A view of the Hollywood Hills behind the rooftop pool of The Dream

The dream hotel

Hollywood, California is obviously no stranger to the state-of-the-art nightlife. So if the Dream hotel Opened five years ago in this famously bustling Los Angeles neighborhood, it had to go right. This took place in the form of a variety of lounge and leisure opportunities that accompany the 178 stylish guest rooms. The energy flows from a modern and green lobby to the food and restaurants in the marquee to an 11,000 square meter lounge on the roof that floats between the skyline and the Hollywood Hills. Beauty & Essex as well as Tao Asian bistro– two well-known goods at the intersection of gourmet cuisine and nightlife – both operate extensive outposts here.

But in this hype-heavy district, it is never enough to rest on your laurels. To stay relevant, you need to keep up with the latest trends. Whatever stimulates the imagination, a real Hollywood hotspot should be on top – often it’s about keeping your finger on the pulse of art or technology. In the case of the dream’s newest exhibit, it means both. The crypt gallery is the hotel’s newest addition: one of the city’s first permanent collections of NFT art, fully open to the public.

If you are not entirely familiar with the concept of “non-fungible tokens”, you are certainly not alone. And this particular exhibition is meant to be informative in that regard. Educational plagues littered the walls of the room explain the basics of NFT art; how it is created, sold and resold. QR codes on the display lead to additional information available on related websites as you explore the room.

But the best way to get answers is to go straight to the source. So we sat down with the responsible collector The crypt gallery. In an exclusive interview with Forbes, Athanasios Polihronopoylos– nicknamed “The King Of Midtown” – helps us better understand NFT art and why it works so well in a hip Hollywood hotel.

Why are NFTs so popular right now?

There is a lot to unpack and address on this question. I just want to start by saying that this is just the beginning. In terms of what people are discovering with NFTs and their skills, there is a great connection with DeFi (Decentralized Finance). NFTs are tied to several components, including authenticity, independent creators, discovering new art forms, and finding a supportive community that continues to grow. NFTs are a revolution. It is only a matter of time before everyone becomes aware of it.

Did the circumstances of the pandemic help fuel movement in this sector?

I believe COVID definitely impacted the growth of the digital art market, at least for me and many others during the lockdown. That being said, NFTs aren’t just passing madness. As bigger brands and companies like Visa, as well as celebrities and art auction houses get involved, the mainstream hears more and more of NFTs. Institutions like banks were once against cryptocurrencies, but after seeing the dynamism and scale of that movement, they are now stepping in. The same goes for NFTs. Big art collectors are now buying digital works of art, famous physical artists are producing digital assets to combine with their works, fashion, sports and the music industry are entering the space. We are experiencing a modern renaissance that includes cryptocurrency, blockchains and NFTs. And the artists who dedicate their time and talent to the space become the new celebrities.

But why is a hotel a suitable space for an NFT exhibition?

The hospitality industry seemed like the perfect place for this type of project. Hotels not only offer a high level of attention, but also offer an entertaining atmosphere in which to linger and linger. Compared to traditional white-walled art galleries and classic presentations, high-end hotels create an ideal environment for housing The Crypt Gallery. Aside from the atmosphere, the hotels also have a high volume of changing guests, many of them international and for various reasons. This was key in trying to educate NFTs and bring them into the mainstream. The reach of a hotel also reflects the global reach of NFTs. Whether tourists, business travelers or conference participants, the presence offered in hotels can hardly be copied anywhere else.

In particular, how does the aesthetics of the Dream Hotel fit in with this avant-garde medium?

Dream Hotel Group was the hospitality brand that immediately came to mind when I imagined The Crypt Gallery. Each of their objects is architecturally and creatively unique, yet the emphasis on art is evident at all locations. Dream Hollywood has always been known as a trendsetter and one of the most popular places in LA. The well-designed lobby creates an ambience that people are drawn to and want to hang out in. The restaurant scene, rooftop terrace, and the constant events on the property help make everyone want to be here. Overall, Dream simply provides the perfect physical space to host this innovative and rare exhibition. I mean the name itself speaks for their creativity and self expression … they helped bring our dream to life.

Athanasios Polihronopoylos, AKA “The King of Midtown”

The crypt gallery

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