by Overview
21c Museum Hotels is a contemporary art museum and boutique hotel chain headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 2006 by philanthropists and art collectors Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, the company seamlessly integrates multi-venue contemporary art museums, boutique hotels, and chef-driven restaurants to create a unique travel experience that is globally connected yet rooted in local communities.
Mission & Vision
21c Museum Hotels believes in the power of contemporary art to anchor and energize communities, serve as an agent for positive change, and be a part of everyday life. Their mission is to provide insights, start conversations, and enrich the travel experience by blending art and hospitality in a harmonious way.
Founders
- Laura Lee Brown: A philanthropist and contemporary art collector.
- Steve Wilson: A philanthropist and contemporary art collector.
Together, they envisioned 21c Museum Hotels as a means to revitalize downtown Louisville and bring contemporary art to the forefront of the hospitality industry.
Expansion & Locations
21c Museum Hotels has expanded from its flagship location in Louisville to several other cities across the United States. Each property is housed in a historic building and features a contemporary art museum, boutique hotel accommodations, and a chef-driven restaurant.
Current Locations:
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Bentonville, Arkansas
- Durham, North Carolina
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Chicago, Illinois
- St. Louis, Missouri
Former Locations:
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (now The Fordson Hotel)
- Nashville, Tennessee (now The Bankers Alley Hotel Nashville)
- Kansas City, Missouri (now The Hotel Savoy)
The company has plans for future developments in cities such as Pittsburgh and Des Moines.
Acquisition by Accor
In July 2018, 21c Museum Hotels was acquired by Accor, a global hospitality group, for $51 million. The acquisition allows 21c to leverage Accor’s global platform while maintaining its unique identity. Co-founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson retained a 15% stake in the company and continue to provide creative guidance.
Awards & Recognition
21c Museum Hotels has received numerous accolades for its innovative approach to hospitality and art integration, including:
- Voted among the Top 10 Hotels in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
- Named the #1 Hotel in the South in the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
- Cited as one of the most innovative hotels in 2018 by Vogue.
Conclusion
21c Museum Hotels stands at the intersection of art, architecture, and hospitality, offering guests a unique and immersive experience. By revitalizing historic buildings and integrating contemporary art into their properties, they have redefined the concept of boutique hotels and continue to influence both the art and hospitality industries.
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Overnight Bell / Valet Attendant
