Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown
Nashville, Tennessee
- Hospitality
- Southeast
- Artwork for entry exterior, public amenity spaces, and guest rooms
- HRI Hospitality
48% of the artworks were made by underrepresented and minority artists
7 site-specific commissions reflect the adventurous spirit of the hotel and its fictional muse Mary Louise
2 site-specific murals bring light and color to the building
7 different mediums are used in the collection
The Story
Developed and owned by HRI Hospitality, Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown caters to “the modern achiever,” featuring a variety of lifestyle and wellness-focused amenities such as flexible meeting and event space, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop bar and pool, and even downtown’s first immersive Topgolf experience. These amenities and more are elevated by the hotel’s intriguing storyline – the life of fictional music star Mary Louise.
HRI created the muse to inspire the entirety of the guest experience at Tempo, using her timeless fashion sense, buttery vocals, honest lyrics, and worldly travels to inform the hotel’s grandeur, “with modern understated design and boldness to create an approachable, unapologetic, and comfortable space.” The art collection is an extension of Mary Louise, reflecting her personal collection of postcards, relics, and photos amassed over a lifetime of music tours and performances.
As guests pull up to the valet, they are immediately greeted by a large, sequined installation titled “Fountain” by Taropop Studio (local artists Kong Wee Pang and Jay Crum). Talk about a moment of arrival! Upon entering the lobby, visitors can enjoy “Kiss 6,” a steel bead installation by Beth Kamhi and “Tempophone,” a striking, gramophone-inspired aluminum wall sculpture by Airworks Studio. Eight feet long and 16 inches deep, this large installation uses lightweight aluminum and only weighs 35 pounds. Captivating fine art prints line a nearby hallway leading to the hotel’s impressive fitness center, where a mural by local artist Joe Geis reads “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” creating the perfect energetic backdrop to motivate gym goers.
Other stand-outs in the collection can be found on the 5th floor, including fine art prints by Gregory Forber, a recycled fashion billboard vinyl by Shelley Heffler, and wooden installation by Erin Harris, which depicts the soundwaves for the song “Crazy” by famous Nashville star Patsy Cline. In addition to fine art prints, each of the 306 guest rooms includes an original spray paint, stencil, and wheat paste artwork by WRDSMTH, as well as an original mixed media piece by Drew Austin. And outside the presidential suite, guests can enjoy a bold, abstract mural by Nashville artist Eric Bass.
Altogether, the art collection at Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown evokes nostalgia, honoring the iconic Mary Louise and the rich history of the Music City.