Conrad Hotels & Resorts' Rolls Out New Conrad Art Encounters

 

Born in 1982 by Barron Hilton and named after his father (Hilton founder Conrad Hilton), the Conrad empire centers on the belief that hospitality can transform personal journeys and make a positive impact. Today, that vast empire spans five continents with more than 40 properties-weaving in contemporary art as a key way to connect their globally-minded guests with the local culture in the most meaningful way.

 

To deepen Conrad Hilton's original vision, Conrad Hotels & Resorts' new Conrad Art Encounters (rolling out in 2024) lean into the three pillars of bold design, purposeful service and experiences with impact. Locally inspired architecture and the work of regional artists immerse guests in the regional culture. The passionate service team works to deliver enriching experiences. At the same time, highly immersive experiences empower personal enrichment and positive community impact.

 

Self-guided tours in the form of an illustrated digital brochure immerse guests in the hotel's on-property art collection and extend into the region's heritage, spotlighting local art museums and opportunities to support local creators. One of the pilot properties, the newly debuted Conrad Shenzhen, walks guests through artworks by renowned contemporary artists that speak to the region, both past and present.

 

This is not the first time the brand has employed art as a vehicle for exploration. In 2021, they launched their art-focused program, Conrad Cultural Connectors, at Conrad Washington DC. The program is an immersive art-forward itinerary that guides them across a set city through the lens of local DC collage artist Lory Ivey Alexander. In 2022, the second iteration of the program rolled out at Conrad Los Angeles, guided by local L.A. artist Ben Medansky.

 

The L.A. property boasts a bounty of artwork. Throughout the reception and lobby spaces, artwork has been curated in collaboration with Judith Tatar of Tatar Art Projects, showcasing prominent local artists such as Mimi Jung, Ben Medansky, and Brian Wills. Casper Brindle celebrates the theme of California culture with his bright and inviting portal-glyph paintings, and artist Jon Krawczyk brings his sculpture work to life on the property's event lawn. These modern art installations enhance connections between guests and the Los Angeles community, offering an inside look into LA's flourishing art industry.

 

In Manhattan, both the Conrad Downtown New York and the Conrad Midtown follow this community-minded model. For the Conrad Downtown New York, the property's 13-story high atrium acts as a gallery showcasing a monumental Sol LeWitt drawing, Loopy Doopy, and works by other artists, such as Pat Steir.

 

At the Conrad Midtown, "Lida & The Swan" by hyperrealist artist Carole A. Feuerman greets guests and offers a hat tip to Conrad Hotels & Resorts' deep commitment to the arts.