Incorporating Contemporary Art into Historic Hotels

There’s nothing more nostalgic than a holiday experience in a historic hotel that emanates charm and is rich in stories from its past. What sets these establishments apart from their modern counterparts is often their unique architecture and structures, which sometimes make them a destination in their own right.

In an era where contemporary aesthetics and modern comforts are highly sought after, these treasured buildings face a challenge: providing these amenities without compromising their heritage.

This is where contemporary art transforms historic hotels, crafting one-of-a-kind, harmonious experiences that captivate and inspire. Integrating modern art pieces into the design creates spaces that are not only visually stunning, but culturally resonant as well. Carefully curated artworks enhance architectural features, and provide guests with inspiring and immersive experiences. Read on to see how incorporating contemporary art into historic hotels can be a harmonious blend of the past and present.

Why Showcase Contemporary Art in Historic Hotels?

Travelers are now spoilt for choice. In this competitive industry, providing a unique guest experience is paramount–and it’s not just about the aesthetics, but telling a cohesive story. Contemporary art can transform common areas and guest rooms into spaces that stimulate conversation and provoke thought, elevating their experiences by doing so.

Modern-day works attract art-savvy audiences, especially Millennials and Generation Zs, both of whom are now coming into their own. Not only do the former travel more than other generations, but a 2022 Art Basel report shows that both have sharply increased their spending on art purchases–such is the appeal of these works.

This digitally-driven demographic has had greater access to fine art than their predecessors, and they’re even more discerning. By showcasing contemporary art, historic hotels can appeal to their appreciation for creativity and innovation.

Contemporary pieces can also reinforce the hotel’s commitment to cultural relevance while honoring its historical context. Doing this enhances the hotel’s branding and identity, embodying its values and aesthetic vision.

Contrary to what some people might think, adding contemporary pieces doesn’t detract from the hotel’s historical significance but adds new layers of meaning instead. It’s a respect for the past, while acknowledging the evolution of art of the present–serving as a thoughtful nod to the hotel’s branding as well.

Some Ways to Integrate Contemporary Art

Use complementary or contrasting color schemes

One effective approach to integrate contemporary art into historical hotels is to choose pieces that echo the hues of the antique furnishings or architectural details. You’ll be able to create a seamless visual flow this way using the hotel’s existing color palette.

Another approach would be to select art that is in a contrasting color to the interiors - this can introduce a dynamic energy or even draw attention to specific areas. For instance, a hotel adorned with classic beige and gold tones can benefit from an abstract painting with bold blues and reds. This can create a striking focal point that rejuvenates the space without altering its original character.

Choose artworks that are appropriately sized

While it’s not the case for all historic hotels, many often feature grandiose architectural elements like high ceilings, ornate moldings, and expansive lobbies. It’s best to select art that respects these proportions: Large-scale pieces can fill vast wall spaces without being dwarfed by the surroundings, while smaller works can accentuate more intimate areas.

Create focal points without overwhelming traditional elements

Art should enhance, not overshadow, the existing features of a historic hotel. By strategically placing artworks, designers can guide guests through the space and highlight architectural details. Subtle installations can add interest without competing with ornate ceilings or vintage chandeliers.

Select art that reference the hotel’s history or location

Integrating art that reflects the hotel's heritage or geographical context creates a meaningful connection with guests. This could include works by local artists, pieces depicting historical events, or art inspired by regional landscapes.

For example, The Artling arranged for a commissioned hand-drawn charcoal mural by Dawn Ng of Aeropalmics for the heritage hotel 21 Carpenter in Singapore’s Clarke Quay. The mural depicts clouds drifting over the area, emphasizing the hotel’s location within the Central Business District near the Singapore River. This thoughtful integration adds depth to the guest experience by intertwining the hotel's story with its surrounding environment.

Consider mixed media installations

Combining traditional and modern materials could be a way to create a tangible link between eras. Mixed media art that blends traditional materials like wood or stone with modern elements such as acrylics or digital components exemplifies how old and new can coexist harmoniously.

Collaborate with Local Art Communities

Partnering with local art communities can also strengthen ties to the region and support the local arts scene. Featuring local artists not only adds authenticity but also provides guests with insights into the area's cultural landscape.

Some Practical Considerations

Working with Heritage Preservation Guidelines

Historic hotels are often governed by preservation regulations that dictate permissible changes to their interiors and exteriors. It’s crucial to work within these constraints, so do consult preservation authorities to ensure you comply with legal protections for historical sites.

You can always choose non-invasive installations, such as freestanding sculptures or wall-mounted pieces that use existing fixtures, to avoid altering architectural elements. Any modifications should be reversible, enabling the restoration of spaces to their original state if needed.

Installation Challenges and Solutions

Logistical complexities come with any art installation, and they're even more complex in historic spaces. Before installing heavy or large-scale pieces, conduct structural assessments of walls and floors and you should consult structural engineers if needed.

One option worth considering is using custom mounting solutions to accommodate uneven surfaces or fragile materials characteristic of historic buildings. There are professional installation teams you can engage who are experienced in heritage sites to minimize risks during the process.

As with all artworks, don't forget to establish regular maintenance schedules, including inspections and cleaning, with the help of conservators to address any issues promptly.

Collaborating with Art Consultants

Partnering with experts like The Artling ensures the art selection aligns with the hotel's aesthetic vision and respects its historical context. Professional art consultants and curators bring in their wealth of knowledge and experience to create a seamless integration of art into the space.

Art consultants can develop cohesive collections with a unifying theme that resonates throughout the hotel. For example, for the Artling’s projects with historic sites, Capella Sydney and 21 Carpenter, the team meticulously sourced appropriate artworks and ensured the pieces complement the space while adhering to conservation and preservation requirements.

Build Relationships with Artists and Galleries

Building long-term relationships with artists and galleries fosters a dynamic and evolving art program for hotels. Collaborations can lead to exclusive previews and events that captivate guests and draw media attention.

Supporting local artists strengthens community ties and enhances the hotel's reputation as a patron of the arts. Additionally, offering artworks for sale provides guests with a unique opportunity to take home a piece of their experience, creating a meaningful keepsake and an additional revenue stream.

Commissioning Site-Specific Works

Commissioning artists to create site-specific pieces allows hotels to stand out with unique, tailored installations. These custom artworks become signature elements that enhance the hotel's identity and brand.

By engaging artists inspired by the hotel's history, architecture, or locale, the resulting pieces form a deep connection with the space. Guests enjoy an elevated experience, appreciating art that is exclusive and cannot be seen elsewhere.

Some commissioned site-specific works can be seen in two of the Artling's projects with historic hotels, 21 Carpenter and Capella Sydney. At 21 Carpenter hotel, Singaporean artist Heman Chong's captivating tapestry, his first work in this medium, uses colorful blocks symbolizing books to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling and the library's role as a sanctuary for collective human wisdom and personal narratives.

Similarly, the Artling’s collaboration with Capella Sydney showcases another remarkable example of site-specific art that seamlessly integrates with the hotel's historic and cultural narrative. Let’s take a closer look at how the team brought this vision to life.

Case Study: Capella Sydney

Situated in Sydney's bustling Sandstone district, Capella Sydney is a luxury hotel by the Capella Hotel Group. Originally built in the 1900s as the Department of Education building, it has been beautifully restored and redesigned by Pontiac Land Group.

Within its orange-toned brick walls, Capella Sydney houses a thoughtfully curated collection of artworks and design pieces by Australian artists, sourced by The Artling in collaboration with BAR Studio.

The team began with extensive research, identifying key artists and galleries across Australia to curate a diverse mix of emerging, established, and First Nations artists. This approach highlights Capella's support for the contemporary arts, with many pieces being bespoke, site-specific works created exclusively for the Capella Sydney collection.

The integration of contemporary art into Capella Sydney exemplifies how modern creativity can enhance the character of a historic hotel. Site-specific works like Australian artist Otis Hope Carey’s GAAGAL mural bridges the hotel's rich architectural heritage with a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic, creating a unique and immersive guest experience.

GAAGAL reflects the spiritual connection of the Gumbaynggirr people to the ocean, with layered, flowing line work evoking oceanic currents and embodying a deep, totemic bond.

The guest room art collection showcases diverse works by Australian artists, from archival images to contemporary photography, reflecting the building's historic character and modern transformation. Highlights include photography by Nadia Culph and Nick Psomiadis, along with exclusive prints by Belinda Yee and George Hall, creating a dialogue between the old and new.

Artworks are thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel, including the pool area, where Max Berry's mural Landscape Effect creates a calming environment for reflection and relaxation. The piece evokes a sensation of "drift," offering a serene, immersive experience that frames a world within a world.

The art collection at Capella Sydney, comprising nearly 1,400 pieces, is a careful effort to honor the building's history and future by complementing its design with diverse contemporary works. To celebrate Australia’s rich environment and cultural diversity, the collection embodies the innovative spirit of the building’s history as a hub for educational progress.

Integrating contemporary art into historic hotels is a strategic way to honor the past while embracing the future, creating captivating spaces that differentiate brands and enrich local culture.

Strategies like complementary color schemes and collaborative curation provide a roadmap for blending heritage with modernity, opening opportunities for innovation and guest engagement.

By reimagining historic properties as adaptable, living spaces, hoteliers can ensure these venues continue to enchant guests for generations to come. For expert guidance in curating art for your historic space, consider reaching out to The Artling for bespoke art consultancy services.