Corinthia Grand Astoria Hotel Brussels
Brussels, Belgium
Interlacing Memories
For over a century, the Astoria Grand Hotel has stood as a testament to aristocratic elegance in Brussels. Nestled majestically in the Rue Royale, its grandeur transcends time, captivating the world’s elite since the debut of the Universal Exposition of 1910. Newly reborn as the Corinthia Brussels, the hotel fuses classical European grandeur with an artistic approach to hospitality, reemerging as a vibrant hub for the city’s creative community.
ArtLink curated an art collection that honours the hotel’s rich cultural heritage while embracing the energy and sophistication of contemporary Brussels. Featuring works inspired by the city’s historic aesthetic and its thriving local art scene, the collection bridges past and present, inviting guests to experience Brussels in an entirely new light.
© Malcolm Cochrane Photography
© Malcolm Cochrane Photography
Cultural Revival
Within the iconic walls, the curated art collection breathes new life into the Royale experience, blending historical significance with contemporary savoir-faire. Inspired by the enduring grandeur of La Belle Époque, the collection features classic European elegance while embracing contemporary sensibilities.
Celebrating Local Art
For Corinthia Brussels, reflecting the unique character of its location was essential to the reemergence of the Grand Hotel as a vibrant hub for the city’s creative community. Embracing an artistic approach to hospitality, Corinthia Brussels sought a collection that would showcase the vitality of Brussels' contemporary art scene.
ArtLink sourced works from talented local Brussels artists, weaving the city’s artistic energy into every corner of the hotel. This integration of locality and artistry ensures that Corinthia Brussels stands as both a tribute to its past and a beacon for creative expression today.
Royal Heritage Suite
Hosting the illustrious Astoria concerts during the late 19th century, the hotel's walls preserve memories of acclaimed musicians who performed in Brussels during its jazz era, including the legendary Maurice Chevalier.
From abstract musical sheets to sumptuous attire worn by guests endeavoring to impress one another in the lively carousel of sound and color, the collection in the suite was curated to evoke an ambiance of vibrant celebration, freedom, and boundless creativity. The artworks transport guests to an era when the Astoria Hotel was a focal point of artistic expression and cultural exchange.
Chords of Belgium’s Past
Sound has the power to evoke vivid imagery, transporting us through time and space. To honor Belgium’s rich cultural history, a special commission was created for this collection, blending music and art into a multi-dimensional homage. Artist Baldvin Ringsted transformed the soundwave of the iconic Jacques Brel song "La Chanson des Vieux Amants" into the intricate pattern for this sculpture. Each curve and line resonates with the essence of Belgian heritage, offering a visual and auditory journey into the nation’s soul. Listen below to immerse yourself fully in the experience.
Brontë in Brussels
In the Victorian era, the Brontë sisters spent time in Brussels, drawing inspiration from the city and the historic Astoria Grand Hotel. Rue Royale—now home to Corinthia Brussels—was immortalized in Charlotte Brontë’s Villette, becoming a backdrop for romance and imagination.
To honor this legacy, ArtLink curated a bespoke art collection for the Brontë Penthouse, capturing the sisters’ creativity and love of storytelling. Highlights include a book sculpture by Su Blackwell, crafted from a vintage edition of Villette, alongside other works that invite guests to step into a story of their own.
Project Details
For over a century, the Astoria Grand Hotel has stood as a testament to aristocratic elegance in Brussels. Nestled majestically in the Rue Royale, its grandeur transcends time, captivating the world’s elite since the debut of the Universal Exposition of 1910. Newly reborn as the Corinthia Brussels, the hotel fuses classical European grandeur with an artistic approach to hospitality, reemerging as a vibrant hub for the city’s creative community. ArtLink curated an art collection that honours the hotel’s rich cultural heritage while embracing the energy and sophistication of contemporary Brussels. Featuring works inspired by the city’s historic aesthetic and its thriving local art scene, the collection bridges past and present, inviting guests to experience Brussels in an entirely new light.
Project details
Client: Corinthia B
Works Provided: 1022
Artists: 77
Services provided
