SPARK CONVERSATIONS
The aura of art at the Hotel Altstadt:
A conversation with Saskia Wiesenthal about art collecting and the presence of art in everyday hotel life
August 05, 2026
For this edition of SPARK Conversations, we meet Saskia Wiesenthal, Marketing & Art Manager at the unique Hotel Altstadt Vienna, to talk about passion, personality and the art of collecting.
The Hotel Altstadt Vienna is far more than just a place to stay; it is a total work of art, a house with a (hi)story. In the heart of the vibrant Spittelberg alleyways, Otto E. Wiesenthal created the hotel 35 years ago as a place where art is not merely decoration but an integral part of the experience. At this special place, we spoke with his daughter Saskia—who shares her father’s passion for art—about her love of collecting, the connection between hospitality and art, and her perspective on the art market.
SPARK: Ms Wiesenthal, the Hotel Altstadt Vienna is renowned for its impressive art collection, which can be found throughout the hotel. How did your passion for art develop, and what motivated you to start collecting yourself?
Saskia Wiesenthal: First of all, I grew up surrounded by art. First of all, I grew up surrounded by art. It was always a natural part of life at home, as my father is also passionate about it. My own journey into collecting began during a trip to Guatemala, where I met a travelling craftsman who later invited me to Köthen in Saxony-Anhalt to visit his cousins’ exhibition in an old waterworks. It was a wonderful evening—and I drove home with three paintings strapped to the roof of my car.
SPARK: Your collection is very diverse and includes both established names and emerging artists. Is there a common thread or are there specific criteria you use when selecting works?
Saskia Wiesenthal: For both my father and me, intuition is what matters most. He’s more interested in major works by established artists, while I’m curious about the work of young, lesser-known artists. I’m interested in meeting the people and learning about the stories behind their work.
SPARK: If you had one piece of advice for aspiring art collectors, what would be the most important thing you would tell them?
Saskia Wiesenthal: Buy art that you enjoy having around you. When you bring a piece of art into your home, you also bring a certain energy with it.
SPARK: How do you integrate art into the hotel experience? Is it more of a subtle presence in the background, or do your guests actively engage with the works?
Saskia Wiesenthal: Art is an integral part of the Altstadt Vienna experience. Here, art is part of everyday life. Unlike in a museum or gallery, where works are presented in as neutral a setting as possible, the artwork at Altstadt Vienna is an integral part of the spatial design and, together with classic furniture, shapes the character of the space. Art is central to the hotel’s identity.
SPARK: In a city like Vienna, which is rich in art and culture, the Altstadt Vienna holds a special place. How do you see your hotel’s role in Vienna’s art scene?
Saskia Wiesenthal: The Altstadt is one of the first hotels in Vienna to hang original artworks on the walls of its guest rooms, and it has certainly played a pioneering role in that regard. From the very beginning, we have collaborated with Viennese art institutions, museums, fairs, and we regularly serve as a partner for various events. In addition, through the “Kultursoda” platform, I offer an exhibition space for young artists, most of whom do not yet have a gallery.
SPARK: In a world often shaped by fast-moving trends, the Altstadt Vienna exudes a timeless elegance. How do you manage to maintain this sense of continuity whilst remaining relevant and inspiring?
Saskia Wiesenthal: The Altstadt is housed in a Gründerzeit building dating back to 1902. We place great importance on preserving its original character and atmosphere, as this defines the Viennese way of life for us—high stucco ceilings, creaking wooden floors, spacious rooms, double doors, and so on. At the same time, we redesign three to five rooms each year. Sometimes a compelling Vienna-related theme emerges; at other times, we are inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with a particular designer or artist. This ensures that there is always something new for our guests to discover—we are constantly telling new stories. And we have been doing so for 35 years.
SPARK: How important is art in your and our everyday lives? How do you view the responsibility of collectors and institutions to foster this connection and open up new perspectives?
Saskia Wiesenthal: Art makes our surroundings more exciting. It radiates a certain energy, though how that energy is perceived varies greatly from person to person. That is what makes it interesting, it can spark conversations and reveal different perspectives. A painting gives a room character and also reveals something about the personality of the person who lives there.
Institutions should be curious and open to new perspectives, and be aware of the influence they have. It becomes repetitive when the same names appear again and again, even if they produce excellent work. There are so many talented people who deserve closer attention. As a collector, I can support creative individuals on their journey when something in their work resonates with me.
SPARK: The Hotel Altstadt Vienna attracts a clientele that clearly appreciates art. How do you observe your guests’ interaction with the artworks? Are there any moments or comments that particularly surprise or inspire you?
Saskia Wiesenthal: For most guests, the art is part of the overall atmosphere—they perceive it almost subconsciously because it blends in so naturally, and they simply enjoy its presence. When a piece catches their attention or resonates more deeply, they often approach me to ask about the artist. Whenever possible, I am happy to arrange a studio visit so they can meet the artist in person.
SPARK: To what extent does the presence of art influence the nature of the conversations that take place in your home? Does the collection create a particular intellectual or creative atmosphere?
Saskia Wiesenthal: Yes, that happens quite naturally—because art brings a special energy into your home. The people who come to us tend to share a certain openness; they are interested in art and culture, eager to experience Vienna and its way of life, and looking for inspiration.
I also offer guided tours of the Altstadt, during which I share stories about the house, its rooms, and the people who have lived there. The artworks—and how they became part of our lives—are always an important part of these tours.
SPARK: What makes SPARK so special, and why is it a highlight in your calendar?
SPARK: What does ‘home’ mean to you, not just in the physical sense of the hotel, but also in an emotional and artistic sense?
Saskia Wiesenthal: Home is where I can truly be myself, with all my quirks and imperfections. It is a place where I can realise my full potential. I believe this also applies to artists, who, through their work, offer glimpses into their inner worlds and often reveal something deeply personal. A friend once said, “A work of art is like a portal into someone else’s world,” and I think that is very fitting.
My interest in art has led to many fascinating conversations, joyful evenings, and meaningful friendships. In that sense, I feel a little at home in this world as well.
SPARK: Apart from art, what other passions or interests shape your life, and how do they influence your artistic sensibility?
Saskia Wiesenthal: Music, breathwork, naturopathy, and expanding consciousness. I am driven by curiosity and a desire to explore different perspectives and approach life with an open mind. I rarely take things for granted; instead, I often imagine alternative ways the world could be. That is also what I love about art—the opportunity to shift perspectives and let my imagination run free.
Saskia Wiesenthal
Marketing & Art Manager Hotel Altstadt
Dania Kwizda-Dejanoff
International Relations SPARK Art Vienna