Amsterdam, Netherlands — On October 29, Hyatt Hotel Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht opened in the former public library of Amsterdam. A special cooperation between Paul Geertman of Aedes Real Estate, Marcel Wanders and Hyatt Hotels has resulted in a surprisingly multi functional hotel concept with an exciting combination of ‘office suites’ and studios for the international creative industry, and a permanent collection of video art for guests and visitors.

In 2008 initiators Paul Geertman and Marcel Wanders decided to do something special with the former public library. Geertman: ” Our aim was to merge the huge building with the intricate structure and diversity of the Amsterdam  inner city. To us it was clear from the start that we would have a multifunctional approach, combining lodgings with work and culture. The creative theme became video art. ”

Now, five years later, the plan has been realised, a hotel in the highest segment operated by Hyatt Hotels. Opening under the Andaz brand, the concept seamlessly fits the original idea of combining different functions, as Geertman and Wanders had in mind.

In the building workspaces have been created: ‘office suites’ and studios for the international creative industry, who can further make full use of the hotel facilities. This attracts an exciting mix of guests, visitors and professionals to the hotel. At the same time the whole hotel is an exhibition of more than 40 video works of national and international video artists, as Yael Bartana, Erwin Olaf, Mark Titchner, Ryan Gander and Meiro Koizumi. In each hotel room you can view the complete collection on a special video channel. The building also accommodates the video art collection.

In his avant-garde design concept for Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Marcel Wanders was inspired by Dutch culture, the history and location of the former library and the city of Amsterdam as a cultural ‘melting pot’. These contrasts create an exciting design. His interpretation has rendered a cutting edge multi-functional design concept.

This design concept emphasizes the contemporary character of Andaz as an exclusive lifestyle and boutique hotel, that reflects its environment and creates a platform for art and culture where people meet up and new worlds arise. Guests experience an exclusive and authentic stay in the heart of Amsterdam with an innovative and personal service of the highest level. The hotel is built with the highest quality materials and with special care for sustainability. Only the outside of the former building remains identifiable; behind the façade everything is new.

Video art with a personal signature

The video art collection is owned by The Mind’s Eye, a partnership of Paul Geertman and Marcel Wanders. Geertman: “The collection is a mixture of international and Dutch artists, young talent and established masters. Since we do not work with curators yet compose the collection ourselves, it has a strong personal signature. The past one and a half years I have seen over 300 works and in the first place I let my intuition guide my choices. The context of the works comes next. To us it is very exciting to see how people will respond to it. The first reactions are very positive.”

The Mind’s Eye will expand the collection further in the coming years. Among others an independent jury, consisting of curator of De Hallen Xander Karskens, Bart Rutten curator at the Stedelijk Museum and Nick Pritzker, will buy about four works for The Mind’s Eye collection on ART Rotterdam Projections, the first video art fair in Las Palmas. One of these works will be donated to the Stedelijk Museum and one to De Hallen. This work will be awarded with the Andaz Award.

The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is the first hotel in the world that focuses on video art entirely, making art a true link between the public and the city. ” In this inspiring ambiance guests and visitors are able to enjoy the video collection presented - collected with courage from the national and international top – to the fullest. A wonderful and unique initiative that I will follow with great interest and support wholeheartedly,” says Bart Rutten, curator Visual Art of the Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum.

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