Art on Every Corridor: Discover the Hotel’s Private Collection of Val Gardena Masterpieces

Step into a living gallery in the heart of Ortisei: Art on Every Corridor at the Classic Hotel am Stetteneck means your stay unfolds amid paintings, sculptures, and drawings by artists with deep ties to the Dolomites. In our historic Art Nouveau mansion (est. 1913), art is not a side note—it is woven into rooms, corridors, and common areas, inviting you to experience Val Gardena’s celebrated craftsmanship up close. In this guide, you’ll learn which artists you’ll meet, how to explore the collection during your stay, and how our cultural commitments enrich the wider community.

Where the Gallery Meets Hospitality

Art lives where you live at the Classic Hotel am Stetteneck. Throughout guest rooms, hallways, and shared spaces, you’ll encounter thoughtfully placed works that reflect the valley’s centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship. Many pieces are displayed along the walls and corridors of our historic hotel, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and inspiring.

This setting is no accident. Since 1913, four generations of the Sanoner-Demetz family have cared for our Art Nouveau mansion in Ortisei, cherishing the Dolomites and the community that shapes them. Our approach to hospitality includes cultural stewardship: we invest time and resources to promote and preserve Val Gardena’s unique history and arts, ensuring guests enjoy authentic encounters with local creativity.

• Works on view: paintings, sculptures, and drawings by local and international artists connected to the Dolomites
• Display locations: rooms, corridors, and common areas across the property
• Cultural ethos: active support of local events and artists through direct purchases and collaborations

For a deeper look at how culture anchors our operations, explore our Sustainability commitments: Sustainability.

Val Gardena Masters You’ll Meet

Val Gardena’s artistry is renowned, especially for wood carving and painting with origins dating back to the 17th century. During your stay, you may encounter works or references by masters whose names have become synonymous with the valley’s creative spirit.

• Sculptors: Adolf Vallazza, the Verginer family, Aaron Demetz
• Painters: J. Moroder Lusenberg (a student of Defregger), Peter Demetz, Markus Vallazza

These names represent a lineage of mastery that continues to shape the region’s cultural identity. Their influence extends beyond the studio: it informs how the valley sees, feels, and interprets the Dolomites—from light-drenched ridgelines to the textures of alpine wood.

What makes Val Gardena art unique?

• Deep roots in craft: Generations of artisans have refined techniques in carving and painting since the 17th century.
• A sense of place: Subjects, materials, and motifs are often drawn from the Dolomites and valley life.
• Living tradition: Today’s artists build on historic methods while exploring contemporary forms.

Beyond Display: How the Hotel Sustains Culture

Our role is more than custodianship. We participate in the valley’s cultural life to ensure the arts continue to flourish and remain accessible to guests and locals alike.

• We support cultural events financially and by purchasing artworks.
• We organize visits to sculptors and carvers in the valley.
• In collaboration with Val Gardena Active, we offer cultural highlights alongside sports and culinary experiences.
• We support local associations and cultural events such as Unika and the Gherdëina art biennale.
• We work closely with South Tyrolean craftsmen, furnishing the hotel with high-quality materials crafted and delivered by local artisans.

As recognition of our broader commitment, our hotel has been awarded the GSTC® Certificate and the IDM Sustainability Label at the highest level (Level Three). Learn more about our approach to responsible hospitality here: Sustainability.

An Art-Lover’s Itinerary in Ortisei

Use this suggested flow to experience the collection and the valley’s artistry in a single day.

1. Morning: Start with an unhurried corridor walk. Notice how sculptures and drawings converse with the building’s Art Nouveau lines. Because works are displayed across rooms and common spaces, every floor reveals something new.
2. Late Morning: Join a visit to local sculptors and carvers. We organize these encounters in the valley, offering guests an authentic view of traditional techniques.
3. Afternoon: Ride a nearby cable car to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, or Rasciesa. The landscapes that inspire Val Gardena artists are within walking distance of the hotel and reachable by cable car from Ortisei.
4. Evening: Return for dinner featuring local specialties. Our kitchen emphasizes fresh, seasonal, and regional products—from South Tyrolean wines to organic South Tyrolean milk and apple juice sourced directly from the farm. We take dinner orders in the morning to minimize food waste, and fresh water is available at every table. Explore more on dining: Eat & Drink.

Traveling responsibly enhances the experience. Public transportation in South Tyrol is well-developed, with half-hourly services. From Ortisei, frequent buses connect the valley (e.g., St. Ulrich and Wolkenstein), making it easy to explore without a car.

How to See More: Programs and Partnerships

Val Gardena invites active discovery—of nature, cuisine, and culture. As our guest, you can take part in selected Val Gardena Active and Val Gardena Active KIDS activities free of charge or at a discounted price, including guided hikes with the Catores Alpine School, full moon hikes, sunrise tours with mountain breakfasts, cookery courses, and more. Ask our team to help you craft an art-forward schedule: Val Gardena Active.

Activities are organized exclusively in Val Gardena whenever possible, which reduces traffic and supports the local economy. Our guided hikes and snowshoe tours are planned to avoid hotspots where we can, leaving room for quiet reflection and meaningful encounters with place—the same quiet that so often breathes through local art.

Quick Answers for Curious Guests

What does “Art on Every Corridor” mean at the Classic Hotel am Stetteneck?

Art is integrated throughout the property—rooms, corridors, and common areas display paintings, sculptures, and drawings by artists with ties to the Dolomites.

Which artists are associated with the hotel’s collection and cultural focus?

You’ll encounter or learn about notable Val Gardena masters such as sculptors Adolf Vallazza, the Verginer family, Aaron Demetz, and painters J. Moroder Lusenberg (a student of Defregger), Peter Demetz, and Markus Vallazza.

Can the hotel arrange visits to local artists?

Yes. We organize visits to sculptors and carvers in the valley, giving guests respectful access to Val Gardena’s living traditions.

How does the hotel support culture and community?

We support cultural events financially and by acquiring artworks, collaborate with local partners and associations (including Unika and the Gherdëina art biennale), and actively participate in local organizations.

Is the hotel recognized for sustainable practices?

Yes. We are proud recipients of the GSTC® Certificate and the IDM Sustainability Label at Level Three.

How can I explore art and nature without a car?

South Tyrol’s public transport runs frequently, and from Ortisei you can take cable cars to Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, and Rasciesa. Buses run often through Val Gardena, enabling easy, car-free exploration.

Practical Takeaways for Art-Minded Travelers

• Stroll with intention: Set aside time to walk each corridor—morning light and evening calm reveal different details in the works.
• Ask about studio visits: Our team can connect you to organized visits with sculptors and carvers in Val Gardena.
• Pair art with landscape: Combine a gallery stroll with a cable car ride to the Alpe di Siusi, Seceda (Sellaronda), or Rasciesa to see the vistas that inspire local artists.
• Join Val Gardena Active: Many activities are free or discounted for guests. Check schedules for cultural experiences: Val Gardena Active.
• Dine locally, think seasonally: Our menus emphasize regional products and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more: Eat & Drink.
• Travel light—and green: Use frequent buses and cable cars to reduce traffic and deepen your connection to place. See our broader approach: Sustainability.
• Make it a wellness day: After a culture-filled itinerary, unwind in our indoor pool, sauna, and relaxation areas. Explore options: SPA & Wellness.

Conclusion: Stay Where Culture Lives

At the Classic Hotel am Stetteneck, Art on Every Corridor is both an invitation and a promise: to encounter Val Gardena’s masterpieces where you rest, dine, and dream. By supporting local artists and cultural events, organizing visits to sculptors and carvers, and placing artworks throughout our historic hotel, we offer a stay that connects you to the valley’s creative heart.

Ready to explore our in-house collection and the cultural life of Ortisei? Discover your ideal base in the Dolomites: Rooms & Suites. To plan your art-forward escape—or to request a tailored cultural itinerary—contact us or send a request today: Request or call +39 0471 796 563.

Looking ahead to winter or summer? Pair your cultural exploration with seasonal adventures: Winter and Summer.