A jewel in the heart of Spain’s capital, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid has been reborn following a multi-year renovation. VISTO has curated a contemporary art collection that plays off of the traditions of the 17th-century Spanish masterpieces that hang directly across the street from the hotel in the Museo del Prado.
Working together with Paris-based interior designers Gilles & Boissier, VISTO selected pieces that reflected the freshness of the renovation of this classic property while still being grounded in the hotel's traditions.
THE ICONIC HOTEL’S CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION TAKES ITS CUES FROM THE 17TH-CENTURY SPANISH MASTERPIECES FOUND ACROSS THE STREET AT THE MUSEO DEL PRADO.
Celebrating contemporary Spanish art and artisans is central to the hotel's mandate. VISTO worked closely with Spanish artists and institutions in all areas of the property.
Every major work of art was commissioned specifically for the hotel, each containing special details and stories to deepen the guest's connection to the city of Madrid.
The ceiling sculpture at the hotel's entrance assumes the place of a traditional chandelier. Its reflective, glimmering leaves draw their inspiration from the plants and trees found in the nearby Buen Retiro Park. Those in gold represent species indigenous to Spain—such as the symbol of Madrid, the madroño—while those in silver were brought from abroad and planted in Madrid. This piece symbolizes the mixing of people from all over the world that happens here under the roof of the hotel.
A series of fourteen commissioned works by Madrileña artist Paula Anta is the defining feature of the hotel's bar, Pictura. The bar's name and concept were defined by the idea of the art installation.
"It is the art that inspires the hotel's extensive gastronomic offering, which is a key element in drawing in Madrileños." —Conde Nast Traveler Spain
The series makes a bold statement about the importance of contemporary art in Madrid, especially at a classic hotel across the street from the Prado. Photographed and displayed in the style of 17th-century Spanish art, these portraits of contemporary artists of all kinds—musicians, visual artists, writers, dancers, architects, and actors—promotes and honors Madrid's current art scene.
Working with Spanish salt sourced from the Torrevieja region—home to the Michelin-star chef of Deesa restaurant—the artist created two tondos as an aesthetic homage to the sea and the essential element of cooking.
For the Presidential and Royal Suites, VISTO curated hand-painted murals and individual art collections for each suite.