Gone are the days when hotel art was synonymous with bland, uninspiring pieces. Over the past decade, a dramatic shift has taken place: hotels have transitioned from displaying generic art to becoming vibrant cultural hubs.
Today, many hotels are destinations in their own right, offering guests an immersive experience of the local contemporary art scene. From showcasing commissioned artworks to dedicating spaces for exhibitions by prestigious galleries or individual artists, these establishments are redefining themselves. Some even host artist residencies, deepening their cultural imprint. The following properties encapsulate how hotels are defining their identity and creating atmosphere through art.
BULGARIA
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Sofia’s city centre, Junó Hotel Sofia offers a unique blend of urban charm and artistic flair. This cozy sanctuary showcases stunning pieces by notable sculptor Pavel Koychev and internationally acclaimed artist Tatiana Harizanova. The summer, the hotel’s garden proudly hosted Rada Yakova’s impactful installation, The Pink Cloud. In collaboration with the Emprove Foundation, Yakova drew inspiration from WomenSurvivors, a pioneering Bulgarian community of women breaking free from abuse. Her installation—a delicate yet resilient metal structure bathed in soft pink—symbolizes a safe, personal haven. Complementing this powerful exhibit, Junó has created a special cocktail, with proceeds supporting the cause, blending art with advocacy in the heart of Sofia.
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BELGIUM
Set against the grand backdrop of Brussels’ former Dominican abbey,revealed a stunning artistic journey in March. Croatian artist Klara Rusan’s illustrative art graces the historic monastery’s windows, while Belgian sculptor Antoine Leclercq’s contemporary metal sculptures weave captivating narratives throughout the space.
This fall, The Dominican enhances its commitment to innovation by collaborating with Augusta Gallery for Brussels Design September. The event spotlights sustainable designs by Louise Richard, Roxane Lahidji, La Gadoue Atelier, and Didier Henry, focusing on unique pieces made from reused or bio-based materials. This exhibition underscores The Dominican’s role in promoting both contemporary art and environmental awareness in Brussels’s cultural scene.
FINLAND
Taking things up a notch is the Hotel St. George in Helsinki. Greeted by Ai Weiwei’s “Tianwu” sculpture, guests enter a world where curator Mirkku Kullberg aims to “redefine the concept of luxury by creating a space where guests feel genuinely comfortable. New luxury is all about silence, privacy, and security. Experiencing art fits this puzzle perfectly.”
The hotel boasts over 400 artworks, including Klaus Haapaniemi’s enchanting tapestry in the Wintergarden and abstract pieces by acclaimed Finnish modernists Juhana Blomstedt and Lars-Gunnar Nordström. Last autumn, St. George launched its first residency with the Finnish Museum of Photography’s youth group, Photofuss, whose work will grace the St. George Bakery until the end of 2024. This innovative approach to hospitality ensures that each stay is not just a visit, but a cultural immersion.
GREECE
In the heart of ancient Athens, Perianth Hotel stands out for many reasons. It boasts a striking neomodernist design by local ‘starchitects’ K-Studio and a remarkable art collection that captures the essence of the regional contemporary art scene. The hotel features over 80 works by 60 artists, exclusively showcasing Greek and Cypriot talent, both commissioned and on loan from studios and galleries.
Celebrated artists like Apostolos Georgiou and Maria Papadimitriou share space with rising stars such as Marina Xenofontos and Lito Kattou. More than just a display, Perianth Hotel collaborates with artists like Valinia Svoronou, who designs plates for the hotel’s restaurant. Since opening in 2018, “the collection has evolved organically, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Athens’ vibrant contemporary art scene—a fresh complement to the city’s classical heritage,” explains visionary Anastasia Sgoumpopoulos.
POLAND
Located in a historic 19th-century building in Warsaw, the H15 Boutique Hotel is more than a place to stay; it’s a cultural hub. Its iconic black-and-white checkered patio serves both as a welcoming lobby and a vibrant venue for significant cultural events. Each suite, designed by Mariola Tomczak, showcases unique pieces by Polish artist Rita Zimmerman.
Her nostalgic collages, reflecting on modern society through the lens of pop culture, add a thoughtful layer to the hotel’s atmosphere. This blend of historical charm and contemporary art establishes the H15 as a central part of Warsaw’s cultural life, offering guests a uniquely enriching experience.
CHINA
Southside by Ovolo, in the heart of Hong Kong’s trendy Wong Chuk Hang area, is at the epicenter of an emerging arts scene. This once industrial zone, now a thriving arts hub, brims with new galleries and vibrant street art that breathe life into the neighborhood. The hotel itself, a transformed warehouse, showcases this artistic explosion, with graffiti and art installations adorning its open spaces.
A diverse group of local and international artists has reinvented the hotel’s interiors, turning it into a dynamic artistic centre. This transformation makes Southside by Ovolo not just a place to stay, but a destination in itself, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a creative enclave that captures the energetic pulse of contemporary Hong Kong art.
