-three local artists were hired to conceptualize the hotel’s space. The artists painted murals in each room, door numbers, and paintings that adorned the hotel. They even picked out the whimsical eye pillows on each bed. The hotel’s rotating exhibit, which changes every three months, only features artists within 200 miles of its location in the Grand Center Arts District. It also hosts an art talk every Thursday evening for hotel guests and the larger St. Louis community. Hosting events that invite the local community in is a common characteristic of art hotels, which serve as a sort of cultural hub.
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“I believe the trend of [the] art hotel has taken on more momentum in tandem with the experience-driven leisure traveler,” says Vanessa Rudloff, art relations manager and curator at Angad Arts Hotel. “That and social media giving you the need for more content. With a rotating art gallery, you are never in need of a new angle for your photos to fill those ever-hungry social media feeds. That is part of the allure.”
Many major cities have an art hotel or even multiple options. Here in St. Louis, for instance, 21c Museum Hotels is planning to open another art hotel later this year. Here are five other Midwest art hotels that are sure to ignite your creative spark.
Kansas City
Located in a former Pabst Brewing Depot in the heart of Kansas City’s art district, Crossroads Hotel is committed to public art that showcases local artists and those with ties to the city. The gallery, located near the front entrance of the hotel, hosts an ever-changing array of art and is open to the public. The hotel’s blankets, chocolates, coffee, whiskey, pottery, framed art, and even the ‘Please Do Not Disturb’ signs were made by local artisans. Through the artist-in-residence program, there is also always an artist working in the hotel’s studio, and guests are welcome to peek into the studio to see what the artist is working on. 2101 Central.
Indianapolis
This hotel in downtown Indianapolis boasts a $3 million art collection, including colorful glass pendants over the bar and a wall of birds that seem to take flight from the record player that sits on top a stack of records. Carefully curated with art from local and international artists, the collection is featured in every room of the hotel, lobby, and dining space. In fact, Travel and Leisure awarded it best hotel and art installation. 333 S. Delaware.
Chicago
Founded by contemporary art collectors Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, 21c Museum Hotels creates spaces that make it feel like sleeping at a contemporary art museum. Chicago is currently one of 21c’s nine hotels, though two more are expected to open later this year, in St. Louis and Des Moines. The boutique hotel hosts rotating exhibitions and cultural programming. At the Chicago location, local artists are featured on every floor as part of the Elevate Art program. 55 E. Ontario.
Milwaukee
Saint Kate is where modern luxury meets the arts. Named after Saint Catherine, the patron saint of artists, the hotel invokes the arts in every aspect. “From the moment you enter our doors, you will be immersed in the arts,” says Bill Prange, area marketing manager of the Milwaukee Market. “Explore multiple gallery spaces on site, nightly live music, arts-dedicated guest rooms, and an entire culinary journey.” In addition to the gallery spaces, there’s a black-box theater in the hotel. Champagne Art Tours offer an opportunity for guests to view the exhibitions with curator Samantha Timm. The exhibitions change throughout the year and highlight local, regional, national, and international artists at every stage in their career. 139 E. Kilbourn.
Minneapolis
From its white walls to its minimalist aesthetic, every detail of this boutique hotel was carefully curated to give it a contemporary feel. Located in the heart of the theater district and in close proximity to the city’s galleries, The Chambers Hotel has 60 “art-infused” guest rooms in a simple gray, black, and white color scheme, with bright pops of color. Guests also have access to the hotel’s Burnet Gallery and receive free tickets to the Walker Art Center. 901 Hennepin.
