L: Western Motel, 1957, Edward Hopper (American, 1882â€"1967), oil on canvas. Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Bequest of Stephen C. Clark, B.A., 1903. © 2019 Heirs of Josephine N. Hopper / Arti
RICHMOND, Va.–– The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts announces that Edward Hopper and the American Hotelpremieres at the museum Oct. 26 — the only east coast venue for this major loan exhibition. Showcasing more than 60 of Hopper’s paintings, drawings, watercolors and illustrations, this groundbreaking exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see several of the acclaimed American artist’s most beloved works in person and in a new context. Hopper and the American Hotel represents the first investigation of the artist’s canonical images of hotels, motels and other hospitality settings, thus expanding the terms of alienation and fragmentation in which Hopper’s art is often discussed. Also included are 35 works by American artists that similarly explore the visual culture of hotels, travel and mobility from the early 20th century to the present. Curated by Dr. Leo G. Mazow, VMFA’s Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane Curator of American Art, "Edward Hopper and the American Hotel" ise on view Oct. 26 through Feb. 23,.
As part of this exhibition, VMFA will recreate "Western Motel," one of Hopper’s best-known paintings, as a three-dimensional simulated motel space, giving visitors the chance to “step inside” his work. Through the “Hopper Hotel Experience,” guests have the opportunity to stay at the museum overnight in a room inspired by "Western Motel." There will be a variety of packages available at different price points. Some of the “Hopper Hotel Experience” packages consist of dinner at VMFA’s fine dining restaurant Amuse, a guided tour by the curator and an exhibition catalogue, among other options. This is the first time that VMFA has recreated a work of art in a three-dimensional space and made it available to stay in overnight.
