At the Corner of Curiosity: Meet 21c Museum Hotels

A boutique hotel brand that transforms a night’s stay into an immersive cultural experience

This week, while meeting with partners and scouting fresh travel experiences in lesser-known cities, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the team behind 21c Museum Hotels—a brand that’s been quietly redefining the art of hospitality for nearly two decades.

We were originally drawn to 21c for our clients planning college campus visits—families heading to cities like Durham, Lexington, or Cincinnati—but it quickly became clear these properties offer so much more than convenience. They are destinations in their own right. With museum-quality art, chef-driven dining, thoughtful design, and a splash of whimsy (we’ll explain the penguins in a moment), 21c is perfect for any trip that craves creativity and character.

---

More Than Just Modern: What Is Contemporary Art?

First, a quick primer. While “modern art” typically refers to works created between the 1860s and 1970s, contemporary art is created by living artists and often reflects the world we live in today. It explores social, political, environmental, and cultural themes—sometimes challenging, sometimes playful, always thought-provoking.

That’s exactly what you’ll find at 21c. Every hotel is also a contemporary art museum, with rotating exhibitions curated by in-house staff and permanent installations scattered throughout the property—including in elevators, bathrooms, guest rooms, and lobbies. You can touch it. Walk among it. Even do yoga in the galleries.

---

About Those Penguins…

No visit to a 21c is complete without spotting one of their now-iconic penguin sculptures. Originally featured in a Venice Biennale art installation in 2005, these colorful creations were adopted by 21c’s founders and made their debut in Louisville in 2006. Guests instantly bonded with them—posing for photos, taking them to dinner, even escorting them into elevators. Today, each 21c has its own city-themed penguin color, making them fun mascots and approachable entry points for interacting with contemporary art.

Red in Louisville. Yellow in Cincinnati. Green in Bentonville. Fuchsia in Durham. Blue in Lexington. And so on…

---

Where You’ll Find 21c—and Why You’ll Want to Visit

Each hotel is nestled in a downtown core and housed in a repurposed historic building, often with striking architecture and layers of local identity. Here are some of our favorite highlights:

Bentonville, AR

Tucked into the northeast corner of the Bentonville Town Square, just a short walk from the world-renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville is a perfect fusion of small-town charm and world-class culture.

This 104-room boutique hotel is more than a place to sleep—it’s a contemporary art museum, cultural center, and culinary destination, all rolled into one. The hotel is home to The Hive, led by Executive Chef Matthew McClure, where the menu celebrates the unique culinary identity of Arkansas using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Bentonville itself has become a Mecca for mountain biking, art, and outdoor living. From its expanding trail networks to its emerging food scene and modern Southern energy, it’s a city that surprises and inspires.

And yes, you’ll be welcomed by the hotel’s iconic green penguin—roaming the halls, posing for photos, and reminding guests that curiosity is always encouraged.

Chicago, IL

Ideally situated in downtown Chicago, just steps from the iconic Michigan Avenue, 21c Museum Hotel Chicago offers an art-filled retreat in the heart of one of the country’s most vibrant cities. With the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Museum of Contemporary Art all within walking distance, guests are perfectly positioned to explore the city’s cultural highlights.

Inside, 21c Chicago is both a boutique hotel and a contemporary art museum, welcoming locals and travelers alike to engage with rotating exhibitions and creative programming. The hotel’s galleries are open to the public and designed to inspire conversation, curiosity, and community.

This 297-room property features sleek accommodations, curated installations throughout, and thoughtful touches that reflect both the building’s history and the city’s creative pulse. Whether you’re in town for business, sightseeing, or a cultural deep dive, 21c offers a distinctly Chicago experience—with a creative edge.

And don’t be surprised if you cross paths with one of the hotel’s penguins along the way—just another reminder that art is everywhere here.

Cincinnati, OH

Situated in the heart of The Queen City, 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati blends immersive culture with contemporary comfort. Located adjacent to the Contemporary Art Center and directly across from the Aronoff Center for the Arts, this hotel places guests in the city’s vibrant arts district—just a short walk to shops, stadiums, and the riverfront.

This 156-room boutique hotel is also a multi-venue contemporary art museum, where rotating exhibitions and site-specific installations invite exploration around every corner. At the hotel’s acclaimed Metropole restaurant, guests can enjoy wood-fired cuisine and craft cocktails in a space that’s as visually inspiring as it is delicious.

Art lovers, theatergoers, and weekend explorers will appreciate the hotel’s central location and creative energy. With thoughtful design, public gallery access, and elevated service, 21c Cincinnati captures the spirit of the city it calls home.

And of course, don’t miss the hotel’s cheerful resident—the iconic yellow penguin, a playful symbol of 21c’s approach to making art more accessible and interactive for all.

Durham, NC

Located in the heart of downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel Durham brings bold design and cultural energy to the historic Hill Building, one of the city’s iconic Art Deco skyscrapers. Just steps from restaurants, theaters, and galleries—and a short drive to Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State—it’s a perfect home base in the Research Triangle.

This 125-room boutique hotel is part contemporary art museum, part civic hub, and part culinary destination. The on-site Counting House restaurant features seasonal fare and local ingredients, all served beneath whimsical lighting and rotating art installations.

Guests can explore curated exhibitions throughout the property, enjoy complimentary docent-led tours, or unwind in the hotel’s spa, sauna, and steam room. A free downtown shuttle and pet-friendly accommodations make this property as functional as it is inspiring.

As always, expect to be greeted by a familiar face—or beak. The fuchsia penguin is this location’s vibrant mascot, popping up throughout the hotel as a playful symbol of Durham’s creative spirit.

Lexington, KY

Located on Main Street in downtown Lexington, 21c Museum Hotel Lexington blends the energy of a contemporary art museum with the intimacy of a thoughtfully designed boutique hotel. Housed in a restored Beaux Arts building, this 88-room property invites guests and locals alike to experience art in unexpected ways.

As a multi-venue contemporary art museum, 21c Lexington showcases rotating exhibitions curated by the brand’s in-house team. Works by living artists span a wide range of mediums—painting, photography, installation, and sculpture—and are integrated throughout the hotel’s public spaces, from the gallery floors to the guest room hallways. Visitors can engage with the art through guided tours, public programming, or simply by wandering with curiosity.

Culinary creativity is also on display at Lockbox, where Chef Stephen Holden celebrates Kentucky’s rich agricultural roots. The menu highlights locally sourced ingredients presented in refined, seasonal dishes—paired, of course, with a strong bourbon list and craft cocktails.

Beyond the hotel walls, Lexington’s cultural scene offers even more to explore. Guests are just steps from the Kentucky Theatre, a historic art-deco cinema, and a short drive from local favorites like Keeneland, the Brewgrass Trail, and stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

And keeping watch over it all? The iconic blue penguin, a symbol of 21c’s commitment to art that is engaging, interactive, and never too serious.

Louisville, KY

Nestled in downtown Louisville on historic West Main Street, 21c Museum Hotel Louisville stands at the heart of Museum Row, surrounded by iconic attractions like the Louisville Slugger Museum, bourbon distilleries, and the Ohio Riverfront.

This 91-room boutique hotel is where the 21c story began. It’s a multi-venue contemporary art museum, a cultural landmark, and home to the acclaimed Proof on Main restaurant, led by Executive Chef Mike Wajda. With a reputation for bold flavors and a locally sourced menu, Proof has become a dining destination in its own right.

Louisville offers a vibrant mix of southern hospitality, artistic energy, and culinary innovation—and 21c captures all of it under one roof. From immersive exhibitions to interactive installations, this flagship property stays true to the brand’s founding vision.

And of course, you’ll be greeted by the hotel’s iconic red penguin, a symbol of the playful spirit and public accessibility that defines the 21c experience.

St. Louis, MO

Located in downtown St. Louis and housed in a reimagined Renaissance Revival-style YMCA, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis blends historic architecture with contemporary design in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Just steps from CITYPARK stadium and the City Museum, it offers travelers a culturally rich stay with plenty of local character.

The hotel features 173 art-filled guest rooms, including 18 distinctive suites. The spacious 21c Suite, clocking in at over 1,100 square feet, is ideal for celebrations, while pet-friendly rooms and modern amenities cater to business and leisure travelers alike.

Guests can unwind at the Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club, featuring a lap pool, sauna, steam room, and full fitness center. Culinary experiences include Spanish-inspired small plates at Idol Wolf and locally sourced fare from Good Press café, both beloved by guests and locals.

With more than 14,000 square feet of gallery space, rotating exhibitions, and free guided tours, 21c St. Louis invites guests to explore contemporary art in a fresh and accessible way. The hotel also offers art-filled event spaces for up to 280 guests and a curated Museum Shop.

And yes—you’ll find the city’s own orange penguin wandering the halls: a playful symbol of the hotel’s creative soul and warm welcome.

---

Let’s Talk About the Rooms

While the art might steal the spotlight, the rooms hold their own. Each space is designed with a minimal, high-design aesthetic that blends effortlessly with the original architecture—whether that’s plaster walls, exposed beams, or concrete columns. Expect thoughtful lighting, ergonomic furniture, and finishes that reflect the creative spirit of the property.

---

Insider Access for Our Clients

Thanks to our partnership with 21c and their affiliation with Ennismore and Accor, we can extend exclusive VIP benefits at select properties (currently Cincinnati and St. Louis), including:

• Daily breakfast for two
• $100 property credit
• Upgrade on arrival (if available)
• Early check-in and late check-out
• VIP welcome amenity

These perks are available only through approved travel advisors—like us.

---

Why We Love It—and Why You Will Too

There’s a reason we’ve added 21c Museum Hotels to our go-to list for college visits, road trips, and creative getaways. They’re not just places to stay—they’re places to experience. You can walk through a gallery, share an elevator with a hot pink penguin, and sit down to a locally inspired, chef-driven dinner… all under one roof.

Whether you’re planning a visit to Duke, a weekend of bourbon tasting, or a mountain biking escape, 21c invites you to stay curious—and stay somewhere that sparks something in you.

---

Need help planning a trip to a 21c city? We’d love to help. From campus tours to weekend escapes, we’ll make sure your stay includes the perfect blend of comfort, creativity, and curated art. As always our trip planning services are free to all members of our travel community.