Hotel Townhouse Galleria, Milan
We travel from over the world to see the talents of local and international artists in museums and galleries, but little do we realize that some of the finest pieces cities have to offer can also be found within your hotel room. Luxury hotels have some of the world’s most prized artistic collections, bringing a whole new level of appreciation to the hotel experience. Here, four art experts reveal the best hotels in which they have witnessed incredible art.
The Mandrake, London
Chris Belmont, of leading international print art dealers Verso Contemporary, says boutique London hotel The Mandrake is his sanctuary for art and leisure. “The Mandrake is special; there’s nothing quite like it. From Jonas Burget’s oil on canvas at the entrance to Thomas Cooper’s incredible “Tree of Life” that scales the height of the building from the basement to the top floor. The artwork impresses me not just because it is itself impressive, but also because it has been curated with such sensitivity and love. After a long day, I love sitting at the Waeska bar and admiring Enrique Gomez de Molin’s taxidermy fusion masterpiece at its center. Another favorite space of mine is the lounging area just outside the bathrooms, where photographer Iris Bosch’s ethereal photos adorn the walls. I’m a big fan of Iris’s work; classical and modern, and this is the perfect setting for it. If staying overnight, the Terrace Suite is charming and full of character – I try to stay there as much as possible when I’m in town.”
themandrake.com
The XVA Art Hotel, Dubai
Michael Woithe, art collector and owner of Dubai’s Facil Blanco, enjoys works displayed close to home. He says, “The XVA Art Hotel located in Bur Dubai is a hidden gem amongst the bustling skyscrapers and super hotels we are so used to seeing. With only 15 rooms that surround shady courtyards, you feel like you have travelled miles away when in fact you’ve only crossed the city. What I love most about this hotel is that each room is individually themed, with different pieces of art placed in each from the designers they showcase in their onsite gallery. This means you can visit on different occasions and indulge in a totally unique experience. The property also has this rustic charm, whilst remaining modern, which I feel compliments the local art that is hosted in each corner of the property. This is somewhere we come to feel inspired; we often do day trips to browse the gallery or sit in the cafe or even long weekends where the local artwork and interiors help us get inspired for new designs for our luxury linen brand.”
xvahotel.com
Hotel Townhouse Galleria, Milan
UAE-based, Vietnam-born artist Luna Nguyen currently has her work displayed in Milan’s Hotel Townhouse Galleria. She explains, “There are thousands of places to display your artwork, however they seem incomparable with the Hotel Townhouse Galleria. I have a big appreciation for them, not just for selecting my silk paintings, “The Cycle of Life” and “Back to Nature” for exhibition in the lounge, but also for an unforgettable stay. The hotel doubles up as a museum and exhibition space, and always has something to delight art-loving guests. Aside from showcasing works from local and international artists, they also host “The World of Leonardo Da Vinci Museum” with exclusive access directly from the second floor. Coming from a tropical country, Vietnam, and living in Dubai for the last six years, I have unique inspirations and influences which I express through contemporary art. I’m proud to have my work in this hotel and its lovable artistic vibes.”
galleria.townhousehotels.com
Assila Hotel, Jeddah
Alessandro Possati, director of the Zuecca Project Space and creative director at THE BAUERs, is a frequent flyer who has been captured by Assila Hotel’s incredible masterpieces. “The Assila Hotel occupies a corner of Tahlia Street – one of the coastal city’s most exclusive districts. The distinctive curved design and reflective glass exterior make it my favorite. The interior is designed by Martin Brudnizki and Olga Polizzi, combining Saudi Arabian handcrafts with high ceilings, and large windows with bold and contemporary furnishings. This hotel has 2,000 original works by Saudi Arabian artists, and I think the Maha Malluh pieces are amazing. Each piece is chosen by Nora Al Issa, daughter of the hotel owner and an established artist in her own right. The suites are inspired by their location married with beautiful tapestries, lanterns and bespoke hand-woven rugs, surrounded by the warmth of Arabian service to create a truly inspired hotel.”
roccofortehotels.com
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