Durham, North CarolinaCity Center
21c Museum Hotel Durham
Art-filled bank tower
City Center Durham, North Carolina
Opened
2015
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
The house
21c Museum HotelsArt-filled bank tower
A 1930s skyscraper doubles as an active museum, with curated contemporary art galleries open around the clock.
“Part hotel and part art museum, 21c hotels showcase contemporary art with a mission to connect and revitalize local communities through creativity.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Ten thousand square feet of contemporary art galleries beneath original silver-leaf ceilings.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Architects Deborah Berke Partners were sensitive to this Art Deco building’s history, but not too sensitive — some period details remain, but only the ones that contribute to the hotel’s character.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Carolina Theatre and Durham Performing Arts Center are both an easy walk through the downtown core.
The rooms
Beds are tucked into cozy nooks beside original terrazzo floors, each room hung with its own contemporary artwork.
The spa
Treatment rooms host daily massage therapy, set beside an on-site dry sauna and steam room.
Restaurant
Counting House
Plates focus on coastal seafood and regional farm produce, served under high ceilings surrounded by contemporary art.
the 21c group added an outpost in Durham, North Carolina, in spring 2015, and began by showcasing art by Nick Cave, Mickalene Thomas, and Robert Wilson on display.
How it began
The 17-story Hill Building opened in 1937 as Durham's tallest skyscraper, housing the local bank and trust company.
Durham
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“Midcentury bank clubhouse”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.