Art and hotels go back decades, to the 1920s and ’30s when masters like Monet and Picasso would retreat to their favorite home away from home for a jolt of inspiration. Nowadays, hotels around the world are curating galleries from private collections of priceless originals, to rotating exhibitions of up-and-coming artists. Whether you want to wake up in a hand-painted Parisian suite, or stroll the grounds of a 117-year-old Swiss hotel and spa, we’ve rounded up the five best places to stay for the most artistically-minded travelers.
11 Howard, New York, New York
While we may be a little biased, it’s hard to deny that New York City has some of the best museums and galleries in the world. You don’t even have to leave your Manhattan hotel room to experience it! Designed by Space Copenhagen, 11 Howard features artwork by Alexander Calder and Jeff Koons as well as a mural of local artists that spans the entire southern wall of the building. The hotel also has its own co-working space, called The Library, that displays photographs from Hiroshi Sugimoto, and an events room, The Creative Studio, that contains fashion designer Holly Fowler’s one-of-a-kind silk fresco.
21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville, Arkansas
You might not think of Arkansas as a must-see artistic destination, but the 21c Museum Hotel is here to change all that. The 104-room boutique hotel contains a leading contemporary art museum and cultural civic center with extensive rotating exhibitions. Photographer Sam Taylor Wood, multimedia artist Kara Walker, and sculptor Yinka Shonibare are just a few of the artists you’ll find at this elegant location. Don’t be afraid to travel outside the box!
The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
As one of the oldest and most expansive art hotels in the world, The Dolder Grand is the perfect stylish retreat in the Swiss Alps. Take a funicular (seriously!) ride up to an incredible mountain view and find the city’s greatest private collection of artwork. Ranging from Salvador Dali to Sylvester Stallone, the artists housed in this hotel are so vast that guests are provided with a complimentary iPad and art app to explore the 124 works. There’s nothing like having a 36-foot original Andy Warhol as a backdrop to your perfect European vacation.
SoHo House, Berlin, Germany
The eternally chic SoHo house has outposts throughout the world, but the Berlin location is a burgeoning creative center for the most artistically-savvy traveler. Featuring pieces from German-based artists Douglas Gordon, Tacita Dean and more, the luxurious hotel is a must-see for the very best in contemporary art. Consider a membership for access to any of the club spaces around the world, each with its own collection of artists and installations. Plus, rooftop pools! It’s a win-win.
Hotel du Petit Moulin, Paris, France
No art hotel exploration would be complete without a stopover in Paris (as though you need another reason to visit the City of Light). The Hotel du Petit Moulin, housed in what was originally Paris’s first bakery, contains interiors designed by the one and only Christian Lacroix. Each of the 16 rooms is entirely unique, with polka-dot carpeted walls, ceramic kaleidoscopes, and Baroque and Rococo-inspired decor. Consider a stay here as an adventure inside the mind of one of fashion’s greatest innovators. It might result in a compulsive need to shop, but hey, that’s probably why you’re in Paris in the first place!