the international art consultancy VELVENOIR curates poetic art collection for the iconic Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich. With the selection for the Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich, art consultant Alexandra Schafer and her international team have successfully bridged the historical essence of the grand hotel with its corresponding contemporary art collection.
Originally opened as the prominent Hotel Baur on Paradeplatz in 1838, Zurich’s first grand hotel boasts a long and eventful history. The pages of its thick guestbook bear the names of illustrious figures from Franz Liszt to Charles Dickens. Now, exactly 185 years later, under the title Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich, it aims to embark on a new chapter. Renowned Parisian interior designer Tristan Auer is responsible for the design of the 44 rooms and 36 suites. The design concept focuses on both aesthetics and functionality, creating intimate havens of relaxation and comfort inspired by the colors of the city, its surrounding landscape, and Zurich’s modern art scene.
At the core of these often-poetic works lies the connection between the vibrant history of the traditional establishment and a new, culturally inspired landmark for Zurich. In their works, the commissioned artists explored the multifaceted past, present, and potential future, experiencing diverse aspects of life around Paradeplatz and Zurich as guests of the hotel.
For the Mandarin Rooms and Suites, Delphine Burtin, Joana Gomes, Maria Sassetti, and Hiroko Yoshimoto drew inspiration from the dusk and sunset over Lake Zurich. Each interpreted independently and with surprising attention to detail, the artists have impressively captured the ever-changing nature of existence and the omnipresent beauty surrounding us in their works. The curated artworks in the Presidential Suite are by Silvia Granata, Stefanie Kaegi, and Livia Marin. While Granata and Kaegi were inspired by a stroll around Bahnhofstrasse, with its cobblestone streets and architectural icons, Marin drew inspiration from the famous 18th-century Zurich porcelain. The result is a harmonious composition that expresses the impressions of the artists through various media in a multifaceted overall work.
Interwoven into a grand narrative through art, the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich invites guests to decipher and celebrate the various facets of the vibrant city and Switzerland together. Nestled within the historical Savoy Baur en Ville, behind a beautiful facade, lies a meticulously crafted retreat, embedded in the city’s history, embodying a broader international dialogue.
The permanent art collection at the Mandarin Oriental Savoy not only reflects VELVENOIR’s commitment to consciously promote cultural exchange through art, but also elevates the hotel to a center of artistic expression and an example of the cultural charm that Zurich has to offer. “Our goal is to actively promote and support artistic practices that go beyond the conventional framework of a gallery. We also aim to foster creativity in hospitality spaces by moving away from the traditional ‘White Cube’ to inspire people worldwide through contemporary art,” concludes Alexandra Schafer.
The permanent art collection at the Mandarin Oriental Savoy not only reflects VELVENOIR’s commitment to consciously promote cultural exchange through art, but also elevates the hotel to a center of artistic expression and an example of the cultural charm that Zurich has to offer. “Our goal is to actively promote and support artistic practices that go beyond the conventional framework of a gallery. We also aim to foster creativity in hospitality spaces by moving away from the traditional ‘White Cube’ to inspire people worldwide through contemporary art,” concludes Alexandra Schafer.
Furthermore, we are proud to have placed artworks from the following artists within the permanent art collection: Jannis Pätzold, Marius Lüscher, Merten Riesner, Silvia Granata, Giuseppe LoSchiavo, Michael Wegerer, Charlotte Herzig, Amelie Ducommon, Dusica Pejic, Lisa Lurati, and Diana Taylor.
