Business Details
19 Years
experience
Contemporary Art Hotel Experience | 21c Museum Hotels
Founded in 2007 by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, 21c Museum Hotels revolutionized the hospitality industry by merging contemporary art museums with boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants. Our mission is to integrate art into daily life, fostering cultural engagement and community revitalization. With seven locations across the United States, we offer immersive travel experiences that combine global connectivity with local authenticity.Our team of over 1,000 professionals curates thought-provoking exhibitions, designs unique accommodations, and crafts culinary experiences that reflect regional heritage. We prioritize innovation, sustainability, and accessibility, ensuring art remains a catalyst for dialogue and positive change. From Louisville to Chicago, our properties serve as dynamic hubs for art enthusiasts, travelers, and local communities alike.
Services
Boutique Hotel Stays
Contemporary Art Museums
Chef-Driven Restaurants
Cultural Event Hosting
Art Exhibitions
Valet Parking Packages
Bourbon Flights
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Wedding Venues
Local Brewery Collaborations
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We pioneered the art-hotel hybrid model with 17 years of cultural innovation
- Our properties feature rotating contemporary art exhibitions open to the public
- Chef-led restaurants showcase regional cuisine and local ingredients
- Exclusive packages include bourbon tastings, brewery collaborations, and pet-friendly stays
- Founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson maintain active artistic stewardship
What people say
Innovative concept
Exceptional art curation
Immersive experiences
Unique accommodations
Cultural value
Services
Boutique Hotel Stays
Our 21c properties offer uniquely designed accommodations blending modern aesthetics with historical architecture. Each location features curated art installations, luxury amenities, and immersive environments that challenge traditional hospitality norms. Guests experience 24/7 access to contemporary art exhibitions alongside personalized service focused on cultural discovery.
Contemporary Art Museums
Free public museums across all properties showcase rotating contemporary art exhibitions and permanent collections. Our curatorial team develops thematic installations that engage local communities while maintaining global artistic relevance. The museum experience extends beyond walls through interactive programs and artist residencies that activate hotel spaces.
Chef-Driven Restaurants
On-site restaurants emphasize farm-to-table practices with menus reflecting regional culinary traditions. Executive chefs collaborate with local producers to create seasonal dishes that complement each property's cultural context. Dining spaces double as social hubs where art appreciation naturally merges with gastronomic experiences.
Cultural Event Hosting
Hotel spaces accommodate weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings within artistically vibrant settings. Our event specialists curate unique experiences incorporating art tours, private museum access, and themed culinary programs. Venues combine historical architecture with modern amenities for distinctive celebrations.
Local Brewery Collaborations
Regional craft beer partnerships produce exclusive brews available at hotel bars and restaurants. These collaborations highlight local brewing innovation through tasting events and package deals that pair art experiences with culinary exploration. Guests access curated beer selections as part of immersive cultural stays.
People
Laura Lee Brown
Co-Founder
Kentucky native and contemporary art collector who co-founded 21c Museum Hotels to revitalize urban communities through art. Combines hospitality innovation with preservation efforts at Hermitage Farm, promoting cultural sustainability across rural and urban landscapes.
Steve Wilson
Co-Founder
Louisville-born entrepreneur and art collector who partnered with Laura Lee Brown to create the 21c concept. Leverages decades of experience in hospitality, farming, and preservation to shape the company's artistic vision and community impact strategies.
Questions
What makes 21c Museum Hotels different from regular hotels?
We uniquely combine contemporary art museums with boutique accommodations and chef-led restaurants, creating immersive cultural experiences in historic buildings.
Are the art exhibitions free to access?
Yes, all our museums offer free public access to rotating contemporary art exhibitions and permanent collections.
Do you offer special packages for art enthusiasts?
Our 'Art & Craft' package includes exclusive beer collaborations, while 'Nightwatch Suites' offers overnight stays in art installations.
Can I host events at 21c properties?
We provide event spaces within artistically curated environments, offering customized packages for weddings, corporate meetings, and cultural gatherings.
What dining options are available?
Each location features farm-to-table restaurants with menus highlighting regional ingredients, plus curated bourbon and craft beer programs.
Do you have loyalty programs?
We offer the 'Dis-Loyalty' program with exclusive benefits, plus AAA and military discounts for eligible guests.
