A hotel isn't usually the first place we look for cutting-edge contemporary artwork, but 21c is not your average inn. The Louisville, Kentucky hotel uses original art throughout the building and guest rooms. There's lots to be learned from the way they integrate art and interior design...
The hotel includes a 9,000 square foot contemporary art museum, and original artworks are displayed in guest rooms on corkboards above the beds.
One signature artwork is a red penguin by Italian collective, Cracking Art. The 4-foot bird appears in rooms, restaurants, bars, balconies, and public spaces.
We love the way rotating original art is used throughout the space, and the field of color that the corkboards create against the artworks is a nice touch.
The hotel also incorporates several green initiatives including reclaimed wood throughout, recycled corkboards, a water conservation program, recycling program, and CFL bulbs in guest rooms. For more information on the 21C Museum Hotel, click here.
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Yet another sign you need an Apartment Therapy: Louisville. A few more - Old Louisville, Market street, our fantastic antique malls and independent stores, our park system....
view KY Lucie's profile
I agree with the above comment.
One thing you didn't mention is the 21C is a hotel/museum and contains the largest collection of 21st century art ANYWHERE in the country. The exhibits are rotating but there are some permanent exhibits as well. For instance, in the lobby bathroom the wall-length mirror has a video installation of eyes which appear to be looking at you...that is until you realize that all of the "eyes" in the installation are blind. There is also a fabulous restaurant attached (Proof) which has an awesome art collection. 21C is on Museum Row on Main Street downtown which is one of the best examples of 19th-century metal fronted buildings anywhere in the world.
P.S. Louisville has the 3rd largest concentration of historic buildings anywhere in the U.S., it has the largest and best example of Frederic Law Olmsted Park System anywhere in the country (that includes New York) and is now the 16th largest city in the country (bigger than Boston)
view cricketchirp's profile
Yay! I love 21c and Proof on Main...but I'm possibly *slightly* biased since I work for the company...and am in charge of chronicling our green initiatives :)
As for that Louisville AT blogger...I'd be happy to volunteer...I'm just sayin'...
view moni-ka in ky's profile
we just bought the Icaro bed in grey oak from DWR and we don't like the night stands they had for it. Our floors are a darker wood and we are looking for something that is contemporary but does not really show a wood grain as we thought if it did not perfectly match the grey oak it would look bad. Of course it has to have a drawer for my lady. I really like the one in the first picture, anyone know where it came from. any ideas for bedside shelves, i think a white or black lacquer might work, or anyone ever try painting furniture with chalkboard paint.
sorry so wordy, i'm excited for my first post on AT.
view sirnutsalot's profile
Nthing the need for Apartment Therapy: Louisville. We've got a lot going on here.
One more note about 21c, as cricketchirp said they extend the art to their bar and restaurant, Proof, as well. Being surrounded by contemporary art certainly brings a new element to the dining experience.
view michellej's profile
Louisville is a great town and there's more than enough design activity there to warrant attention. I've enjoyed every minute I've spent there. I know there are some fantastic apartments to be had - and great people - my friend Emily, who works at the 21C, natch, has a place that would make your head spin.
view Nathan_60626's profile
Where can I find black cork board?
view Mary H's profile
sirnutsalot -- did some digging and it turns out the bedside table were custom designed for us. if you're serious about getting your hands on a couple, shoot me an email and i can put you in contact with our designers.
merskine @ 21chotels.com
view moni-ka in ky's profile
Mary H -- This is what was used at 21c:
http://www.robin-reigi.com/detail.php?mid=22&mc=wall
it's great for the hotel b/c it help with soundproofing
If you're more of a DIYer, I've had decent success with painting standard cork panels before.
Best of luck with your search !
view moni-ka in ky's profile