The 21c Museum Hotel calls Louisville, Kentucky home. Normally when you think high end hotels decked out with amazing artwork, we aren't usually thinking Kentucky—but maybe we should be. The best part is, there's several great ideas you can borrow to use in your own home. Click through to see more...
In 2006 by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, philanthropists and art collectors had a vision for bringing contemporary art into people’s daily lives. They did so by creating the 21C Museum Hotel, which was recently selected as the #1 hotel in the United States and #6 hotel in the world in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2009 (the only US hotel in which to do so). It's not hard to see why, it'd been decked out with amazing artwork choices and is very forward with their thinking in design. It functions not only as a hotel, but also an exhibition space.
We'd be more than happy to spend a night, or even just an afternoon walking around oogling all the amazing things to see. There's scissors in a chandelier and penguins in the lobby, they've truly created a magical place to get away.
We think several of their ideas could be repeated in your own home, make sure to be on the lookout for oversized artwork that has gone unframed and mounted instead. There's also a hint of wildlife or nature in each room that blends nicely with a wide selection of colors in each space. Their style is comforting, yet aspects of it are completely unexpected (onions over the bed anyone?) which make for a curious adventure in every room. Make sure to check out more on their beautiful collected pieces over at 21c Museum Hotel.
Would you recreate any of their looks in your space? We're itching to find an animal statue to paint gold, how fun is that headboard? Let us know your favorite look in the comments below!
(Image: 21c Museum Hotel)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I think I could incorporate the penguins in the lobby idea, I have a wide landing strip :)
But seriously, would loce to stay there!
view msjessiemeghan's profile
It's been said before. You guys really should consider an AT blog for this region. There's some really great design in Louisville, Cincinnati and Lexington.
view Cupajo's profile
You don't have to stay at the hotel to enjoy the art. The gallery and restautant are open to the public and if you stop by you have to check out the bathroom.
view jinx's profile
Oh, sweet Louisville! I love my hometown. Having gone to college out of state and currently living in beautiful but dead end Savannah, GA I have found plenty of upturned noses when I announce my birthplace. But Louisville truly is a gem.
When I was a wild young thing the local music scene could simply not get any better, and since I moved away in '99, the city has only improved. We've always had theater, art, FOOD, SO MUCH FOOD, great bars, music, festivals (my lifelong friend started the Forecastle Festival and it's growing every year).... not to mention the gorgeous old Victorian neighborhoods and vast green space in the city. If you have the chance, stop in the city and take a look around; you just might like it!
PS: If anyone wants to buy an adorable brick bungalow in a great neighborhood in Savannah so that I can move BACK to sweet Louisville- let me know! :)
view RedEngine88's profile
Very cool environment!
view kipi's profile
Nice clean design but I am really not sure about those bunnies.
view ronlbrenner's profile
RedEngine88, you are lucky to have lived in two beautiful places!
view Jenny in DC's profile
:( I'm in love.
view Djluckyonline's profile
Why wouldn't you equate high-end art and fashionable hotels with Kentucky? As a Tennessee expatriate living in Kentucky, I take offense to your slight. The south is much more cosmopolitan that people believe.
view hwat's profile
My husband and I visit Louisville a couple of times a year. It is a favorite weekend get away. You would be surprised how many wonderful museums, restaurants and fun shops.
view MegT's profile
I also am a little offended that you are surprised to see such creativity in Louisville, not to mention a high-class hotel. My hometown is truly an amazing place and it is about time the secret got out. The emphasis on local business is something every city should strive for. Louisville is truly a gem!
view MarcellaMcKenna's profile
I stayed here this past summer while visiting for a wedding. The place is really fantastic. It's so much more fun to stay somewhere with some personality!
view Mo-Mo's profile
My Husband and I stayed here a few years ago and it was wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone who is staying near Louisville. The penguins move around the hotel! One night there was a line of them in the hallway of the floor we were on. The next day one in the elevator. I also discovered Malin and Goetz there, also wonderful!
view RKatz's profile