MILWAUKEE, Wis.—Marcus Hotels & Resorts is reinventing the 221-room InterContinental Milwaukee into an independent arts hotel. Blending hospitality with curated exhibits, contemporary installations, and live performances, Milwaukee will soon be home to an immersive and inviting arts hotel experience.
“The arts spark conversation and debate. The arts inspire and heal. They are part of our daily life, while also serving as an escape. And the arts bring people together, despite differing tastes, backgrounds, and experiences,” says Greg Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. “For generations, Milwaukee’s arts scene has been central to the city’s health, vibrancy, and reputation as a culturally relevant home and destination. By reimagining this hotel’s place in our community, we aspire to serve as a welcoming, freeing space for those who wish to experience Milwaukee through an entirely different lens.”
Three key elements–the modern design of the hotel, its location in the heart of the city’s growing arts and entertainment district, and Milwaukee’s creative community–will create a unique experience for guests. The hotel, nestled within a dynamic, urban arts scene, is expected to unveil the redesigned property in mid-2019. This hotel will have collections and standalone pieces from international and local artists, both known and up-and-coming, and the hotel will also host performing arts experiences.
Building off the success of Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Artist-in-Residence program at The Pfister Hotel, the property will also have a similar working studio where guests can share in the evolution of each artist’s work up close and personal. Its on-site culinary destinations will consist of local flavors and customs, while also incorporating original cuisine. Guests will be served locally procured products that celebrates its roots.
The Marcus Corporation and its leadership team are long-term supporters of the arts in Milwaukee. Years ago, Steve Marcus, chairman of The Marcus Corporation, led the group that brought internationally renowned artist Robert Indiana to Milwaukee to paint the Mecca basketball floor, creating one of the largest canvases ever to national and lasting acclaim. The company helped lead the formation of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) in Milwaukee, which today is the leading funding source for many performing arts organizations. It provided the lead donation for the campaign that led to the naming of the Marcus Center for Performing Arts, Milwaukee’s multi-use performing arts venue. This past summer, Steve Marcus created Sculpture Milwaukee, which is one of the largest urban outdoor sculpture galleries in the world. And, most recently, the company donated its ownership of the Warner Grand Theatre to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to be used as its next performance venue.
“We have long held a deep-seated passion for how the arts enhance the vibrancy and interconnectedness of our communities,” concluded Marcus. “With this project, we saw a very special opportunity to push the envelope and create an entirely new concept that pays homage to the arts. Ultimately, our hope is that a visit or a stay at this hotel will inspire our guests to explore more of what’s possible and experience our community in a way that is more personal. So much so that when they leave, they are already planning their return to see what’s next.”
