The Corvinus Collection offers a marked connection to the art history tradition, which is reflected in its name, making reference to King Matthias Corvinus’ Renaissance court. Faith in universal values and quality, combined with contemporary luxury inspired by the noblest of tradition, informs the hotel’s philosophy.
Kempinski’s collecting instinct remains moderately progressive. At the inception of the Collection in the early 90s, several classical, traditional works were acquired, while there emerged a conspicuously budding interest in contemporary art in the early 2000s, which has since become the focal point of the Collection. As the hotel’s objective is not so much financial investment, it can afford the risk of artistic discovery. Due to the physical context of the hotel, its space lends itself favourably to series, the focused display of a single artist, as well as sculptures.
Two aspects distinguish the Corvinus Collection from similar corporate collections. First, the quality of the body of its contemporary works is higher, its composition more conceptual, as the Collection as well as the hotel maintain a close relationship with the art scene. The hotel’s Gallery on the ground level regularly shows contemporary works. Secondly, some of the best pieces of the Collection were specifically designed for the hotel, which acts as a permanent exhibition space.