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The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List Is Announced
The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List Is Announced
WASHINGTON D.C. June 9, 2025 ------ Historic Hotels of America® is pleased to announce its selections for The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List. A program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America is a collection of authentic historic hotels known for their stunning architecture, colorful gardens, and romantic settings—amenities that are often enhanced with historic, museum-quality art collections.
Historic hotels across the United States offer guests the opportunity to experience and enjoy a variety of artwork, including furniture, paintings, mixed media, sculpture, augmented reality, fountains and more. Many historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America were founded by passionate art collectors, such as the Palmer House®, A Hilton Hotel and the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. Others in the program are managed, in part, by art museum professionals, such as staff at the historic 21c Museum Hotels in St. Louis, Louisville, Durham, Cincinnati, Lexington, and Chicago. The 21c Museum Hotel Durham and 21c Museum Hotel Lexington were selected for this list, but all historic 21c Museum Hotels are multi-venue contemporary art museums, coupled with boutique hotels in historic buildings, which present over twenty exhibitions each year for communities and guests to enjoy. Another member of the program, The Hermosa Inn in Paradise, Arizona, was built by an artist to be his studio and home before he opened it up to guests.
The list below, in chronological order by the date the historic hotel building was established, highlights a variety of Historic Hotels of America members that are truly museums where you can stay the night.
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The Red Lion Inn (1773)
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
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The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, celebrates the arts through its second-floor Fitz Gallery, collaborations with the Berkshire Art Center, and the hundreds of decorative arts permanently on display at the inn. Guests can discover an eclectic array of paintings, sculptures, blown glass, drawings, and antique décor in guest rooms, dining areas, and halls. Much of the lobby’s antique furniture was originally selected by Mrs. Plumb, the wife of the inn’s proprietor in the late 1800s. A passionate collector, she preserved a remarkable array of furnishings and artworks. One of the most treasured parts of the collection is the inn’s 221 decorative teapots, but visitors can also spot traditional works by Norman Rockwell and contemporary pieces by Machine Dazzle. The inn, which was depicted in Rockwell’s 1967 masterpiece, Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, offers a stay in the "Norman Rockwell Firehouse," a charming one-bedroom village house designed to echo the spirit of his studio. Outfitted with period furnishings and adorned with his art, the space offers a uniquely intimate connection to Rockwell’s world. Plus, the Norman Rockwell Museum is located in Stockbridge and just a short drive from the inn. The Red Lion Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1989 and is a Charter Member. |
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The art collection at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, includes approximately 138 pieces of original art. Most notable is its John James Audubon collection: eighteen first-edition art prints, published in The Birds of America in London between 1827 and 1838, and displayed today in the American Audubon Dining Room. These pieces are engraved with aquatint and hand-colored on wove paper by R. Havell, set within a French mat under UV-protected glass. A wide variety of bird species are depicted in various forms and actions. The Ingalls family, who owned and developed the resort between the late 19th and early 21st centuries, acquired the collection for The Homestead in the early 1900s. In addition to the Audubon collection, the Resort displays original artwork by artists including oil paintings of the Old Course by Andras Bality; 20 pieces from W.H. Lee Baskerville, whose painting of the Jefferson Pools can be found in the hotel lobby; 23 realist-style portraits from Paul Bertholet, depicting the Presidents who visited the hotel between 1789 and 2009; and four works by plein-air artist Ed Hatch, whose work depicts Virginia’s countryside and can be viewed within the Warm Springs Pools Gallery. The Omni Homestead Resort is a charter member of Historic Hotels of America, inducted in 1989, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. |
Charleston, South Carolina
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Guests of Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton in Charleston, South Carolina, will find a thoughtfully curated collection of original artwork found throughout the property including guest rooms and suites, bespoke gathering spaces, first floor community areas, and dining concepts. Established in 1852 as a private home, The Mills House underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2022 debuting this collection amongst the reimagined spaces. Linked by a common thread–all female artists and subjects–the collection features a mix of artistic styles, mediums, and materials to create compelling and dynamic visual displays throughout the property. While some of the artwork reflects notable, historical female figures, others nod to themes of female empowerment, identity, and connection to the city. The collection also includes three custom installations – a series of suspended sculptural magnolia blossoms; a framed piece featuring mounted vintage teaspoons; and a mirrored acrylic box filled with hand-formed black roses – each of which pay homage to a signature element iconic to the Charleston experience. Featured artists include Kalisher Studio; Sara Gsilva; Chloe Purpero; Lisa Krannichfeld; Suzanne Creighton; Lela Brunet; Alyson Fox; Michelle Ellingsworth; Tracy Murrell; Marta Spendowska; Heather Evans Smith; Lauren HB Studio; Jill King; KLC Studios; Holly Bishop; Bridget Davies; and Jen Swearington. The collection also includes three custom installations: a series of suspended sculptural magnolia blossoms; a framed piece featuring mounted vintage teaspoons; and a mirrored acrylic box filled with hand-formed black roses. Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2024. |
New Paltz, New York
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Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York, has an extensive art collection of over 1,800 pieces, many of which highlight the people and the scenery of the Hudson Valley. Merging nature with architecture, the iconic Victorian castle framework of the Mountain House has inspired many artists over the years, as have the wooden Summerhouses found throughout the trails and grounds of the property. This artwork evokes a sense of inviting nature inside—a key tenant of the hotel's hospitality vision. The most well-known artists in the Mohonk collection are Daniel Huntington and Henry Van Ingen. Huntington, a native New Yorker, first exhibited his work at the National Academy of Design in 1836, and painted landscapes in the tradition of the Hudson River School, as well as portraits. It is believed that he was the first artist to portray Mohonk Lake and its environs. Huntington also painted portraits of both Albert K. Smiley and Eliza P. Smiley—founders of the mountain resort hotel—during his time at Mohonk Mountain House. Many of the hotel’s pieces by Henry Van Ingen, including oil paintings that are exhibited in the Central Staircase and Winter Lounge, were selected by Albert K. Smiley. A guidebook to the oil paintings is available in the Mohonk Gift Shop: Paintings at Mohonk: Visions of our Surroundings by Sanford A. Levy. The hotel offers a House History tour three days a week and also offers a free self-guided tour through its augmented reality Hidden Histories app. Mohonk Mountain House was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1991, and it is designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. |
Chicago, Illinois
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When guests arrive in the lobby of the Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, and look up, they know that they have entered a work of art. Above them is the magnificent ceiling adorned with 21 Grecian murals by French artist Louis Pierre Rigal and the majestic Tiffany & Co. 24-karat gold Winged Angels. Throughout the hotel, design is paramount. A visit to see the art collection at the Palmer House is almost like visiting an extension of the Art Institute of Chicago. The hotel’s founders, Bertha and Potter Palmer, were great art collectors, and Bertha Palmer bestowed much of their collection to the Art Institute of Chicago in her will. Her sons supplemented the bequest with a donation of thirty-two additional paintings and pastels. In 1922, the Palmer collection was installed in galleries 25 and 26, which are the present-day galleries 206 and 207, respectively, in the museum’s Allerton Building. The core of their collection was Impressionist paintings, which included works by artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and Edgar Degas. Many of these paintings are now among the highlights of the museum’s permanent collection. When the Palmers began collecting Impressionist art in the 1890s, it was considered radical, even controversial. It is due to Mrs. Palmer’s forward-thinking nature, influence, and willingness to pursue her own taste, rather than follow trends, that Chicago is home to one of the greatest collections of Impressionism in the world. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Palmer House®, A Hilton Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2007. |
San Francisco, California
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The Palace Hotel shares with visitors and guests some of San Francisco's best-loved art, as well as newly purchased and commissioned works. Two of the more well-known artists with works at the hotel are Maxfield Parrish and Antonio Sotomayor. The Pied Piper of Hamelin was commissioned for Maxfield Parrish to paint for the hotel’s reopening in 1909. Inspired by the legendary tale dating back to 1284, the painting depicts the Pied Piper leading citizens out of the town of Hamelin, Germany. Featuring 27 expressive faces—including 24 children, 2 women, and the Pied Piper—the work is colorful and extremely life-like. Today, The Pied Piper is displayed in its namesake bar. The Palace Hotel also houses two murals by San Francisco artist Antonio Sotomayor, who immigrated to California from Bolivia in 1923. Sotomayor’s "Lotta Panel" depicts San Francisco's favorite actor, Lotta Crabtree, and the "Emperor Norton Panel" immortalizes the city's infamous character, Emperor Norton I, self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. Sotomayor was the hotel’s chief artist for a time and became famous for his works found throughout San Francisco, from the opera to restaurants and bars. When asked how he felt about the locations of some of his works of art, he responded: “Why paint if you don't want people to see it? … A bar is one of the best ways to reach a large number of people. And think of how much more accessible it is than a museum!" Palace Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2010 and it is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025. |
Riverside, California
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Any visit to The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, is a thrilling journey through an exquisite art collection. The historic hotel, designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, is a living museum that houses a vast art collection, including sculptures, paintings, stained-glass panels, wood carvings, ceramics, metalwork, and architectural elements. The art represents various themes, with a focus on California's history and religious artifacts. The art collection is estimated to be 350+ works, with many of them being paintings, sculptures, and stained glass. Standouts in the collection include Henry Chapman Ford oil paintings depicting the California Missions. Several spaces in the hotel were purpose-built to house certain artwork, such as the St. Francis Chapel, featuring seven stained-glass windows by Louis C. Tiffany, an oil-on-wood painting (“The Marriage of Mary and Joseph”) by Baltazar de Echave above the wedding altar, and an ornate Mexican Baroque-style altar screen. The historic hotel’s Spanish Art Gallery was designed in 1914 to display a vast collection of paintings from around the world, collected by the Miller hotelier family. The room itself is a work of art: regal 17th-century European décor in a warm palette of gold offers sophistication. The venue features a grand marble staircase with wrought iron, a ceiling richly draped in a gilded canopy, and a centuries-old door of carved pomegranate. The sheer volume and diversity of the hotel’s collection make it unique, reflecting Frank A. Miller's belief that art should be accessible to everyone. Visitors there can enjoy rare access to priceless works of art that were collected with deep respect and admiration for their histories and craftsmanship. Miller, the inn’s original founder, once said, “it pays to give people something different, and that is when you put thought and sentiment into a thing and make it really characteristic, then only do you have the right to call it a success." The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1996. |
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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The historic Lancaster Arts Hotel serves as one of Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s premiere art galleries. The hotel introduces the work of established artists to a broader audience and promotes the rich fabric of the arts in Lancaster County. The art at Lancaster Arts Hotel is not confined to a single gallery space; it is woven into the very fabric of the building. Guests encounter original art in every hallway, guest room, and public space, including the lobby, the corridors, meeting rooms, and the on-site restaurant, John J. Jeffries. The Blanche Nevin Room and Art Gallery Boardroom serve dual purposes as functional meeting spaces and curated art environments, while each guest room features one-of-a-kind pieces that create a personalized, gallery-like experience for every visitor. Boasting a mixture of paintings and sculptures, and a combination of 16 local artists on display throughout the hotel at any given time, the hotel has featured over 32 artists since opening in 2006. Many of the pieces on display are available for sale based on the artist's discretion. While tours are not given, the artwork is displayed throughout the hotel and guests are welcome to view the paintings at any time. The hotel building was once a 19th-century tobacco warehouse, and much later renovated, restored, and turned into a vibrant hotel, which was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2008. |
Chicago, Illinois
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Union League Club of Chicago is the steward of Chicago’s second largest private art collection. The ULCC’s art collection began in 1891 when a club member donated a watercolor painting, Cologne Cathedral by Ross Sterling Turner, to the organization. An art committee within the club formed in 1892 and it was instrumental in the development of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, as well as the acquisition of art for members to enjoy. Today, the club’s collection comprises over 700 paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, and photographs. The collection contains pieces in different mediums by Gertrude Abercrombie, Miyako Ito, Hebru Brantley, The Harry Who Artists, Angel Otero, Kerry James Marshall, Roger Brown, Dawoud Bey, Richard Hunt, and many others. Visitors can view the collection throughout the first eight floors of the club, in its ballrooms, meeting rooms, hallways, and stairwells. On the third floor, a dedicated art gallery space exhibits local, emerging artists. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available. Union League Club of Chicago was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2021. |
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The ambiance of Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine, Florida, exquisitely joins together the hotel’s historic roots with a bohemian aesthetic to being open, curious, and adventurous. The hotel’s founder, Richard C. Kessler, collected masterful works in oil, blown glass, and porcelain from around the world, and the hotel’s Corporate Director of Galleries has bolstered the Kessler aesthetic by upholding a high bar for what is exhibited at the resort and the resort’s gallery, The Grand Bohemian Art Gallery. Oil paintings, sculptures, and antiques may be enjoyed in the resort’s restaurants, hallways, and guestrooms. One of the resort’s most impressive series is the Five Women of Saint Augustine by Marianne Lerbs. This series depicts the history of St. Augustine through the lives of five courageous women, who successfully and resiliently made their marks on the city. In November 2022, Kessler issued an open call to emerging artists across the United States to search for “The Next Original.” Out of more than 1,800 artists, Mr. Kessler handpicked nine finalists to display their work. All nine finalists were named The Next Original Artists of 2022 after inspiring Mr. Kessler in their own unique way. Not only is their work hung in the Grand Bohemian Gallery, but guests can also experience monthly artist receptions and live painting experiences with the winners as part of the resort Artist in Residence program. Visit the Casa Monica Resort & Spa and its Grand Bohemian Art Gallery to see the collection. With a reservation, gallery staff will create a memorable walk-through of the hotel and gallery collection for hotel guests and art patrons. Private gallery events may also be arranged. Casa Monica Resort & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2001. |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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The Pfister Hotel’s art collection is reportedly the largest Victorian art collection of any hotel in the world. Collected by Guido and Charles Pfister, the historic Milwaukee, Wisconsin hotel keeps at least 80 pieces of 19th and early 20th-century Salon and Genre works on permanent display. Drawn from a variety of styles and subject matters, and gracing the setting for which they were selected, the collection offers guests a rare glimpse into the tastes and sensibilities that enlivened the Belle Epoque. As guests make their way through the lobby, they are greeted by the two bronze statues called The Pikemen dating back to the opening of the hotel. Also in the lobby are the well-known Pfister Lions, “Dick” and “Harry.” Charles Pfister used to introduce them as “Mason” and “Jefferson” to his guests, after the intersecting streets where the property stands in downtown Milwaukee. Moving through the hotel, nearly all the art embraces a style that was very much in vogue in the early 1900s and complements the hotel’s history. The landscapes, portraits, and sculptures are distributed throughout the hotel, and serve as a welcome invitation at the top of each stairway or down a long corridor. Currently, The Pfister offers self-guided tours of the art collection as well as scheduled tours with the hotel’s current Artist in Residence. The Pfister Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 1994. |
Boston, Massachusetts
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Not only is this Boston hotel a work of art, designed by renowned Boston architect William Gibbons Preston, but the XV Beacon also distinguishes itself with an extensive art collection of its own. The prized pieces of its collection include an ancient Roman mosaic; canvases by America’s foremost portraitist Gilbert Stuart, whose images of President Washington are impressed into the nation’s imagination; works by contemporary abstract painter Maggi Brown, and much more. This collection has given the XV Beacon its status as a hidden gem in the Boston arts and cultural scene. Specially commissioned works by Martha Lloyd, Joe Greene, Tony Evanko, Ben Freeman, and other artists hang in XV Beacon’s guestrooms. The hotel explains, “When travel stress hits, nothing grounds the soul like art.” In Mooo…. Restaurant’s wine cellar, a stunning Roman mosaic dating back to the fourth to the fifth century A.D. depicts two cavorting deer amidst flowers, amphorae, and fish. At this storied hotel, old becomes new again. XV Beacon’s art collection reflects self-awareness of its place in history and, simultaneously, its commitment to environmentally sound policies and practices. XV Beacon was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2016. |
Brewster, Massachusetts
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The Mansion at Ocean Edge began as a summer estate for a prominent family and, now open to the public, continues to provide guests with an unmatched vacation experience on the New England coast. In 2024, the hotel partnered with local photographer Steven Koppel to document the beauty of the Brewster Flats. The Brewster Flats, which touches the hotel’s private beach, extends over 12,000 acres along the shore of Cape Code. Koppel's impressionist technique brings a still scene to life and injects emotion into an already breathtaking sight. Fourteen of his photographs are on display at the hotel. Two examples from the series are pieces titled “Celebration” and “Resilience,” the first of which captures wavy seagrass and dramatic skyline to communicate the beauty of the flats, and the latter uses long exposure to show movement. This series is on display in the hall and stairway leading from The Mansion down to the Mansion Ballroom, which then proceeds down to access the beach. Occasionally, the hotel offers plein air painting events, invites an Irish artist to visit during the Taste of Ireland celebration every March, and other artistic events throughout the year. The Mansion at Ocean Edge was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2022. |
Savannah, Georgia
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Built on the site of a coal power plant dating back to 1912, the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Georgia, is not only home to a signature Grand Bohemian Gallery, but is a gallery in and of itself, featuring curated and commissioned work from world-renowned artists. From paintings and murals to sculptures and statues, imperial Bösendorfer pianos, and even museum-quality installations and historical artifacts, each piece is hand-selected to draw guests deeper into owner and developer Richard C. Kessler’s vision. The energy-themed Generator Hall, the previous site of the historic Georgia Power Plant, features not only traditional artwork but also art in the form of natural science. On display are museum-quality geodes, citrines, and amethysts measuring up to 9 feet, as well as fossils and meteorites. The crown jewel of the hotel, Chromina Joule, sits center-stage in Generator Hall. The 135-foot-tall chrome dinosaur created by paleopathologist, David Trexler, is an exact replica of one of the largest dinosaurs in the world that was found in 1860 in Colorado. The art comes to life at this historic hotel through interactive tours offered Wednesday through Sunday. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2022. |
Lexington, Kentucky
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21c Museum Hotel Lexington is a new hotel located in the historic Fayette National Bank Building in Lexington, Kentucky. The adaptation of the historic space mixes contemporary design with historic Beaux Arts International-inspired details, bringing new life to the 100-year-old building. Like all 21c Museum Hotels, this hotel offers 7,000 square feet of contemporary art exhibition space open to the public at no cost, as well as an 88-room boutique hotel, restaurant, and bar. Permanent installations include “Spectralline” by New York design studio SOFTLab (located in the lobby), “BRASS” by American artists Leslie Lyons and JB Wilson (located in the Lockbox restaurant), and Totally in Love by Dutch artist Pieke Bergmans (located on the street outside the hotel). On display now through November 2025 is a new exhibit, Still, Life! Meaning and Mending in Contemporary Art. The works collected share a common relation to the disruptive forces that came to bear during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the intersections of global conflict, disease, civic protest, and the climate crisis. Artists in the exhibit include Valerie Hegarty, Portia Munson, Beverly McIver, Omar Victor Diop, and Nate Lewis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 21c Museum Hotel Lexington was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2019. |
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is home to eight murals painted by George Gray in 1936. Seven of these murals currently hang proudly in the Mural Ballroom, and the eighth hangs directly outside of the Mural Ballroom. In 1936, the American Hotels Corporation took over the management of Hotel Bethlehem and commissioned George Gray to paint the history of Bethlehem for this hotel. It was part of a vast new mural program for the corporation's upscale hotels. Measuring up to 30 feet wide, the artworks became minor landmarks in their cities. The murals painted for Historic Hotel Bethlehem depict stories related to the historic city’s past: “The Walking Purchase (1737)"; “The Founding of Bethlehem (1741)”; “General Benjamin Franklin’s Visit (1755)”; “The Liberty Bell in Bethlehem (1777)”; “General Casimir Pulaski (Father of the American Calvary) visit (1778)”; “Asa Packer & the founding of Lehigh University (1865)”; “Iron & Steel Industry”; and an eighth mural of a map of The Walking Purchase. Gray painted more than 200 murals in his lifetime, most of which were commissioned by the American Hotels Corporation. Today, only 26 of his hotel murals survive. The murals at Historic Hotel Bethlehem are the only set in its original location and one of only two complete surviving sets painted by Gray. Historic Hotel Bethlehem is located within a National Historic Landmark District and is adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2002. |
Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Since its founding, La Fonda on the Plaza has played a pivotal role in establishing Santa Fe as a premier destination for art and culture. From its earliest years, the hotel began acquiring works by leading Pueblo artists and has long supported Santa Fe’s renowned Indian Market by continuing to collect pieces by Indigenous creators. Today, original artwork hangs in every guestroom, each piece thoughtfully connected to the people who designed, built, and owned the hotel. Among the distinguished artists featured at La Fonda is Gerald Cassidy, who created ten dramatic canvases illustrating life in the West, along with a detailed map of the Southwest that still hangs in the Santa Fe Room. Paul Lantz contributed striking murals of Mexican village life. More recently, contemporary Indigenous artists such as Tony Abeyta and Jordan Craig have enriched the hotel’s collection with their vibrant, evocative works, continuing La Fonda’s tradition of celebrating Native American artistry. La Fonda offers one of the most comprehensive art and history tours in Santa Fe, led by a dedicated team of 50 volunteer docents. These complimentary tours run Wednesday through Saturday and are open to the public. The hotel’s popular Artist-in-Residency Program supports emerging talent and runs throughout the year, allowing guests to engage directly with working artists. In August 2023, La Fonda released the second edition of its acclaimed art book, In Every Room: A Story of the Art. A proud member of Historic Hotels of America since 1991, La Fonda continues to celebrate and preserve the artistic spirit that defines Santa Fe. |
Washington, Pennsylvania
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In the 1930s, the popular George Washington Hotel in Washington, Pennsylvania, commissioned a prominent local artist named Malcolm Parcell to create six murals for The Pioneer Room, a dining venue at the popular hotel. Depicting artistic interpretations of the National Road and Washington, Pennsylvania, Parcell’s artwork became regarded as an important cultural attraction in just a matter of months. The murals show idealized depictions of six American icons: “The Conestoga Wagon,” “Pony Express,” “Pack Horse," “Stage Coach,” “Lafayette visits Washington,” and “David Bradford's Escape.” Malcolm Parcell painted these murals over the course of six months, during which time he was a guest of the hotel. Each mural is presented with a handwritten caption describing the artwork. The murals are the largest and longest-lasting set of murals by Parcell, who won the 1925 Carnegie Prize for Art. The George Washington Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2023—a century after its founding in 1923. |
Boston, Massachusetts
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The Eliot Hotel, a premier boutique destination in the heart of Boston, presents a distinguished and carefully curated art collection that seamlessly blends contemporary and classic sensibilities. The collection features an impressive array of pieces, including the dynamic black paintings by renowned artist James Jamie Nares and a bold red sculpture by Bill Thompson, both prominently displayed in the hotel’s elegant lobby. Adding to the hotel’s rich artistic heritage, original murals created with gold leaf by Boston artist Iris Marcus adorn the historic 1925 elevators, preserving their classic beauty while introducing a modern artistic twist. Each guest room at The Eliot is uniquely adorned with carefully selected artwork, offering a distinctive ambiance tailored to every visitor. Art is a defining element of The Eliot’s boutique charm, thanks to the vision of Dora Ullian, the hotel’s owner and a passionate art enthusiast with an eclectic taste. Further enhancing its artistic presence, The Eliot collaborates annually with Orly Khon to design a striking art installation at the hotel’s entrance, engaging not only guests but also the surrounding community. Additionally, the private dining room is home to an expansive mural by local graffiti artist Sam Malpass, providing a bold and unexpected artistic touch to the space. Whether admiring the original murals, discovering thought-provoking installations, or enjoying the sophisticated charm of the guest rooms, visitors to The Eliot are immersed in a one-of-a-kind artistic journey. The Eliot Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2024. |
Tucson, Arizona
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Surrounded by the stunning Santa Catalina Mountain Range, Tuscon, Arizonia’s Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort complements natural beauty with a collection of welded steel sculpture displayed throughout the grounds. The collection was curated by Jeff Timan (Director of Gardening & Art, as well as a Resort Partner) and his wife, along with Gift Shop Manager Robyn Kessler. It features artists such as Rigsby Frederick, Steven Derks, Carlos Carulo, and Lou Pearson. Guests are invited to stroll through the grounds and enjoy over 100 pieces of artwork installed throughout the 34-acre resort. The most distinctive pieces are two original sculptures by the late Lou Pearson and one by Carlos Carulo. Contemporary artist Carulo found a prominent place in the resort's gardens for his sculpture The Bull, which is placed so that it appears to protect the Terraza Garden Patio, the open-air casual restaurant. Across Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, guests can find sculptures, paintings, pottery, photography, and tilework perfectly accenting and enhancing the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert and culture of the Southwest. The art on display is often inspired by the culture of the Southwest region, many pieces exhibiting traces of Native American and Mexican influences as well as more modern contemporary work from celebrated artists. Tours of the hotel art collection are available for groups and guests upon request. Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2009. |
Paradise Valley, Arizona
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Once the private residence and studio of the famed cowboy artist Lon Megargee, The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley, Arizona, has long been a favorite desert retreat for fans of Megargee’s art and those simply looking to get away in style. Megargee is most famous for collaborating with Stetson, known for its hats, and in particular for painting The Last Drop from His Stetson. Megargee’s long career and the inn itself can be traced back to his teenage years, when he worked as a ranch hand in Arizona before pursuing a formal art education. In 1935, after much success, he invested in six acres of land outside Phoenix and built “Casa Hermosa.” It became his home and art studio first, and then he opened up his home as a guest ranch. The inn changed owners several times since Megargee's time there, but it remains a testament to Megargee's life and accomplishments thanks to careful stewardship. Guests today can enjoy Megargee’s own library and wine cellar, as well as original works of art by Megargee or ones complementary to his vision. The inn regularly hosts special events and classes where guests can enjoy hands-on experiences inspired by the property’s artistic heritage. The Hermosa Inn was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2011. |
Durham, North Carolina
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21c Museum Hotel Durham, a destination hotel and contemporary art museum, opened in 2015 at a historic former bank building. Inside, there are over 10,500 square feet of art-filled event space, and its collection of 21st-century art includes over 5,000 works in all media from painting, sculpture, and photography to film, video, performance, and Virtual and Augmented Reality. Established artists including Kehinde Wiley, Jennifer Steinkamp, Yinka Shonibare C.B.E RA, and Kara Walker are represented in the collection, alongside a wide range of artists now emerging onto the global stage, such as Ebony G. Patterson, Titus Kaphar, Hank Willis Thomas, and many others. Inside and outside the building, guests can happen upon the 21c flock of Cracking Art Group Fuchsia Penguins. These four-foot-tall sculptures made of recycled plastic migrate through the building each day. It is part of the hotel's mission to broaden the audience for—and deepen the appreciation of—contemporary art, and it does this by providing exhibits and programming for locals and visitors alike to engage with art in a variety of ways. Often, this involves bringing artists to Durham and hosting local artists for talks, exhibition tours, and performances. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 21c Museum Hotel Durham was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2019. |
Jackson, Wyoming
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The Wort Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming, displays over 175 pieces of original contemporary and traditional Western-themed art. The collection is defined by its sculptured bronze works, acrylics, and oil paintings. The Wort Hotel is especially proud of its hand-carved, Western-themed wooden doors, which are attached to eight guestrooms. Art is around every corner at The Wort Hotel. Highlights from the collection include 13 original Lyle Waggoner sculptures, 50 Ray McCarty paintings, and 12 illustrations by John Clymer. The hotel also has works by Gerry Metz and Joe Velazquez. Art collector and The Wort Hotel’s owner Bill Baxter says of the collection, “From our standpoint, this is a tribute to the importance and history of The Wort Hotel, that we connect it authentically with the West and the experience of the cowboy and cowgirl and the American Indian and the landscape...it just seemed appropriate to us to amplify those connections with beautiful, original Western art.” The artwork is spread throughout the hotel, in public spaces, the bar, and restaurant, as well as select guestrooms. These guestrooms have original artwork, as well as custom furnishings and bedding, in accordance with the guestroom’s theme. Additionally, the Ray McCarty artwork ties into the hotel’s gambling history. The hotel features a self-guided walking tour with photos and descriptions of key pieces of art. A brochure provides an overview of the artists, as well as the names of each piece featured at the hotel. This is a free tour available to any guests who stop into the hotel to have a look. The Wort Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2002. |
Dallas, Texas
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The Statler is a Midcentury Modern Dallas, Texas, landmark with an art collection that includes sculpture, a panoramic mural, and photographs by artists including Jack Lubin and Brad Oldham. The history of The Statler’s art collection is as interesting to explore as the works are to look at: much of it was original to the hotel but was lost when the hotel was sold in 1988, only to be rediscovered in the 2010s. One lost-and-found piece is a painting by Jack Lubin that was once displayed in the former Empire Room. This painting was covered in 1988 but rediscovered in 2013. The hotel had it professionally restored and carefully transferred to the lobby area behind the front desk. The Statler went to great lengths to restore its recovered artwork and guests at the hotel today can enjoy works of art that were almost lost forever. On the 19th-floor rooftop pool is Llinda Llee Llama, a sculpture by Brad Oldham, which pays homage to the real-life Llinda Llee, a llama who enjoyed being paraded around the streets of Dallas, riding in limos, and visiting sick children in the late 1950s and 1960s. She is The Statler’s Brand Ambassador and has been an ongoing, iconic part of the hotel’s style and art integrations. Miniature replica statues can be found in each guestroom. The Statler was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2018. |
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (1964)
Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Kohala Coast, Hawaii
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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s art collection includes over 550 pieces, featuring a blend of Hawaiian, Pacific Rim, and Southeast Asian art. It showcases various mediums, with a notable focus on cultural heritage, including Hawaiian quilts, kapa artworks, antiques, and traditional artifacts. Many of these pieces were personally commissioned by hotel founder Laurance S. Rockefeller in the 1960s, with the aim of preserving and celebrating the region's rich history. The collection includes rare, historical items such as 30 Hawaiian quilts crafted by local artist Meali'i Kalama and a group of talented women, as well as 14 kapa pieces by Hawaiian artist Malia Blanchard Solomon. These quilts and kapa works emphasize Hawaii’s cultural and historical significance, with the quilts also representing loyalty during the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Displayed throughout the hotel, including in guest rooms and the seventh-floor gallery, the collection is available for guests to explore both physically and digitally. The hotel offers a self-guided art tour through a new app and hosts a free Art Tour every Saturday. Guests can view these works, including the intricate quilts and kapa pieces, which reflect the depth of Hawaiian traditions. The hotel’s ongoing $200 million restoration project, in partnership with Hawaii's Bishop Museum, ensures the longevity of the collection. This initiative, along with educational tools like an app and podcast, allows guests to engage with the art's history and significance, making Mauna Kea Beach Hotel a must-visit for cultural heritage travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s artistic and historical legacy. |
“The authenticity and originality of historic hotels is illustrated in the one-of-a-kind art collections many of them display for guests,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Support for artists and endowments to acquire and sustain art collections has been a tradition of many of the founders and builders of historic hotels; fortunately, this tradition continues through the dedication of current ownership and their passion for making it easy for guests of these iconic and legendary hotels to experience some of the finest art collections across the United States of America—while staying at a historic hotel.”
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