A Perspective on Incorporating Contemporary Art into Hospitality Spaces
A Perspective on Incorporating Contemporary Art into Hospitality Spaces
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, art has become an integral part of creating memorable guest experiences or “instagramable” moments. Incorporating contemporary art not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a space but also establishes an authentic connection to its cultural and historical context.
Collaborating with emerging and established artists, offers an exciting opportunity to create meaningful and unique environments. While supporting our contemporary culture.
Here, we explore how art can be thoughtfully integrated into hospitality projects through collaborations with talented artists and leading galleries.
Drawing from our work on the Andaz Prague, the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich, and the boutique Alex Lake Zurich, these examples highlight how art adds depth and meaning to hospitality spaces.
For us, curating art is about creating connections—connections between a property’s identity, the design vision, the city it’s part of, and the people who experience it. Every project starts with listening and understanding. What makes this place unique? What story does it want to tell? How can art bring that story to life?
At the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich, working alongside Tristan Auer, the art concept focused on facets and fragments of Zurich. Each piece reflects elements of the city, from its natural beauty to its cultural depth, creating a collection that feels timeless and inherently connected to its surroundings.
The Andaz Prague took a completely different path, where we embraced bold, dynamic works across various mediums to tell the myths and legends of the city in a contemporary way. Each piece was designed to invite guests into a dialogue with Prague’s past while connecting to the vibrancy of the present.
At Alex Lake Zurich, we took a more multicultural approach, curating works that give voice to diverse perspectives and cultures. This collection brings a global layer to the serene lakeside setting, adding richness and depth to the guest experience.
Let’s explore how the art collections at different properties shape each space, bringing them to life through the unique perspectives and creations of the artists.
"At Andaz Prague, the Andaz Walk of Myths offers guests an immersive journey that bridges the artistic narrative within the hotel to the cultural landmarks of the city. Each artwork becomes a touchpoint, connecting the mythological past to the artist’s contemporary interpretation, and providing guests with a layered experience of Prague’s rich history and vibrant present.
To deepen this connection, a curated booklet accompanies the collection, guiding guests from the works displayed in the hotel to the local sights that inspired them. This approach weaves together two narratives: the myth itself, steeped in Prague’s folklore, and the artist’s personal vision and creative process. Together, they create a dialogue that invites guests to explore Prague’s heritage not only through its legends but also through the lens of these contemporary artists, from today.
At the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich, the curated art collection weaves together the hotel’s transformation with the cultural and historical fabric of the city. Drawing on the concept of facets and fragments of Zurich, each artwork reflects elements of the city’s character—its natural beauty, architectural icons, and vibrant atmosphere around Paradeplatz.
The collection shapes the guest experience, with each piece offering a touchpoint to explore Zurich through the eyes of its artists. In the Mandarin Rooms and Suites, works inspired by the tranquil transitions of dusk over Lake Zurich create a sense of calm and connection to nature. Meanwhile, the Presidential Suite features pieces interpreting the cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and 18th-century porcelain traditions, adding depth and storytelling to the luxurious space.
This permanent collection invites guests to discover Zurich’s past and present in new ways, enriching their stay with art that connects the hotel to the city it calls home.
At Alex Lake Zurich, the curated art collection, Movement, transforms the hotel into a space where diverse cultures meet the serene spirit of Lake Zurich. Each work, thoughtfully selected and commissioned reflects the hotel’s philosophy, A Home for You, evoking feelings of belonging, tranquility, and discovery.
The collection features works by international artists, each contributing their unique perspective. Joana Gomes blurs cultural boundaries with her delicate paper paintings in the Penthouse Suites and spa entrance. In the corridors, traditional clay vessels from South Africa’s Magwaza family celebrate Zulu craftsmanship, while Dusica Pejic’s drawings bring an intimate layer to the Studios and Business Lounge.
A centerpiece of the collection is Bradley Sabin’s ceramic flower installation, where 150 blossoms seem to grow from the walls of the reception corridor, evoking the delicate motion of nature. Together, these works create a journey through art, connecting guests to the tranquil beauty of Lake Zurich and the wider world.
Essence.
The Andaz Prague, Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich, and Alex Lake Zurich share a common philosophy: integrating thoughtfully curated art collections to enhance guest experiences while reflecting each property’s unique identity.
Each collection, curated, commissioned and procured from a roster of emerging to establish artists , is deeply rooted in the hotel’s location, interior design vision, and cultural narrative. From Prague’s mythical past to Zurich’s facets and fragments, and the inspiring landscape at Lake Zurich, every artist and artwork is strategically chosen to connect the space to its surroundings and inspire guests, while developing an authentic work of art.
These collections don’t just adorn the walls—they grow alongside the artists who created them, becoming assets that add cultural and financial value to the property over time. As the artists’ profiles rise, the works resonate not only with guests but also within the broader art market, elevating the hotel’s standing as a cultural hub.
The influence of these collections extends beyond the physical space. Through cross-promotion on social media, newsletters, and collaborative posts with the artists, the stories behind the artworks and their connection to the hotels reach new audiences. Guests share their discoveries, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the collection’s reach while reinforcing the property’s unique identity.
By integrating meaningful artworks that align with each property’s vision, these hotels offer an experience that transcends traditional hospitality, connecting guests to the space, the destination, and the ever-evolving world of contemporary art.