The Art of Hospitality

A few of the compelling artworks on view in hotels around town.


As hotel culture evolves, so does the art. Gone are the days when bland canvases were chosen to coordinate with the carpeting. “I’ve been delighted with what’s been happening in hotels,” says Cambridge’s Kate Chertavian, a onetime art consultant for David Bowie who’s curating the collection for the forthcoming Four Seasons at One Dalton with her colleague Lucy Rosenburgh. “To look at artwork by an artist that I might not know very well, but I can recognize the link to the city, always gives me a sense of welcoming.” Below are just a few of the compelling pieces currently on view in hotel common areas around town.

Courtesy of Robert Klein Gallery, Boston

The Orchard

Panopticon Gallery, which reopened in the Hotel Commonwealth under new ownership last year, offers a 24/7 showcase for photographers such as Cig Harvey, whose work is on view in the group exhibition “In the Garden” through April.

Courtesy of Revere Hotel Boston Common

Paul Revere

The Revere Hotel Boston Common’s namesake, sculpted from recycled materials by Oregon-based artist Brian Mock, presides over the new lobby bar.

Courtesy of Freepoint Hotel

Innovation in Cambridge

Artist Przemyslaw Kordys hid a Polaroid camera and 11 other objects designed or redefined in Cambridge inside this installation at the Freepoint Hotel.

Photograph by Warren Jagger

Horizon Reflection

Hanging in the Envoy Hotel lobby, Maryanna McDonald’s custom mixed-media work (made with repurposed VHS tapes) was inspired by the horizon line on Boston Harbor.


See more from The Great Boston Hotel Boom.