Art with a soul: curated for Rosewood Amsterdam
A layered narrative of Dutch talent and timeless presence
13 January 2026
At Studio Piet Boon, we see art as more than decoration. It brings soul to a space, sparks emotion, and adds depth to design. For Rosewood Amsterdam, our vision was to create an environment that balances refinement with character. The art collection was curated by KUNSTMEST in close collaboration with our styling team. From the moment you enter the lobby, each artwork adds meaning, memory, and identity to the space.
A hotel-wide curation
The art collection extends throughout the entire hotel, from public areas such as the entrance, lobby, and Grand Library to the corridors, Asaya Spa, and even the courtyard. In total, over 1,000 artworks are on display, including pieces in every guest room and suite. The curation has a strong focus on homegrown talents, blending new voices with Dutch masters, and in doing so providing different perspectives on the dynamic capital.. The result is a museum-quality collection that quietly reveals itself room by room, inviting discovery and reflection at every turn.
An open invitation in the lobby
The art journey begins where every guest arrives: the entrance. Here, a monumental sculptural landscape by Frederik Molenschot (Studio Molen), titled S TATI CA, anchors the space. Functioning as reception desk, light sculpture, and playful object, the artwork unites form and function in a way that reflects both Amsterdam’s industrial heritage and the artist’s poetic eye. Even the bronze door handle was designed by Studio Molen. In the first part of the lobby, a striking blue kinetic installation by Levi van Veluw adds a subtle sense of movement. The lobby lounge features works by Blommers/Schumm, Natasja Alers, and Gijs Assmann, bringing intimacy and texture. Each artwork tells its own story, ranging from cast ceramics and assembled vases to photography that challenges perception.
A layered collection of Dutch voices
Rosewood’s art collection showcases both established names and emerging talent. Many are internationally recognized, with most hailing from the Netherlands. Their works span a wide range of media, tones, and textures — from sculpture and photography to ceramics, digital works, and site-specific installations.
Casper Braat transforms everyday objects into tongue-in-cheek monuments, like his marble vending machine. Inside the rooms, guests encounter Hold Up, a bronze hook in the shape of a hand, designed exclusively for Rosewood Amsterdam by Dutch artist Street Art Frankey. Known for his urban interventions across Amsterdam, Frankey adds a playful surprise to the simple act of hanging up a coat. The hook also makes a thoughtful gift to take home.
Frankey’s presence returns in Benney, a soft, hand-crafted plush toy in the shape of a ginger cat. This well-travelled character has been spotted painting smiles onto windows in Amsterdam and leaving his mark in MedellÃn. Now tucked into the bed linen at Rosewood Amsterdam.
Another highlight is Job Smeets’ Worn (2024), a sculptural bronze sofa inspired by the ‘Cube Sofa’ of the late designer Jan des Bouvrie. The form is slouched, lived-in, and full of character. Its drapery and folds echo 17th-century Baroque sculpture. The result is raw and honest, celebrating the beauty in imperfection. The piece captures something deeply personal while blending high and low culture, which is typical of Smeets’ work.
Together, these works form a layered portrait of contemporary Dutch art. Some are playful, others more contemplative. Some abstract, others figurative. Each piece adds a new chapter to the story of Rosewood Amsterdam.
Art as a design principle
Just as we design interiors to stand the test of time, each artwork has been carefully selected to create a visual and emotional connection, both today and for years to come. In this project, art was a guiding design principle. Many works were commissioned to reflect the building’s heritage, context, and atmosphere. Together, they enhance the sense of place that defines both Rosewood and Studio Piet Boon.
By integrating art into the architecture and flow of the hotel, we shaped not just spaces but experiences. Whether you are a guest, a visitor, or simply passing by, you are invited to pause, observe, and connect.
