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The Waldorf Astoria Residences in New York Reveal a Simon de Pury-Curated Art Collection

Pieces selected by the international trendsetter are exclusive to the private homes within the New York City landmark

By Rena Gross
Modern hotel lobby with blue and white decor, marble flooring, and stylish lighting fixtures.
Waldorf Astoria New York, Wellness Reception with sculpture by Dorothee Loriquet. Photo: Courtesy Waldorf Astoria New York.

Park Avenue’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Residences now share a world-class art collection assembled by auctioneer, consultant, and art dealer Simon de Pury. Unusually, the $1 million in shared art assets is owned by the building’s residents, who can enjoy them in the shared lounges, the wellness and entertainment spaces, and while swimming in the 25-meter pool. The selections serve as a contemporary counterpoint to the building’s restored Art Deco grandeur.

Artists chosen by de Pury include Flavie Audi, Minjung Kim, Philippe Decrauzat, Andrea Mancuso, Johan Creten, Gianluca Pacchioni, José Yaque, Lou Zhenggang, Minori Oga, and Melonie Foster Hennessey. It is a diverse crew based in painting, glass, sculpture, furniture-as-art, calligraphy, photography, and other mediums. De Pury also sought out emerging artists from around the world. While the interiors provide continuity, the new commissions introduce uncertainty, texture, and visual/emotional evidence that the Waldorf is walking through a life rather than reconstructing a prior one.

Modern game room with a blue pool table, billiard balls, wall art, and sleek lighting fixture.
Untitled by Mijung Kim at the Waldorf Astoria. Photo: Courtesy Waldorf Astoria

“For me, the greatest collections create conversations between art, architecture, and the people who live with them,” said Simon de Pury. “For Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, we assembled a collection that reflects both the extraordinary history of this landmark and the international perspective of the people who will call it home. Residents will encounter works that invite contemplation, inspire curiosity, and reveal something new over time.”

Indoor luxury swimming pool with marble columns, elegant chandeliers, and a striking blue sculpture at the far end.
Waldorf Astoria with Fountain Sculpture by Andrea Mancuso. Photo: Courtesy Waldorf Astoria
Luxurious hotel lobby with marble columns, elegant chandelier, and a central floral arrangement on a circular seating area.
Waldorf Astoria with lobby sculpture by Andrea Mancuso. Photo: Courtesy Waldorf Astoria
Elegant hotel lobby with marble floor, round wooden table, decorative columns, and modern lighting.
Waldorf Astoria. Sculpture by Dorothee Loriquet. Photo: Courtesy Waldorf Astoria.
Elegant spiral staircase with blue accent wall, white steps, and modern decor in a stylish interior setting.
‘Piece of Sky’ by Flavie Audi at the Waldorf Astoria. Photo: Courtesy Waldorf Astoria
Modern abstract black and white painting on wall above two gray benches in a minimalist room setting.
Untitled by Lou Zhenggang Waldorf Astoria. Photo: Courtesy Waldorf Astoria
Modern hallway with a marble console table, candles, books, and a framed mountain landscape painting.
Mountain by Minjung Kim at the Waldorf Astoria. Photo: Courtesy Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria originally opened in 1931, on the site of two former hotels owned by rival cousins Waldorf Astor and John Jacob Astor IV. In the ensuing decades, its celebrated interiors hosted everything from diplomatic linchpin events to the inaugural Met Gala to the IBM introduction of the personal computer in 1981. After closing for renovations in 2017, it officially reopened last year following an outstanding renovation by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with 372 condominiums and world-class amenities above the 19th floor designed by Jean-Louis Deniot.

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