The newly renovated Rotunda Room in The Pierre Hotel, was unveiled on July 12th. This oval, central room within the 86 year-old hotel has been used for everything from wedding ceremonies, film shoots, to afternoon tea. But it wasn’t until 1967, when The Pierre became a co-op with 75 full-time residences and a hospitality company running the 189 guest rooms, that artist Edward Melcarth (1914-1973) was commissioned to paint the famous trompe l’oeil Rotunda Room murals. His Renaissance murals had a few surprising images standing alongside mythical figures, and included prominent people in New York society, who were not all pleased with their image being painted on the hotel walls.
A Jacqueline Onassis painted in the mural at top of the staircase
Erik Estrada painted within the mural, and we were told that he was there recently to see the renovated work
In addition to renovation on the murals, the decorative plaster ceiling, marble stairs and stone walls were attended to, and LED strip-lighting runs the perimeter of the floor, shedding up-light onto the murals. With the work complete, the Rotunda Room is fully engaged as the eatery Perrine, serving campaign, coffee, cakes and pastries during the day, and light supper beginning at 7pm.
A very nice afternoon tea is also served at The Pierre in its E Bar Lounge. The Pierre, a TAJ Hotel, is located at 795 Fifth Avenue at 61st Street.
Read about 10 of NYC’s Lost Grand Hotels or discover 17 Gilded Age Fifth Avenue Mansions, lost and still standing. Contact the author at AFineLyne.
