Many Wrongs Make a Right at the Hotel Lincoln

Looks like the old saying still stands true: One man's trash is indeed another's treasure.

At least that appears to be the case at Hotel Lincoln in Chicago. The boutique hotel in Lincoln Park, which recently underwent some renovations, has installed what they're openly referring to as the "Wall of Bad Art,"--essentially a bunch of reject artworks placed closely together on a lobby wall.

Apparently it's so bad, it's good. (Sort of like the movie Bio-Dome).

Guests have actually started stealing some of the pieces outright. A wooden gorilla, a porcelain parrot, a ceramic tiger, and a 30-pound sculpture of Abraham Lincoln have all been lifted from the lobby at a five-finger discount.

Though, given that the entire wall cost less than $8,000 (compared to the $1 million spent on the hotel's new elevator), we're guessing security isn't too tight.

To the hotel's credit, they seem to be having fun with it.

General Manager Bob Shelley told the Chicago Tribune:

"Occasionally, we get a guest who wants to buy the art. And we go, 'Really?' I think if any of these pieces were alone on a wall, they might feel differently. But I understand. A wall of it is awe inspiring."

The lesson here? Two wrongs might not make a right, but a bunch of them strung up next to one another can lead to great hotel PR.

Rates for the hotel start at $90 on Expedia right now (down from a usual $139), whether you're a fan of bad art or not.

[Photos: Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune]

HotelChatter

Select a Destination:

Hotel Art / Hotel News / Chicago Hotels / JDV Hotels / Hotel Lobbies / For the Sake of Hotel Art / → All Tags