What if a hotel’s repertoire of artworks could not only inspire but also challenge the way we view our impact on the world? This is the philosophy driving our ever-evolving collection, carefully curated by Nachson Mimran, Co-Founder of The Alpina Gstaad. Each new addition is designed to engage guests on a deeper level, creating opportunities for reflection and meaningful dialogue.

“When building the art collection on display at The Alpina Gstaad, I deeply felt I had a responsibility to respectfully introduce our guests to concepts that might gently provoke them to think differently about their impact on the world,” Nachson explains. The carefully curated portfolio, which spans works from emerging and renowned artists alike, serves not just as decoration, but as a catalyst for change. “We put a lot of thought into the hotel’s private art collection, and we hope it has encouraged engagement as well as inviting discussion.”

A prime example of this mission was "The Shadowman Van", which was previously on display, a project that exemplifies the deep connections art can create across communities. “This all started when we acquired Richard Hambleton’s Shadowman-painted ice cream van at the AmFAR auction in Cannes” Nachson recalls. “We had the artwork adapted by my dear friend, Lapo Elkann, and installed Skype — this was before Zoom and Teams — so that, for example, we could introduce a world-renowned architect staying at The Alpina Gstaad to an architect living in a refugee settlement in Uganda.” This initiative, connecting the art world with refugee settlements, highlights The Alpina Gstaad’s ability to foster dialogues between individuals from different corners of the globe. The van itself stands as a symbol of collaboration and shared causes, tying together The Alpina’s support for ongoing refugee empowerment projects through to.org, the platform co-founded by Nachson Mimran and his brother Arieh. The to.org platform focuses on scaling decarbonisation, refugee empowerment, and human optimisation through three key verticals: venture capital, philanthropy, and the creative space.

“Most of the artists whose work we have shared the same ethos as we do at to.org, addressing these ideas through their creative processes or the causes they support,” Nachson explains. By incorporating pieces like "The Shadowman Van", The Alpina Gstaad demonstrates its commitment to both environmental and social causes, making the art pieces on display an integral part of a broader conversation about global responsibility.

The hotel’s dedication to promoting creative solutions is also reflected in the artist's residency hosted within a unique structure by renowned French architect Jean Prouvé. “This rare six-by-six-metre temporary timber structure was originally designed in the aftermath of World War II to provide quick, transportable shelter for displaced people,” Nachson explains. Now located in the hotel grounds, this demountable house has become the setting for The Alpina’s artist residency, a space where artists and architects come together to address vital global challenges. “Since launching it, we’ve brought together some of the world’s most brilliant minds in art and architecture,” Nachson adds, underscoring the residency’s role in driving inspiration and finding innovative solutions.

The hotel’s evolving collection continues to grow, with new works by global artists such as Eva Helene Pade, Sasha Gordon, and Izumi Kato. Their pieces bring fresh perspectives to the collection, adding to the rich tapestry of works on display. "Two Orchids", a monumental ten-metre-tall sculpture by Isa Genzken, remains a central feature in the hotel’s grounds, reminding guests of nature’s fragility and the importance of biodiversity.

One of the most innovative additions is “The Throne”, a fully functional, 3D-printed portable toilet made from upcycled plastic waste, created in collaboration with Nagami. It is installed near the Jean Prouvé Demountable House, reflecting both sustainability and artistic ingenuity. “This is not just about art,” Nachson says, “but about finding practical solutions for the future.”