Historic Hotels of America® recognized Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s George Gray Mural collection as one of the most magnificent hotel art collections in the United States. The Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List features 25 museum-quality art collections.“ The murals depict some of the most important moments in Bethlehem’s history. This recognition will help share our beloved art with the world,” said Bruce Haines, Managing Partner of Historic Hotel Bethlehem. “It’s a real honor to be selected as a standout artistic destination among HHA’s more than 300 member hotels.”

Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide said, “The authenticity and originality of historic hotels is illustrated in the one-of-a-kind art collections many of them display for guests. Support for artists and endowments to acquire and sustain art collections has been a tradition of many of the founders and builders of historic hotels; fortunately, this tradition continues through the dedication of current ownership and their passion for making it easy for guests of these iconic and legendary hotels to experience some of the finest art collections across the United States of America – while staying at a historic hotel.”

About the

George Gray Murals

Seven murals by artist George Gray crown Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s Mural Ballroom. Another hangs directly outside the ballroom. In 1936, the American Hotels Corporation took over the management of Hotel Bethlehem and commissioned George Gray to paint the history of Bethlehem for this hotel. It was part of a vast new mural program for the corporation’s upscale hotels. Measuring up to 30 feet wide, the artworks became minor landmarks in their cities.

The murals painted for Historic Hotel Bethlehem depict stories related to the historic city’s past: The Walking Purchase (1737), The Founding of Bethlehem (1741), General Benjamin Franklin’s Visit (1755), The Liberty Bell in Bethlehem (1777), General Casimir Pulaski (Father of the American Cavalry) visit (1778), Asa Packer & the founding of Lehigh University (1865), Iron & Steel Industry, and a map of The Walking Purchase.

Gray painted more than 200 murals in his lifetime, most of which were commissioned by the American Hotels Corporation. Today, only 26 of his hotel murals survive. The murals at Historic Hotel Bethlehem are the only set in their original location and one of only two complete surviving sets painted by Gray. Historic Hotel Bethlehem is located within a National Historic Landmark District and is adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2002.

Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s collection is among well-respected art collections. Other honorees include The Omni Homestead Resort, the Palmer House, and The Pfister Hotel. You can see the full list of Historic Hotels of America Most Magnificent Art Collections at historichotels.org/us/2025-top-25-art-collections-list.php.

This isn’t the first time art experts have recognized Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s murals. In 2023, USA Today named them in a story about hotels with museum-worthy collection.

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