21c is located in downtown Durham. This chain of boutique hotels gets its name because each full-service hotel also houses a 21st century art gallery. The Durham location showcases more than 10,500 square feet of exhibition space, currently housing the exhibition Truth or Dare: A Reality Show. Durham's 21c resides in the historic Hill building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designed by the same architects who created the Empire State Building.
The Hill building was formerly a bank, and, like its sister Empire State Building, has maintained the beautiful and luxurious Art Deco feel. The main gallery (where our event will take place) was formerly the main bank lobby, and features the gorgeous original wooden walls. The renovation design team preserved the foyer’s green marble and silver leaf ceiling as well as the terrazzo floors throughout.
A favorite feature of the hotel is the bank vault downstairs, which will house our VIP experience. The original vault, complete with giant door, safety deposit boxes, and security features, has been re-imagined as a cool, intimate gathering space with couches and chairs. There is also a small art exhibit downstairs, currently featuring Patrizia Ferreia's This Time Tomorrow: Crafting Resistance.
Check out the short slide show below for a glimpse into 21c.