New York

The Big Apple has a strong claim as the art capital of the world. This is, after all, the city that spawned pioneering talents like Jean-Michel Basquiat, and where legends such as Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama and Keith Haring made their names. World-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) welcome millions of visitors each year. Their permanent collections include iconic works in the league of Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” Jackson Pollock’s “Number 31” and Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory.” And let’s not forget neighborhoods like Chelsea, a celebrated art epicenter and home to hundreds of galleries and exhibition spaces.

Further your artistic exploration with a stay at Conrad New York Midtown. Upon entering the lobby, you’ll see Carole Feuermann's hyper-realistic sculpture, “Leda and the Swan.” The work is based on the Greek myth of the god Zeus disguising himself as a swan to seduce the beautiful Leda. In Feuermann's updated version, a reclining Leda wears a vintage women’s swimsuit and cap, relaxing against an inflatable swan.

In collaboration with art consultants, Conrad New York Midtown features dozens of specially curated pieces throughout the hotel, paying homage to movements such as pop art, cubism, hyperrealism and contemporary art. The collection takes guests on an inspiring visual journey that awakens unique interpretations and coincides with the hotel’s palpable artistic energy. While visiting New York, you can spend the day exploring the seemingly endless exhibits and galleries around town before returning to your home away from home to enjoy even more masterful artistry on display.

London

In a sophisticated city with nearly two millenniums of history, it’s little wonder that art has played such an important role in London’s status as a true world capital. The first cityscapes were painted as early as the 17th century, and many of the greats have put London’s skyline on canvas. Impressionists like Monet, Pissarro and Van Gogh created colorful riverside scenes of the Thames River, immortalizing the views. Hogarth, Constable and even Picasso were pulled in by the energy and events of London life.

Art museums abound here, from the venerable old masters of the National Gallery to the challenging, cutting-edge innovation of Tate Modern. With sculptures, murals and museums around every corner, London is a true celebration of art.

For those looking for inspiration during every part of their stay, consider Conrad London St. James. Located in the political and historic heart of Westminster, the hotel is within walking distance of the National Gallery, Tate Britain and the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. The hotel also works with a range of British artists to provide guests with stimulating and engaging visual experiences on-site. Discover striking artwork throughout the property, including a bronze relief of London by artist Peter Millard and the very first 3D holographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Chris Levine. For a unique perspective, your concierge can book a private on-site art tour where you can learn more about the property’s expansive collection.

Whether exploring your hotel or the town itself, London invites you to bask in the paintings, lithographs, photographs and even political cartoons that work together to create the artistic fabric of this historic city.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.