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Washington,
DC – June 2025 / NewsmakerAlert: Historic
Hotels Worldwide® is pleased to announce The
2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Most Magnificent Art Collections
list. Historic Hotels Worldwide is a global collection of authentic
historic hotels known for their stunning architecture, colorful gardens,
and romantic settings—that are often enhanced with historic, museum-quality
art collections.
The
highlighted hotels exhibit unique art collections for guests to enjoy,
and many of these historic hotels are committed to supporting artists,
art movements, and diversity in art. The historic hotels, inns, and resorts
of Historic Hotels Worldwide view their art collections as an expression
of their hospitality and community values, many collecting art with the
aim of supporting local or national heritage preservation efforts and local
artists. This art is meant to be enjoyed by all who visit, work, or stay
at these hotels. These art collections can be viewed and experienced through
furniture, paintings, sculptures, augmented reality, textiles, tablets,
fountains, and even some hotel buildings that are considered to be standalone
works of art.
From
Hong Kong to Montreal, Historic Hotels Worldwide offer guests opportunities
to experience a variety of original artwork, from the works of Dutch Masters
and graffiti artists, to Mexican muralists and Pop Art disrupters. The
list below, in chronological order by the date the historic building was
established, highlights a variety of Historic Hotels Worldwide members
that are truly museums where guests can stay the night.
Sign
up to receive future news, highlights, and advance notice of special
offers from Historic Hotels Worldwide.
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Castello
Dal Pozzo Resort (1000s)
Oleggio
Castello, Italy
Built
as a castle fortress in Italy’s Piedmont region by the Visconti Family
in the eleventh century, Castello Dal Pozzo became a coveted prize, fiercely
contested by numerous noble families of Italy for over eight centuries.
Over this period, the castle fortress was shaped by developing architectural
styles, taking design elements from trends across Europe. The castle’s
artistry is first evident through the Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, and
Tudor Revival-style design elements. The historic hotel has been stewarded
by the Dal Pozzo family for six generations, and functions as a gallery
for the family’s collection of antiques and art. Marquis Claudio Dal Pozzo
d’Annone, an ancestor of the current owners, led the restoration and restructuring
of the ancient estate in the 19th century. He was a passionate scholar
of the 16th-century Gothic style, and the castle reflects his artistic
passion through both British and Italian design influences. Within the
castle, the stencils on the walls, the decorations on the tiles, and the
decorations on the furniture all come directly from the book of drawings,
Of Ecclesiastical Monuments by Augustus Pugin. Complementing Claudio’s
architectural and interior design elements is the family’s own art collection
and antique furniture, which can be found in both guestrooms and public
areas throughout the castle. Castello Dal Pozzo Resort was inducted into
Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2024.
San
Clemente Palace Kempinski (1131)
Venice,
Italy
San
Clemente Palace Kempinski is set on the exclusive island of San Clemente
in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. The original structure of the hotel
dates to the 12th century, and today, it is one of Italy’s most enchanting
getaways. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2016, San Clemente
Palace Kempinski is an active supporter of the art world and artists. The
palace’s interiors blend cool contemporary and dramatic Renaissance styles,
with lofty six-meter-tall ceilings, and intricate details like terrazzo
flooring and Murano glass chandeliers. Meanwhile, annual art installations
appear across the estate throughout the year, especially near the famous
Venice Biennale. In recent years, San Clemente Island hosted many world-renowned
contemporary artworks by leading artists such as Igor Mitoraj, Tony Cragg,
Sylvie Fleury, Gregor Hildebrandt, Carole A. Feuerman, Joana Vasconcelos,
Shan Shan Sheng, and Julian Opie. Since San Clemente Island’s location
is close to the main event spaces of the Biennale, the hotel has become
an ideal location for artists and art admirers. The permanent collection
of San Clemente Palace Kempinski includes artwork from the hotel owners’
collections, select pieces bought from former exhibitions, and gifted works.
The palace’s corridors display art produced by emerging artists to support
their craft. Temporary exhibitions can typically be viewed in the lobby,
church, and gardens. Guests and visitors can request a private tour of
the island’s art and the palace by contacting the concierge.
Hotel
Hacienda de Abajo (1493)
Tazacorte,
La Palma, Spain
Hotel
Hacienda de Abajo in Tazacorte, on the western end of La Palma in Spain’s
Canary Islands, was built in the 17th century by Pedro José de Sotomayor
Topete Massieu Van Dalle, and the Casa Principal of Tazacorte stayed in
the family for centuries. Today, Hotel Hacienda de Abajo reflects the history
of the Sotomayor Topete Family and their devotion to arts and culture.
The noble families that resided in the grand home imported art to adorn
the halls from all over the globe, as the island was a major hub for sea
trade. Tapestries, furniture, paintings, gilded mirrors, and delicate Chinese
porcelain traveled from every corner of the world to decorate the Casa
Principal of Tazacorte. Over 1,300 works of art are part of Hacienda de
Abajo’s collection, comprised of the estate’s historic art collection and
new acquisitions. Guests may catch a glimpse of French and Flemish tapestries
of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries; delight in an art gallery with European
and American paintings, some dating to the 15th century; appreciate porcelain
pieces and Chinese statues from the Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties; observe
European religious carvings from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and much
more. This art collection is the largest contribution to the art heritage
of the island of La Palma since the 17th century. The result is that Hotel
Hacienda de Abajo is an unconventional museum, with an elegant but comfortable
atmosphere. Tours of the estate, art collection, and grounds are available
upon request. Hotel Hacienda de Abajo was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2021.
Bernini
Palace Hotel (1400s)
Florence,
Italy
The
historic Bernini Palace Hotel is located in a 15th-century palace in the
heart of Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The
palace was once owned by the powerful Della Pera family, financiers known
for their investments throughout Europe. The most famous artwork in the
hotel, which was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2015, was installed
in the 19th century and depicts the unification of Italy. In the mid-19th
century, the palace was an elegant hotel, and Florence was the new capital
of the Kingdom of Italy (1865–1871). The hotel was just a short walk from
the newly unified kingdom’s parliament, so the hotel’s owner changed its
name to the Columbia Parlamento Hotel, making it popular with incoming
members of parliament. Many guests stayed at the hotel while working, and
others met at the palace for informal discussions. Among the many artistic
treasures of Bernini Palace Hotel is a large, frescoed hall on the first
floor with portraits of the protagonists in the Italian unification. Around
1880, an unknown artist (or artists) painted a series of frescoes on the
walls of the hall, depicting important figures in the unification of Italy.
The series was never completed, as guests can plainly see that there are
20 empty frames visible along the walls. Visitors can be on the lookout
for grotesque motifs, which include winged harpies emerging from a variety
of bizarrely colored flowers, as well as leering masks, expressive heads
suspended in the void, and dragons with tattered wings. The former Sala
Parlamento is now a grand breakfast room for guests and is also available
to rent for private events. The marvelous, frescoed portraits allow guests
to enjoy their meal while immersed in history.
Sofitel
Legend The Grand Amsterdam (1578)
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Sofitel
Legend The Grand Amsterdam possesses a rich history that dates to the 1500s
and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018. This storied hotel
is a perfect place for art lovers, with its rich history and original works
of art by illustrious Dutch painters and sculptors. Artists such as Hildo
Krop, Chris Lebeau, Willem Penaat, Joseph Mendes da Costa, John Rädecker,
Karel Appel, and Johan Thorn Prikker have all created beautiful art pieces
that are displayed at the hotel. The Princenhof building at Sofitel Legend
The Grand Amsterdam even participated in the evolution of art in Amsterdam,
as the Princenhof once served as Amsterdam’s city hall. In 1949, the renowned
artist, Karel Appel, was asked to paint a mural for the canteen in Amsterdam’s
city hall. This painting can still be admired at the entrance to the hotel’s
Oriole Garden Bistro and Bridges restaurant. His style was vastly different
from that of artist Chris Lebeau, who painted the room-filling mural in
the hotel’s stunning Marriage Chamber. While the new artistic work was
not well-received at the time, today, both murals are considered to be
invaluable artistic treasures of the city. Hotel guests can discover the
extensive collection of art during the daily historical tour at Sofitel
Legend The Grand Amsterdam.
DOM
Hotel (1600s)
Rome,
Italy
Located
in the heart of Rome, the historic DOM Hotel is a 17th-century aristocratic
palazzo on Via Giulia, one of the city’s most historic and iconic streets.
Via Giulia was once home to numerous gardens and many prominent artists,
including Raffaello, Benvenuto Cellini, and later, Francesco Borromini.
Today, DOM Hotel, which was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in
2019, displays its rich heritage through its preserved architecture and
historical displays. Even its name is an homage to its past: “DOM” stands
for “Deo Optimo Maximo” (“to the greatest god”), a Latin inscription found
on the adjoining church. The hotel’s art collection can be seen throughout
the hotel’s guestrooms and shared spaces. Inside DOM Hotel, guests and
visitors can discover spaces adorned with refined décor, handcrafted
furnishings, international works of art, and original architectural elements
of the historic building. Restored and renovated for contemporary comfort,
original structural components, such as the exposed brick walls and coffered
wooden beam ceilings, were wisely preserved and serve as a natural backdrop
to the hotel’s art and furnishings. Among them are an eclectic collection
of original photographs, including those of Man Ray and Bert Stern, and
three original Andy Warhol silkscreens from the Ladies and Gentlemen
series. Also displayed are blocks of marble with ancient religious inscriptions
dating back to the Renaissance, which were acquired from the church of
Santa Lucia del Gonfalone. The guestrooms and suites at DOM Hotel are curated
with original furnishings handcrafted by expert Italian artisans and international
works of art. The suites include vases crafted in Belgium, artistic photographs,
and original paintings by emerging Colombian artists.
Hacienda
de los Santos (1685)
Alamos,
Sonora, Mexico
Family-owned
and operated, Hacienda de los Santos is a historic resort composed of three
renovated and restored Colonial-style mansions, as well as one sugar mill
that dates to the 17th century. Cultural and heritage travelers will find
beautiful religious art and custom designs at every turn on the resort’s
grounds. The art of Hacienda de los Santos is a collection of works, especially
religious art and objects from the last Mexican Revolution, which were
all selected, uncovered, bestowed, or created for the resort by the hotel’s
owners, the Swickard Family. In the early years of the resort’s renovations,
religious art was found throughout the estate’s historic buildings and
grounds. Today, much of that collection is displayed within the Chapel
of the Saints. At the chapel, a Baroque-style altar was designed and created
in recent years by Mexico’s expert woodcarver and artist, Agustín
Parra of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. The art collection of figures, retablos,
and ex-votos on display in the chapel includes a carved figure of Saint
Anne, which is the collection’s most historic single figure, dating back
to the 16th century. Many of the carved religious figures on display came
from other churches in Spain, Mexico, and Guatemala, passed from the churches
into private hands long ago, and later placed into Hacienda de los Santos’s
collection. Another hotspot for art at the hotel is in the Cantina area,
where the Western and Mexican vintage art collection is primarily located.
The Cantina dates to the mid-1800s and it was relocated from Cuernavaca,
Mexico, to Hacienda de los Santos. Alongside handmade sombreros and silver
spurs, the hotel owner’s most prized historic photograph is displayed in
the Cantina. The photo depicts Mexican General Álvaro Obregón
standing with Pancho Villa, U.S. General John J. Pershing, and a young
1st Lt. George S. Patton, standing on the bridge at El Paso. The photo
was given to the hotel’s owner by Obregón’s grandson, who celebrated
his 93rd birthday at the hotel. Hacienda de los Santos was inducted into
Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2015, and was honored in 2021 as the recipient
of the Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas for the 2021
Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence.
Utne
Hotel (1722)
Utne,
Norway
One
of the most historic hotels in Norway, the iconic Utne Hotel is surrounded
by the mountaintops of the magnificent Hardangerfjord. Utne Hotel opened
its doors to guests in 1722, and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide
in 2012. With its intricate decorative details and vast collection of antiques,
visiting this historic hotel is like walking into a living history book.
Along with its own impressive collection of historic Norwegian art and
interior design details, including the remarkable painted wood cupboards
and wall panels of its formal dining room, Utne Hotel supports local artists
through its Kunstanekset, or Art Annex. The Art Annex, which includes
guestrooms, was created when Utne Hotel invited local Hardanger artists
to decorate a guestroom in the Annex. The artists chose the colors and
styles for the guestrooms that best harmonize with their art. Their choices
resulted in assorted color themes for the guestrooms, each characterized
by different artistic expressions. Some guestrooms feature graphics, collages,
and oil and acrylic paintings. The Art Annex is an active gallery exhibit,
and some of the art displayed may be available to purchase. “The art is
done justice,” says featured artist Judith Elisabeth de Haan, “when guests
live with the art during their visit and experience it through night and
day.” Other featured artists include Solfrid Aksnes, Åse Berit Skeie
Ulltang, Wim van den Toorn, Ingunn van Etten, and Johild Mæland.
All of these artists are a part of the local artists forum, Harding Puls.
Alfiz
Hotel (1749)
Cartagena
de Indias, Colombia
Alfiz
Hotel is situated in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, in a 17th-century
Spanish Colonial-style house that once belonged to the British Consul and
is located between the two oldest squares in the city. Within the walls
of this beautiful time capsule, guests can discover the exciting stories
of this historic house: a French liquor smuggler who lived there during
the Colombian War of Independence, the residence of the British Consul,
and later a renowned store for Cartagena’s merchants. A very special feature
of Alfiz Hotel is the interior design of its eight exclusively themed guestrooms
that reflect the most important stages in the city’s history, from the
Spanish conquest to Colombia’s independence. These designs help provide
each guest with a resting place that exudes simple elegance and a connection
to the historic city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decorative
objects and original furniture, as well as religious works of art, are
the perfect setting for those who wish to travel back in time and recall
the past. Also notable is the hotel’s literary arts collection: there are
more than 300 Gabriel García Márquez books in 22 languages
in the hotel’s library. The author of well-known novels such as One
Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) and Love in the Time of Cholera
(1985) lived and worked for many years in Cartagena de Indias. When he
learned of the existence of the hotel’s collection, García Márquez
sent a personal greeting to the hotel’s owners! This autographed note is
on display in the hotel’s library for guests to view. Alfiz Hotel was inducted
into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2014.
Las
Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (1780)
Bagac,
Philippines
Las
Casas Filipinas de Acuzar tells the story of Filipino heritage through
both historic and modern art. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in
2017, and home to Jose Acuzar’s collection of heritage houses, the resort
offers historic lodgings restored by a team of artisans and craftsmen.
For guests, the resort offers a series of arts and crafts workshops, where
visitors can learn more about the different types of art created at the
resort. Along with hands-on workshops, the resort offers a signature Heritage
Walking Tour, an hour-long guided tour across the villages and ancestral
houses within the resort. Guests can also experience an immersive tour
of the resort’s workshops that offers guests a front-row seat to see artists
and craftsmen creating new pieces. Of special interest to visitors who
appreciate art is the Hotel de Oriente. An iconic structure within the
resort, Hotel de Oriente’s majestic and striking architectural features
are due to the intricacy of the woodwork seen throughout its walls, floors,
and ceilings. A tour is not complete without a visit to this majestic building.
In addition to providing luxurious experiences for travelers, Las Casas
Filipinas de Acuzar’s Bellas Artes Projects (BAP) foundation invests in
local and international artists. The foundation provides a platform for
experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration through artist residencies.
Internationally acclaimed for its commitment to both hospitality and art,
the resort was the recipient of the Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Social
Media of a Historic Hotel for the 2024 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual
Awards of Excellence.
Engø
Gård (1845)
Tjøme,
Norway
Originally
built in 1845 as a popular summer country inn, Engø Gård’s
art collection blossomed in the early-21st century when new owners brought
their love of art to the historic inn. An art historian with a keen interest
in Norwegian art, Nina Felling and her husband, Harald Andersen, acquired
a wide collection of art by contemporary Norwegian artists, as well as
works by other European artists. When their daughter and son-in-law took
over the business in 2015, they continued to collect art, acquiring several
new pieces every year. Over the past 25 years, following the hotel’s extensive
restoration, this art collection has steadily grown. The paintings and
photos are found throughout the hotel: in its restaurants, salons, spa,
and guestrooms. The sculptures have been carefully placed in the garden
next to the terrace restaurant and the spa. Notable pieces in the collection
on display for guests include sculptures by Nico Widerberg and Nina Sundbye,
paintings by Frans Widerberg and Kenneth Blom, and a drawing by Pablo Picasso.
Engø Gård was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011.
Raffles
Europejski, Warsaw (1857)
Warsaw,
Poland
Designed
in the Neoclassical style by Italian-Polish architect Enrico Marconi, Raffles
Europejski, Warsaw was intended to be the most extravagant hotel in the
Russian Empire when it opened in Warsaw in 1857. Art has been present at
the hotel since its grand opening. In its early decades, the hotel housed
the Aleksander Krywult Salon, one of the first art galleries in Warsaw,
and an art studio shared by several famous Polish artists, including Józef
Chelmonski and Stanislaw Witkiewicz. Raffles Europejski, Warsaw began amassing
its own art collection in 2014, with the aim to collect works representative
of the contemporary art scene in Poland. Today, Raffles Europejski, Warsaw’s
art collection contains approximately 500 works of modern and contemporary
Polish art. The collection features paintings, photographs, installations,
graphics, posters, collages, blown glass, and drawings from both established
and emerging Polish artists. The collection is spread throughout the hotel,
and guests can admire the best examples of Polish art in the guestrooms
and suites. The hotel’s lobby contains several outstanding artworks, such
as Borders by Wlodzimierz Jan Zakrzewski, a neon light installation
welcoming guests in the entrance hall. Guests and visitors can engage with
the art collection through hotel art tours, bookable through the art concierge,
or by attending the hotel’s occasional art talks with artists and the collection
manager. Every guestroom contains a catalog of the hotel’s art collection
for guests’ enjoyment and enrichment. Raffles Europejski Warsaw was inducted
into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
Hamilton
Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel (1885)
Hamilton,
Bermuda
The
art collection of Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – A Fairmont Managed
Hotel in Hamilton, Bermuda, is truly remarkable. Inside the palatial pink
hotel, established in 1885 and inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide
in 2018, is a renovated, contemporary gallery space featuring artworks
from some of the greatest names in modern art, such as Pablo Picasso, Henri
Matisse, and René Magritte. These innovators, who challenged perceptions
of art, laid the foundation for a hotel collection that has embraced everything
from the Pop Art and Op Art movements to Postmodernism. Guests and visitors
alike can walk through the hotel and its grounds, surrounded by the works
of those luminaries, as well as late-20th and early-21st-century artists,
such as Shepard Fairey, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, and Keith Haring. The
art collection is active, as new works are often moved or rotated around
the resort, emphasizing that the hotel serves as an alternative gallery
space. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – A Fairmont Managed Hotel curates
and arranges the artworks in a meaningful way to convey meaning within
modern art. However, the layout also creates a memorable experience for
guests and visitors to the hotel. Guests can embark on self-guided tours
by contacting the hotel’s concierge. Private art tours for visitors to
the hotel are also available through a local art docent.
Grand
Hotel Huis ter Duin (1885)
Noordwijk
aan Zee, Netherlands
Located
just a short distance from Amsterdam and The Hague, Grand Hotel Huis ter
Duin is a historic seaside retreat with a fascinating art collection. Established
in 1885, the hotel boasts a fascinating collection of paintings by Dutch
artist George van Herwaarde. The collection consists of 50 paintings, each
characterized by the pierrots that they depict. The pierrot
is a character from 18th-century French pantomime performances, recognizable
as a sad clown with a painted white face. Each painting tells a different
story and shows the pierrots pictured with musical instruments, pets, food,
and drinks. The paintings by George van Herwaarde can be found throughout
the hotel. For instance, guests are followed by musical pierrots when ascending
the grand stairs in the lobby. In the hotel’s guestrooms, guests can find
cutouts of existing paintings hanging on the walls. An impressive piece
hangs in Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin’s Michelin One Star restaurant, Latour.
The restaurant is named after Château Latour, one of the most esteemed
vineyards in the world, and the painting’s characteristic pierrot
is pictured with the Château Latour in the background. Next to this
painting, a self-portrait of George van Herwaarde can be found with his
face painted as a pierrot. The hotel’s collection of George van
Herwaarde paintings started in the 1990s. After the birth of her first
grandson, the hotel’s owner bought a George van Herwaarde painting in honor
of the special occasion. This was the start of a collection that grew to
over 50 of his paintings, as well as a friendship between the owner and
the artist. Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin was inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide in 2011.
Riad
El Amine Fès (1800s)
Fes,
Morocco
The
historic Riad El Amine Fès dates to the early 19th century, when
architectural innovations and movements swept through Fes, an ancient city
known as the cultural heart of Morocco. The riad exemplifies traditional
Arabic-Andalusian-style architecture, with its emphasis on geometric patterns,
vibrant colors, and intricate tilework. The architectural design style
of this hotel can be classified as “riad,” which means “garden” in Arabic.
In this form of garden architecture, the form is a rectangular garden that
is divided into four quadrants, with intersecting paths that feature fountains
in the middle. The hotel itself is a work of art, with beautiful tilework
in every room, stained-glass windows, intricately carved moldings, and
stunning ceilings—all complemented with paintings, carved mirrors, and
sumptuous textiles hung throughout guestrooms and common areas. For guests
who are interested in art, the hotel can arrange experiences to learn more
about plaster design, Arabic calligraphy, and Zellige tile artistry from
the tile master who helped restore the hotel. Riad El Amine Fès
was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2025.
Grand
Hotel Tremezzo (1910)
Tremezzina,
Italy
Immersed
in the beauty of Lake Como and offering a spectacular view of the surrounding
Alps, the historic Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a treasured example of the finest
preserved Italian palaces. With lush period furnishings, intricate architectural
design details, and unparalleled views, Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers decadence
alongside harmony and tranquility. Established in 1910, Grand Hotel Tremezzo
was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2012. A guest favorite of
the hotel’s art pieces is the Happiness Fountain by Ico Parisi,
a local Como architect and designer. The fountain is found in the estate’s
park area, which the hotel describes as an open-air gallery. Dating back
centuries, the land used to belong to Villa Carlotta, and its spectacular
botanic garden features a variety of rare plants and trees. Within the
palace walls, Grand Hotel Tremezzo exhibits an art collection owned by
Valentina De Santis (owner of Grand Hotel Tremezzo) at the L’Escale Trattoria
& Wine Bar. The hotel also displays a collection of silk scarfs from
Antonio Ratti, a post-World War II textiles entrepreneur who created the
Fondazione Antonio Ratti, one of the world’s greatest textile archives,
in Como. In addition, there are original Art Nouveau-style pieces as well
as antique furniture collected by the De Santis family throughout the palace
and adjacent buildings. The estate’s 18th-century Villa Emilia, which includes
the Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s T Spa, features original mosaic floors. The
hotel offers private tours of the palace and its artwork.
Hotel
Diplomat (1911)
Stockholm,
Sweden
Built
as an Art Nouveau-style palatial mansion in 1911, and situated close to
Sweden’s Royal Dramatic Theatre, the Royal Opera House, and prominent galleries,
Hotel Diplomat is proud to be a welcoming refuge for artists and valued
guests. The hotelier family that owns Hotel Diplomat, in collaboration
with its partners, is pleased to share the private modern art collection
that they curated for the hotel with visitors. Works by notable Swedish
artists are displayed throughout the hotel, including carefully curated
displays of photography by some of Sweden’s most renowned contemporary
artists. This includes pieces by world-renowned artists, such as Denise
Grünstein, Maria Friberg, Anneè Olofsson, Daniel Sandberg,
Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, Helene Schmitz, and David Svensson. In addition
to its permanent art collection, the hotel rotates new, temporary exhibits
in The Gallery. This art-forward approach to hospitality does not stop
at the guestroom door. The guestrooms themselves were designed and decorated
by co-owner and chairperson Anna Cappelen, in collaboration with interior
designer Helene Follin from HOS Haga. Follin was inspired by the unique
Art Nouveau-style building, blending traditional elegance with contemporary
design. Hotel Diplomat was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2020.
Villa
Copenhagen (1912)
Copenhagen,
Denmark
Located
in what was once the Central Post & Telegraph Head Office in Copenhagen,
Denmark, Villa Copenhagen dates to 1912, and offers luxurious and unique
accommodations in the heart of the ancient Nordic city. Visitors are treated
to an intimate display of selected artworks by renowned artists, including
Jaume Plensa, Gillian Ayres, Ian McKeever, Birk Bjørlo, Ann Edholm,
Astrid Sylwan, Åke E:son Lindman, Minako Masui, Ulf Rollof, Bente
Stokke, Camilla Løw, Sirous Namazi, and Pål Vigeland. This
group also includes celebrated Danish artists, such as Per Kirkeby, Olafur
Eliasson and the artist group, Superflex. Upon arrival at Villa Copenhagen,
visitors are greeted by the mesmerizing works of esteemed Catalan sculptor,
Jaume Plensa. This striking exhibit features two bronze sculptures: Julia
and Minna’s Words. Deliberately positioned at the main entrance, Julia’s
pensive form invites hotel guests and weary travelers to unburden themselves
and join her in a moment of quiet contemplation. Delicately suspended from
the foyer’s ceiling, the elegant shape of Minna’s Words teases curious
art lovers with its coy expression, which is full of intrigue. Villa Copenhagen’s
art collection possesses a multitude of qualities that make it truly fascinating
and appealing to cultural and heritage travelers. Firstly, the collection
boasts a diverse range of artistic styles, spanning from classical masterpieces
to contemporary works, ensuring that there is something for every artistic
preference. Moreover, the collection includes pieces from both renowned
international artists and emerging talents, creating a dynamic and engaging
mix of artistic voices. Each artwork has been thoughtfully placed throughout
the hotel, adorning the hallways, restaurants, and public spaces, creating
a unique environment that engages and captivates visitors. Villa Copenhagen
was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019.
Hotel
New Grand (1927)
Yokohama,
Japan
When
guests enter Hotel New Grand through the historic main entrance and walk
up the grand staircase to the second-floor lobby, guests can discover a
majestic blend of European Art Deco-style and traditional Japanese architecture.
The foyer features ornate white plaster, detailed with motifs modeled after
ancient Indian art. Storytelling silk tapestries draped on the upper walls
contrast with the white plaster, and patterned, washi paper lanterns hang
from the ornate ceiling. The art in the lobby on the second floor of the
main building is open to the public. In addition, there are two permanent
galleries for visitors to learn about the history of the hotel, inviting
guests to take a trip back in time. The galleries display items unique
to the period of the hotel’s opening, such as photographs and pamphlets,
typewriters and tableware, a chronological table, and even a 1/100 scale
diorama model of the main building at the time of its opening. These exhibits
are seen by many guests and visitors to the hotel. The historic building
has been designated as a historic building by the city of Yokohama (1992),
and as having a Heritage of Industrial Modernization by the Ministry of
Economy, Trade, and Industry (2007). Hotel New Grand was inducted into
Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2012 and dates to 1927. With its rich history
and original works of art, Hotel New Grand is a Yokohama landmark that
cannot be missed by art lovers traveling through the city.
Le
Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris (1928)
Paris,
France
Established
in 1928, Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris features the Art District Gallery
by Bel-Air Fine Art Group, a private movie theater, a contemporary art
bookshop, and even an art concierge. Acting as a gateway to the contemporary
art scene in Paris, the culturally conscious Art District Gallery (a collaboration
between the hotel and the Bel-Air Fine Art Group) welcomes artists, connoisseurs,
collectors, patrons, and art professionals alike. Thematic exhibitions
are displayed in the gallery and in the public spaces of this grand historic
hotel. Visitors and guests also enjoy access to the first contemporary
art bookshop within a Parisian luxury hotel, La Librairie des Arts. Keeping
pace with the latest happenings on the cultural and arts circuits around
the world, this specialty emporium holds more than 700 titles. This unique
venue also sells accoutrements for artists and architects, alongside limited
editions and literary works in unusual formats. The Katara Cinema offers
integrated state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment in 35 mm, digital,
and 3D. The screening room is available to organize private screenings,
watch auctions, broadcast concerts, and organize seminars. The art concierge
at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris facilitates access to previews, openings,
performances and concerts, guitar lessons, and even cultural activities
for children. The hotel’s art blog can be found at Art
For Breakfast. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris was inducted into
Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017.
Molitor
Hotel & Spa Paris MGallery Collection (1929)
Paris,
France
Molitor
Hotel & Spa Paris MGallery Collection opened as an Art Deco-style sports
complex with swimming pools in 1929. During its heyday, it was a popular
attraction for the socialites of Paris. When the bathhouse closed in 1989
and was classified as a historical monument, it was taken over by street
artists. They created their own open-air artists’ studio, using every surface
of the building as a canvas. At first, graffiti started to appear on the
outside walls of the building, then on the railings and inside the drained
swimming pools. By the 1990s, layers of color brought new life, and the
bathhouse was itself a work of art. These were some of the first graffiti
works by street artists, who have since become very well-known. The site
was a venue for concerts, parties, and fashion shows organized through
the Compagnie des Maîtres-Nageurs, a group of lifeguards .
Today, Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris MGallery Collection, which was inducted
into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018, has a quirky personality and offers
a remarkable experience to all who visit. True to its colorful past, the
hotel continues to invite these artists to return and continue their work.
Each of the 78 dressing cubicles surrounding the winter pool has been taken
over by an artist, from floor to ceiling, to produce a gallery of contemporary
urban art. In cubicle No. 166, visitors can discover the joyful universe
of street art characters called Gouzous by Jace, and the malicious presence
of the cartoon cat, Monsieur Chat, in cubicle No. 188. Visitors can interact
with the collective 9eme Concept art stickers, Francs Colleurs; snap a
photo of one of the walls of Marko93’s cubicle No. 114 to reveal what lies
hidden there; and be carried away by the poetry of Mademoiselle Maurice’s
origami in cubicle No. 40. To truly immerse themselves in the hotel’s art,
the hotel recommends that guests take a private, guided tour and grab a
copy of the book, Molitor, Vibrations Artistiques.
Lysebu
(1946)
Oslo,
Norway
Originally
a private residence established during World War I, and renovated right
after World War II, today, Lysebu is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts
wanting to explore Norway’s natural wonders. It is also an active partner
of the Henie Onstad Art Center. In 2007, this Norwegian hotel began its
collaboration with the arts center, which allowed Lysebu to exhibit works
from the center’s collection. The in-house exhibit at Lysebu emphasizes
Norwegian and Danish art, highlighting the connections that are the core
of Lysebu’s nonprofit enterprise. In the late 1940s, Lysebu was donated
to the Danish-Norwegian Cooperation Foundation, in appreciation for the
aid that Norway received from Denmark during the German occupation. Lysebu
is still owned by the Danish-Norwegian Cooperation Foundation, which uses
the income generated by the hotel to support its greater mission. With
this relationship in mind, Lysebu stands by the claim that it is more than
a hotel or restaurant; displaying Danish and Norwegian art together is
an expression of its core values and its history. After three years of
collaboration between the hotel and the arts center, the relationship grew.
Today, Lysebu is a central, permanent exhibition venue for art owned by
the Henie Onstad Art Center. A variety of artists are represented in the
halls of Lysebu, including Danish artists. The selection encompasses the
works of important artists, whose abstract idiom renewed the visual arts
in Norway after World War II, and for whom nature provided constant inspiration.
Gunnvor Advoccat, Carl Nesjar, Knut Rumohr, Inger Sitter, Olav Strømme,
Kåre Tveter, and Jakob Weidemann are just a few of the artists whose
works have been displayed at Lysebu. The hotel displays art throughout
the historic building, including the halls containing the guestrooms, where
visitors can appreciate it. Lysebu was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide
in 2011 and dates to 1946.
Fairmont
The Queen Elizabeth (1958)
Montreal,
Quebec, Canada
Designed
by the prestigious architects of the Canadian National Railway Company,
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a legendary hotel in Montreal. Established
in 1958 and inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017, it was among
the first hotels in North America to feature modern amenities like escalators
and central air-conditioning. Furthermore, this spectacular historic hotel
has an art collection to match its historic grandeur. The collection combines
at least 123 works by 37 renowned contemporary artists from Quebec and
other Canadian provinces, including Michel de Broin, Patrick Coutu, Nicolas
Grenier, and Geneviève Cadieux. This amazing assortment of sculptures,
paintings, photographs, and drawings from a myriad of disciplines will
surprise both art amateurs and aficionados. The hotel’s owner, Ivanhoé
Cambridge, curated the hotel with the philosophy that art enlivens spaces
and fuels an exchange of ideas, while creating a sense of community among
staff and visitors. The hotel also believes that investing in art contributes
to Quebec’s cultural heritage and Montreal’s identity. Because of this
initiative, the hotel’s attention to design attracts art admirers, tourists,
and locals alike. Much of the hotel’s collection is exhibited in the public
areas of the hotel. Pieces can be found lining the walls of guest floor
hallways, meeting rooms, and executive suites. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
offers private art tours with a local guide upon request, which last approximately
90 minutes.
Hotel
de Mendoza (1968)
Guadalajara,
Jalisco, Mexico
Hotel
de Mendoza’s curated art collection emphasizes and celebrates the rich
history of Guadalajara and the state of Jalisco. Hotel de Mendoza was built
on the site where the historic Santa Maria de Gracia Convent was founded
in 1588, the first Catholic convent of the city. During the hotel’s construction,
the original arcade of the convent’s façade and the arches that
adjoin the 16th-century temple were preserved. These 16th-century architectural
features can be seen from the pool area today. Among the artwork exhibited
at the hotel is its 20th-century Mexican art collection, which includes
Rangeliano furniture hand-painted by Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo, and beautiful
Baroque-style paintings by the contemporary Mexican artist, Agustín
Parra Echauri. Parra, who was originally commissioned by Pope John Paul
II, was named the official supplier to the Vatican. The hotel also exhibits
a beautiful mural painted by the celebrated Mexican artist José
Maria Servin. Hotel de Mendoza was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide
in 2016.
The
Murray Hong Kong (1969)
Hong
Kong, China
The
Murray Hong Kong, a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2019, dates
to 1969, and displays an eclectic, modern art collection that reflects
the city’s international, cosmopolitan influences. A monument to Modernism,
the Central District high-rise was first established as the Murray Building,
an office for government workers in Hong Kong. However, the structure was
then transformed into a luxury hotel in 2018. It was originally designed
by innovative British Modernist architect Ron Phillips, who also participated
in the hotel’s renovation during the 2010s. The renovations preserved the
building’s signature Midcentury Modern-style architectural features, such
as soaring exterior archways, high ceilings, and recessed windows. The
hotel complemented the design with bold sculptures, provocative paintings,
and other pieces by artists from all over the world. On The Murray’s lawns,
guests and visitors are greeted by a variety of sculptures: Flow
by Iraqi-born Dame Zaha Hadid; The Bite and Ginkgo Mantle by David
Harber, based in the United Kingdom; Awilda’s White Head by Spanish
artist Jaume Plensa; Intimidad by another Spanish artist, Isabel
Miramontes; and Glitter, a stainless-steel piece set against the
manicured hedgerow by renowned Hong Kong artist Mok Yat San. Guests can
step inside and discover more artworks in the hotel’s lobby, halls, and
Popinjays rooftop bar and restaurant. The Murray Hong Kong occasionally
offers public tours of its artwork.
“Historic
hotels are themselves often works of art to be preserved and, naturally,
art collections complement these special places,” said Lawrence
Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic
Hotels Worldwide. “Support for artists and endowments to acquire and sustain
art collections has been a tradition of many of the founders and builders
of historic hotels; fortunately, this tradition continues through the dedication
of current ownership and their passion for making it easy for guests of
these iconic and legendary hotels to experience some of the finest art
collections in the world—while staying at a historic hotel.”
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About
Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Historic
Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious and distinctive collection of historic
treasures, including luxury historic hotels built in former castles, chateaus,
palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic
lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide represents the
finest and most distinctive global collection of more than 320 historic
hotels in more than 46 countries. Hotels inducted into Historic Hotels
Worldwide are authentic historic treasures, demonstrate historic preservation,
and celebrate historic significance. Eligibility for induction into Historic
Hotels Worldwide is limited to those distinctive historic hotels that adhere
to the following criteria: minimum age for the building is 75 years or
older; historically relevant as a significant location within a historic
district, historically significant landmark, place of a historic event,
former home of a famous person, or historic city center; hotel celebrates
its history by showcasing memorabilia, artwork, photography, and other
examples of its historic significance; recognized by national preservation
or heritage buildings organization or located within a UNESCO World Heritage
Site; and presently used as a historic hotel. For more information, please
visit HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com.
Media
Contact:
Katherine
Orr
Historic
Hotels of America | Historic Hotels Worldwide
Director,
Marketing Strategy and Communications
Tel:
202-772-8337
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Release: 2025
Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections
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