Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Showcases Modern Art in New Lobby & Restaurant

At Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, you can now sleep, rejuvenate in the spa, dine, swim – and now marvel at modern art on display.

At part of the hotel's final phase of a multi-year, multimillion renovation, the hotel is showcasing a provocative and inspiring collection of modern art.

The more than 100 pieces of art – commissioned by California and New York based art consultant Elizabeth Weiner – complement the new chic and stylish interiors of the hotel's lobby, meeting space and restaurant by San Francisco based BraytonHughes Design Studios.

The redesign – along with the hotel's new approachable regional American restaurant Allium – transforms the 23-year-old hotel into a contemporary destination designed for gathering and lounging. The art collection – which includes a wide variety of pieces from original sculptures to limited prints by Andy Warhol, Matisse, Picasso and Julian Opie – was inspired by Chicago itself, says Weiner.

The texture can be seen immediately as guests arrive in the seventh floor lobby. A bright blue monochromatic diamond, “Homage to Yves Klein Blue,” a red splashy acrylic on canvas and a sculpture of a woman's torso made of 2,000 welded coins combine for a fashionable grand entrance.

The hotel's new living room-like lobby also boasts an impressive art collection anchored by a centerpiece copper sculpture by Robert Sanabria, aptly named “Viento”, Spanish for wind, and a fitting tribute to Chicago's Windy City moniker.

On one side of the lobby, oil canvas paintings flank the walls and are ensconced by modern bookcases with stylish porcelain books. On the other side, two lenticular paintings by London artist, Julian Opie titled “Jeremy Walking in Coat” and “Sian Walking” walk with guests as they pass by.

The art collection continues in Allium, the hotel's new American restaurant and bar with vibrant floral poppy prints by Andy Warhol and striking photography combinations by David Kent that juxtaposition models and animals in a “fashion meets safari” theme.

Allium, which opened in mid February, is the Latin name for the family of plants that includes onions and garlic. The name was chosen to reflect the restaurant's commitment to local ingredients as well as pay homage to the city of Chicago, whose name comes from the Native American word "Shikaakwa," or "wild onion."

Helmed by Executive Chef Kevin Hickey, under whose direction the former Seasons restaurant earned a Michelin star for two consecutive years, Allium is marked by a more approachable environment and features regional American cuisine.

The hotel's new lobby also is inviting with chic, yet comfortable living room style furnishings in rich colors of espresso, deep crimson, burgundy and pewter. The lobby is the perfect space for guests to gather and lounge with comfortable furniture clusters in fabrics of leather and velvet; distinctive mahogany and nickel bookcases; and large game tables complete with board games and decks of cards.

The new lobby, restaurant and bar completes Four Seasons Chicago's multi-year renovation, which also included redesigns of the hotel's guest rooms, suites, grand ballroom and event spaces in recent years.

Hotel Profile, more photos: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago