Search

×

Hot Openings: ‘Sexy genius’ themed EMC2 opens in Chicago

Autograph Collection and SMASHotels have debuted a 195-room hotel in Chicago with a focus on great historical minds (and their intellectual sexiness). 

The Albert at Hotel EMC2
The Albert at Hotel EMC2

Hotel EMC2 is also solidly imbued with cheekiness if the hotel’s promo video is any indicator – the short video features look-alikes of Frida Kahlo, Albert Einstein, and Ben Franklin with the tagline, “When ‘famous’ was more than just sexy…it was smart.’”

With interiors from New York-based Rockwell Group and architecture from Chicago-based KOO, the 21-story Hotel EMC2 makes reference to greats like Einstein, da Vinci, and mathematician Emmy Noether, among others. 

Hotel EMC2 exterior
Hotel EMC2 exterior

A 1920s vibe is peppered throughout the hotel, including guest rooms with freestanding bathrooms at the center meant to resemble a wet lab. Each room is decorated with rose gold fixtures and gramophones that project music from guests’ mobile devices. 

Guest room with freestanding bathroom
Guest room with freestanding bathroom

The hotel’s contemporary American restaurant, the Albert (a nod to Einstein) features seasonal, globally-inspired dishes from Executive Chef Brandon Brumback. The opening menu has been meticulously created to celebrate the fresh flavors and aromas of spring; each dish features a specific ingredient not found in any other preparation on the menu. At the center of the Albert, a custom glass chandelier-like structure known as the “infusary” pours house-made infused liquors. The space also features a 20-seat chef’s table, along with commissioned artwork from West Coast surrealist painter, Paul Bond, and local artist, Jonathan Plotkin. 

Lobby
Lobby

Direct bookings by guests will support the youth STEM programs of Chicago-based Project SYNCERE (Supporting Youth’s Needs with Core Engineering Research Experiments), an organization that combines art and science to create transformational experiences for youth within underserved Chicago communities. Autograph Collection Hotels is joining Hotel EMC2’s effort to support Project SYNCERE with a commitment of up to US$50,000 this year in matching funds, contributing to a combined minimum annual donation of US$90,000. The hotel will also collaborate with the organization on additional initiatives.

Lounge area
Lounge area

Nearly 2,000-square-feet of meeting space are also available to guests with elements that pay homage to Emmy Noether as well as art from Dr. Eugenia Cheng (a British mathematician, musician, author, artist and scientist in residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago).

Guest room and freestanding bathroom
Guest room and freestanding bathroom
Comment