Washington, DC’s Hotel Zena, a new 191-room hotel celebrating women’s accomplishments through over 60 pieces of art, has officially opened. The art, created specifically for Zena by a group of artists from around the world, revolves around the courage of some of the world’s most notable individuals and their fight for inclusivity and change. Some of this artwork includes a portrait of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg using 20,000 hand-painted tampons as well as a massive installation comprised on 12,000 protest buttons from generations of female marches.
Conceptualized by Dawson Design Associates, the hotel’s lobby features a “Portrait Gallery” showcasing 11 powerful women who have made significant contributions in the struggle for Women’s Rights & Gender Equality. Additional portraits include Shirley Anita Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. It is one of two pieces of art inspired by Chisholm; the other is a hanging installation constructed of painted folding chairs in celebration of her famous statement: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Paying tribute to America’s 100-year anniversary of the Women’s Right to Vote, a 20-foot-long sequined gown in the hotel’s restaurant was created using 12,000 protest buttons from generations of female marches and events, a photo booth wall that showcases a compilation of images from the first ever Women’s March, and more. Numerous pieces by local artists can be found throughout the hotel, including the mural of female warriors standing as sentinels on Hotel Zena’s exterior designed by DC-based art director, muralist, designer, and illustrator Cita Sadeli, more popularly known as MISS CHELOVE.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Zena
