Hotel Ella Debuts Expertly Curated Art Collections in the Heart of Austin, Texas

Housed in a gorgeous Greek Revival mansion built at the turn of the 20th century by notable Austinites, Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten, Hotel Ella is home to multiple collections of historic and contemporary art, photography and sculpture.

“Art and style were integral parts of what connected the Wootens to Austin. Our collections have been carefully selected to honor that connection, while also reflecting the forward-thinking nature of this city,” says Will Meredith, who curated much of the hotel's artwork. “Long recognized for music, Austin is now coming into its own as a hub for visual arts, and we're excited to be a part of the movement.”

Art lovers enjoy the property's close proximity to the Blanton Museum of Art, The Contemporary Austin and the Mexic-Arte Museum, as well as the breadth and depth of rotating and permanent collections displayed at Hotel Ella. The hotel plans to offer art tours soon, as well as special exhibitions and weekend events in partnership with local galleries and arts organizations. Currently, the hotel is hosting an installation of works from Austin-based Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery.

While staying at the property, Hotel Ella guests will encounter powerful pieces that capture the past, present and future spirit of Austin, while addressing subjects like masculinity and femininity – two themes that run deep in the hotel's history, thanks to the influence of the original property owners. This is best depicted in Barbara Segal's “Obsessive Compulsive”: a 2,000-pound marble Chanel handbag sculpture displayed at the hotel entrance. Created using a CNC router, the piece contrasts historic luxury and craftsmanship with contemporary form and construction.

Historic collections at Hotel Ella not only tell the story of Wooten family and the property itself, but also the story of their influence on the city. Original portraits of Wooten family members line the walls of the mansion. Guests will find Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten's original wedding invitation on display, and – honoring the couple's heyday – collections of 18th and 19th century estate jewelry from Bell & Bird can be found in the hotel lobby, available for purchase upon request.

Since Dr. Goodall Wooten's father, Thomas, was a founder of the University of Texas (UT), located a few short blocks from Hotel Ella, it is only fitting that original turn-of-the-century photographs of the school's football team, professors, band, and buildings are exhibited. Dr. Goodall Wooten also amassed one of the most prized gun collections (over 3,000) in his day, which were then donated to the Texas Memorial Museum. Replicas of this collection are displayed throughout the mansion.

Just as history is celebrated at Hotel Ella, so is contemporary art, which is exhibited throughout the property in the form of painting, sculpture and photography – a true testament to Austin as a cultural mecca. An original 1940 Ansel Adams photograph hangs in the “Ella Salon.” A number of drawings and sculptures by renowned 20th century artist and UT professor, Charles Umlauf, are presented on the grounds, in the courtyard, and in the hotel's signature “Artist's Bar.” A founding member of the UT art department, Charles Umlauf is one of the most respected artists in Texas history and has been credited with establishing Austin's creative reputation.

Beautiful portraits by local photographer Matt Lankes celebrate the human condition of the American Southwest. His pieces highlight notable personalities who shaped the region and the city of Austin. They line the walls of the hotel alongside Kate Breakey's large-scale, hand-painted nature photography. Originally from Australia, Breakey received a Master of Fine Art degree at UT, went on to teach at the university and show on an international level to wide acclaim. Additional works with ties to Austin are also exhibited throughout the property. Some installations will rotate in the future, offering viewers and visitors the opportunity to experience new themes, mediums and artists.

Many of the contemporary works that guests encounter at Hotel Ella are discreetly for sale. For price inquiries on artwork, more information and to make reservations, call 512.495.1800 or visit www.hotelella.com.