As soon as we walked into the 21C Museum Hotel Louisville lobby, I received a rush of intrigue as we were greeted by not only a delightful staff but the most appealing art my eyes have ever seen. The vibrancy and subtle tone of the lobby for sure set the tone for a night spent at an art museum. A typical art museum visit might entail a curator at the front desk charging you to view various pieces. A typical hotel stay may entail fast checking and whisking up to your room to settle into watching your favorite show on Netflix until you venture out to local tourist attractions. However, at a 21C Museum Hotels, you get an experience full of artwork in an array of forms. Everything from the lobby to the elevator to the guestroom bathroom’s detail is inclusive of the most enthralling art pieces. Most are accompanied by credits to the artist and a synopsis of the pieces meaning and derivatives. It’s impressive.
Allowing visitor’s to not only scope the artwork but spend the night gives the hotel an even better element of enchantment. We, as guests, almost get to be apart of the exhibition as art ourselves if you use your imagination. The experience reminds me of the movie Night at the Museum with the actor, Ben Stiller.
As I walked to the bathroom, there was interactive, digital art as I washed my hands. When I made it back to the lobby, I was greeted by familiar work with a certain sprightliness! It was none other than Kehinde Wiley‘s work. I could spot his work anywhere.
Wiley is the renowned artists who painted President Barack Obama’s Presidential Portrait. I haven’t yet seen that piece in person, but it was a real treat to see more of Wiley’s work at 21C Museum Louisville. It all exudes a certain feeling when you see it. Perhaps that’s why President Obama chose him as the first African American Artist to paint a presidential portrait. According to NPR, “Barack Obama said he admired how Wiley’s photos “challenge our conventional views of power and privilege.” “Wiley typically portrays people of color posing as famous figures in Western art,” the Portrait Gallery writes. “Through this practice, he challenges the visual rhetoric of power that is dominated by elite white men.”
Night at the Museum was definitely a staple movie for me growing up. Add a little history to anything, and I’m tuned in. I guess it’s the journalist in me that always wants to dive deeper to understand the who, what, when, where and why. So, spending the night in this art museum was more than I could’ve imagined or bargained. Literally. It’s a soothing, yet unforgettable experience that is unique in and of itself.
Lastly, each of the 21C Museum hotels has a different restaurant in-house. Each restaurant is led by an award-winning chef so you know you’re in good hands. The Louisville location’s dining option, Proof on Main offers a brunch selection that will get you going so that you may canvas the 9,000 square feet of the best art! Even while you’re eating, you’ll be enjoying a view of the most beautiful paintings and photos. Even your coffee will come with a smile. See the photos below.
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