Photo: Courtesy of the property
The first clue that your stay at the 21c Museum Hotel Louisville will be anything but predictable might be the towering 30-foot shiny gold replica of Michelangelo’s David (a piece by Serkan Özkaya) that stands outside the entrance. David makes the quite the sidewalk statement, and the hotel lives up to it in every way. Founded with the intention of combining a museum and a hotel, all 21c properties have on-site museums. This one, the first in the collection, is located in the midst of Louisville’s Museum Row. Horse racing — and a nice selection of award-winning bourbon distilleries — are also nearby. (It is Derby City, after all.) Read on for our full review of 21c Museum Hotel Louisville.
The Look of 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Contemporary art is woven into the guest experience: Rotating art installations can be found throughout the property — even in the elevators. Rooms feel spacious thanks to high ceilings (leftovers from the building’s past as a warehouse), exposed brick walls, and large windows. The furnishings are comfortably modern with neutral tones.
For an over-the-top immersive art experience, book the “Asleep in the Cyclone” experience — a vivid sculptural installation suspended over the bed that gives the impression of sleeping in a kaleidoscope. It also comes with artist-designed blankets and linens.
The Vibe of 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Arty and cool with a dash of playfulness, this property challenges the notion of the hotel aesthetic in a refreshing way. You might sip cocktails underneath the colorful stare of one of the hotel’s signature red ceramic penguins or spare an hour to explore the rotating exhibitions in the dedicated museum space. What you won’t feel, though, is a sense of stuffy art gallery pretension.
Who Will Love 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Lovers of contemporary art, non-traditional hotel experiences, and culture hounds will love the hotel, plus the area’s high density of restaurants and museums.
Who Might Not Love 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Families with young children may not want to spend the visit hovering over sticky, stained fingers near the fine art.
Best Amenity at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
The rotating art collections and site-specific commissions tailored to the hotel’s unique design make this hotel more than just a place to sleep. Regulars never tire of the experience because each stay reveals a new artist and new works to enjoy. The property also pays great homage to Kentucky’s distilling legacy with 120 bourbons — many of them rare single-barrel selections — on offer in the on-site eatery, Proof on Main. We'd also be remiss not to mention the on-site spa, though it is on the smaller side.
What’s Included at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
All guest rooms are outfitted with original artwork and offer complimentary wifi, flat-screen TVs, an alarm clock/docking station, and Malin + Goetz bath amenities.
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
There are no other fees besides standard taxes. However, the pet charges a one-time fee of $75 for pets (though they must be under 50 pounds to stay at the hotel). Valet parking is available for $32 per night.
How to Get a Deal at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Check the offers tab to browse themed promotions, discounts, and deals.
In the Neighborhood of 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
The hotel is mere blocks from the Muhammad Ali Center, the Kentucky Science Center, the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft (KMAC), and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. If you get thirsty, pop into one of the nearby distilleries, which include Evan Williams, Old Forester, Michter’s, Angels Envy, and Rabbit Hole.
Nearest Airport to 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is just eight miles from the hotel.
Nearest Public Transit to 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
The TARC bus system offers easy and convenient public transportation.
21c Museum Hotel Louisville delivers an entertaining and diverse art-infused experience that will stay with you long after you check out.