For the newly reimagined Central Park Suite Collection at JW Marriott Essex House, the client tasked RAREculture with curating an art and accessories program that would reflect the heritage and sophistication of the hotel, while offering a fresh, modern lens on New York City’s cultural icons.

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The directive was to select elevated, sculptural accessories and objects that felt intentional and refined, seamlessly complementing the interior architecture without overwhelming it. A key request was the inclusion of oversized portraits of iconic New Yorkers, reimagined in a way that rendered them subtle, abstract, or unrecognizable at first glance — encouraging guest discovery and interpretation. The overall mood of the brief called for art that was quietly luxurious, layered with meaning, and distinctly place-based, capturing both the elegance of Central Park and the cultural legacy of the city just beyond its windows.

To meet the brief for understated elegance and cultural depth, RAREculture focused on craftsmanship, material warmth, and narrative restraint. At the heart of the accessories package was a collection of ceramic works created by an emerging artist based in Italy — each piece hand-formed and uniquely textured, bringing a quiet, organic presence to the rooms. The ceramics were selected not only for their sculptural beauty, but for their ability to subtly reflect the tactile richness of the suite’s finishes.

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In parallel, we sourced and commissioned a series of oversized, deconstructed portraits of iconic New Yorkers — presented in a way that rendered them partially obscured or abstracted, encouraging guests to engage more deeply and personally with the work. This layered, contemplative approach aligned with the suite’s mood: timeless, intelligent, and intimately New York. Each element was placed to enhance the experience of stillness, discovery, and thoughtful luxury.

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“With breathtaking views, thoughtful amenities and an inspiring collection of art, the Central Park Suite Collection continues JW Marriott’s tradition of a mindful approach to luxury where guests can find balance in body, mind, and spirit.”