Contemporary Art Museum
21c Museum Hotels pushes the boundaries of both the museum and hotel worlds to create a new kind of travel experience. Founded as a single property by contemporary art collectors and preservationists Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, whose mission was to share innovative contemporary art with the public and participate in the revitalisation of downtown Louisville. Opening in 2006, the couple rehabilitated a series of 19th century warehouses to create a union of genuine hospitality, thoughtful design, and culinary creativity — all anchored by a contemporary art museum.
Updated figures as of June 30, 2024
Motivated by a desire to expand access to contemporary art and positively impact their community, 21c founders first opened a hybrid contemporary art museum and hotel in their hometown of Louisville, KY in 2006.
Since then, 21c has remained devoted to inspiring curiosity and encouraging discovery through contemporary art, bringing a new kind of travel experience to communities all around the United States – Bentonville, Chicago, Cincinnati, Durham, Kansas City, Lexington, Louisville, and St. Louis
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