JW Marriott and Christie’s Host “The Art of the Surreal” Pop-Up Exhibit during Art Basel Miami Beach 2012

JW Marriott Marquis Miami Offers Rare Preview of Upcoming Christie’s Sale


Miami, FL – – As part of an ongoing partnership between JW Marriott hotels and Christie’s Auction House, the JW Marriott Marquis Miami will host “The Art of the Surreal,” a pop-up exhibition during Art Basel Miami Beach 2012 from December 5-7, 2012. The exhibit will offer a rare preview of Surreal, Impressionist and Modern Art works that will be auctioned off at an upcoming Christie’s London sale. “The Art of the Surreal” will be open to the public from December 5-7 during Art Basel 2012, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

“The Art of the Surreal” features works by major artists from the Surrealist movement including René Magritte, Max Ernst, Paul Delvaux, Francis Picabia, Óscar Domínguez and Wilfredo Lam. The movement was founded in France in 1924 with the publication of the Manifeste du Surréalisme by André Breton, its founder and chief spokesman. He stated that the central idea was ‘to resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality into an absolute reality, a ‘super-reality.’

JW Marriott Hotels debuted its partnership with Christie’s Auction House during Art Basel Miami Beach 2010 with an exhibition of Post-War and Contemporary highlights from Christie’s February London sale. The two brands replicated the model at Art Basel Miami Beach 2011 and expanded into other markets, including American Paintings at JW Marriott Chicago, archival photographs of The Beatles at the Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel in London and a cross-departmental tour of Hong Kong property to JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square. The partnership was developed as part of JW Marriott’s global brand initiative to enrich culinary, culture and well-being opportunities within the guest experience. By collaborating with Christie’s, select JW properties worldwide are able to deliver one-of-a-kind opportunities for guests to experience the worlds of art, auction and beyond.

“We are looking forward to hosting our third annual pop-up exhibit during Art Basel and 10th exhibition overall with Christie’s,” said Mitzi Gaskins, VP & Global Brand Manager, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts at Marriott International. “The Art of the Surreal is an exceptional collection of works and the show will give our guests access to something incredibly rare and exciting, making their JW experience that much more memorable.”

About JW Marriott:
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 58 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 79 properties in 28 countries. www.marriott.com/jw-marriott/travel.mi.

For more information on Marriott International, Inc. or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About Christie’s:
Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2012 that totaled £2.2 billion/$3.5 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled £413.4 million/ $661.5 million in the first half of 2012, an increase of 53% on the previous year. Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

Connect with jessica.kumins@marriott.com