LEGACY IN FOCUSWomen, art and memory at Elizabeth Arthotel

On March 8, as the world marked International Women’s Day, the Elizabeth Arthotel in Ischgl unveiled 'Women in Frame', a compelling exhibition that paid tribute to contemporary female artists while celebrating over a century of women-led legacy within the Aloys family.
Presented as part of the hotel’s season-long cultural programme, 'The Art of Legacy', the two-week exhibition explored themes of legacy, landscape and cultural memory. At its heart was a reflection on the enduring contributions of women — both within the Aloys lineage and across the contemporary art world — while honouring the hotel’s founder, Elisabeth Aloys.
Founded in 1976, the Elizabeth Arthotel stands as a living testament to female leadership spanning generations. This legacy traces back to Annemarie Aloys in the early 1900s, through Olga Aloys in the mid-century, to founder Elisabeth Aloys, and continues today under the stewardship of Mirjam Aloys. Each generation has played a defining role in shaping the region’s evolution, contributing to the rise of Ischgl as one of Europe’s premier ski destinations—echoing the spirit of the 2026 IWD theme, “Give to Gain.”
'Women in Frame' brought together a diverse group of contemporary artists, including Francesca Martí, Susana Anaya, Patricia Reinhart, Annette Goessel and Dhira Barein. Their works collectively examined the enduring influence of women in shaping both artistic discourse and cultural narratives.

A standout highlight of the exhibition was Sissy, a rooftop sculptural commission by Austrian sister duo Mercedes & Franziska Welte/NONOS. The piece honoured Elisabeth Aloys — affectionately known by her nickname, inspired by Empress Elisabeth of Austria — by placing a symbolic female presence within the Alpine landscape. The sculpture created a striking dialogue between memory, place and contemporary expression, reinforcing the connection between artistic vision and generational legacy.
Reflecting on their work, the artists noted that giving form to untold stories remains central to honouring those who came before, emphasising that legacy is not static but an evolving force shaping both present and future.
'Women in Frame' formed a key highlight of The Art of Legacy, a season-long programme marking the hotel’s 50th anniversary. The initiative explored themes of continuity, memory and female presence through a series of curated exhibitions, including Visions from the DACH Region and Architects of the Organic (March 30–April 12).
Complementing these was a central archival photography exhibition documenting the Aloys family’s pivotal role in shaping the region, alongside the hotel’s own five-decade journey.
Through this ambitious cultural programme, the Elizabeth Arthotel reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating heritage while embracing contemporary voices. Legacy, here, was not merely preserved — it was reinterpreted and reimagined through art, family and place.
Located at the foot of the slopes in the heart of Ischgl, the hotel seamlessly blends alpine luxury with artistic expression.
As it marked its 50th anniversary, the Elizabeth Arthotel not only honoured its past but also positioned itself as a space where history, creativity and modern luxury converge — shaped, significantly, by the enduring vision of women.