21c Museum Hotel, A Louisville Art Hotel
700 West Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202
21c Museum Hotel Louisville
The red penguin mascot of the hotel
The lobby
A Louisville art hotel, the 21c Museum Hotel Louisville is one of my favorites. They refer to themselves as “Museum Hotels” because each location features a museum open to the public. The exhibits change periodically, keeping things fresh and engaging. My love for unique hotels began with my stay at the 21c Hotel in Louisville. I discovered that a hotel visit isn’t just about having a place to sleep; it’s an opportunity for a unique experience. Since then, I’ve always sought interesting places to stay that offer excitement and memorable moments. The 21c Museum Hotel brand truly embodies the boutique hotel experience, and I’m eager to share more about this special hotel.
The Tale
Many years ago, a couple from work visited Crystal Bridges on a weekend trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. They stayed at the 21c Museum Hotel, and Chris returned telling me how much she liked it because it featured a museum.
Fast forward to my trip to Louisville. The 21c hotel brand is based in Louisville, and this was my chance to find out why Chris was so intrigued by this brand. I quickly realized this hotel was unlike any other I had ever experienced. It wasn’t a cookie-cutter room like most hotels; it wasn’t posh or stuffy, nor was it dark and moody. Instead, it was the complete opposite. The hotel exuded fun, uniqueness, and an art appreciation I had never seen before. It was a Louisville art hotel, an experience, not just a place to sleep.
Now, looking back, I’ve had the opportunity to stay at the 21c Museum Hotels in not just Louisville but also in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Chicago, and at one time, Kansas City (recently sold). While I have my favorites, it’s hard to pick just one since they all share a similar vibe yet possess their own unique qualities. The brand also has locations in Lexington, Durham, and Bentonville, as I mentioned earlier.
The Hotel
A view of David from my room
The interactive video installation in the lobby
A wall mural
Oh, the David (inspired by Michelangelo)! This hotel has to be amazing with that huge 80-foot gold David statue out front. From the second you arrive, art surrounds you. They don’t just keep it all inside; you get to soak it in while you’re outside, too.
After checking in, hop on over by the elevator and check out the cool video installation that mirrors your movements. Have as much fun as I did, and strike as many poses as you can!
You’ll also want to watch for those quirky red penguins roaming the hotel. You might see them in the lobby, chilling with you while you eat, looking all hopeful for a snack, or playfully guiding you to your room as you head to bed. Okay, maybe not guiding you, but it feels that way! Those penguins are part of an art installation from Cracking Art, and every 21c hotel has a flock with a color specific to that location.
The Room
The room is modern and sexy—minimalist but still gorgeous. Check out the art above the headboard and scattered around the space, the exposed brick walls, high ceilings and the custom furniture. Did you catch the yellow ducky? That’s a signature detail for 21c hotels.
You can count on comfy beds, fluffy pillows, and luxury comforters. The bathrooms have vertical white tiles and clean lines, plus a black light! So fun! Not your standard bathroom by any means. Plus, there are many outlets, perfect for business travelers like me.
I know what to expect when I stay at any 21c; they all have a similar vibe and some signature items, but each is also unique. For instance, Cincinnati has custom bathroom tiles by the Rookwood Pottery Company featuring body parts. Designs you won’t find anywhere else!
A guest room
Proof on Main, the bar & restaurant in the hotel
Me having my first pour of Pappy’s at Proof on Main
Food & Drink
Proof on Main is such a cool and quirky restaurant! The bold wall coverings and fancy chandeliers give it a really awesome vibe. And what about the food? Delicious. Those wall coverings are commissioned artwork by Fallen Fruit, which is pretty neat! Plus, they have a fantastic selection of bourbons. It means a lot to me because I had my first Pappy’s pour at the bar here. You can grab a bite at the bar or chill in the dining room if that’s more your style. It’s a great place to make some memories!
What Else?
This Louisville art hotel features a museum that is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! It is located on West Main Street, close to various museums, bourbon-tasting rooms, shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars. The building was originally a warehouse in the 19th century.
One unique feature of the hotel is the “Asleep in the Cyclone” room, which serves as both an art installation and a guest room. Created by Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe, this room includes a platform bed, a record player with records, a curated blanket for the bed, and stunning kaleidoscopic triangular windows above the bed. I haven’t had the chance to stay in this room yet, but I hope to one day!
My Louisville Hotel Bucket List
The Brown Hotel is a historic landmark, built in 1923, and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Seelbach Hilton inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald to write his famous novel, ‘The Great Gatsby’. Legend has it that the hotel staff kicked him out several times after he overindulged in bourbon.
The Grady Hotel was once home to a pharmacist who made medicinal bourbon bitters and elixirs in the 1800s.
The Trail Hotel was formerly a Holiday Inn and has recently reopened. This hotel is located in Bardstown, just south of Louisville.
For more unique, take-your-breath-away hotel stays, check out A Boutique Hotel in Indianapolis, IN, Hotel Peter and Paul, One of the Most Unique Hotels in New Orleans, and A Luxury Hotel in the Orlando Area with a Focus on Art.
