Source: InterContinental New York Times Square

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

Since opening its doors on July 12, 2010, the InterContinental New York Times Square has remained more than a place to stay—it has become a living reflection of Manhattan’s ongoing transformation. Situated where Times Square, the Theatre District, Hell’s Kitchen, and Hudson Yards converge, the hotel now celebrates its 15-year anniversary with a series of commemorative events that highlight its ongoing commitment to modern luxury, cultural engagement, and artistic collaboration.

To honor this milestone, the property has curated a two-day activation with New York-based artist Marco Santini, known for his vibrant expressions of unity and language. On Friday, July 11 (4:00–5:00 PM) and Saturday, July 12 (12:00–1:00 PM), Santini will host live painting sessions inside the hotel, inviting guests, visitors, and hotel staff to contribute to a collaborative artwork that reflects the energy of New York and the InterContinental’s legacy within it.

The finished piece will be unveiled during a champagne toast at The Stinger Cocktail Bar & Kitchen on Saturday at noon, offering a visual tribute to the hotel’s identity at the heart of the city’s cultural and creative pulse.

When it opened in 2010, InterContinental New York Times Square became the largest hotel built from the ground up in Manhattan since 2002 and the largest in New York City to achieve LEED certification. That architectural and environmental significance still anchors the property’s identity today. Designed to balance urban dynamism with moments of calm, the hotel captures the rhythm of the city while offering a respite high above its bustling streets—often with panoramic skyline views that extend over the Hudson River.

The property’s position at the crossroads of cultural institutions and transit hubs offers travelers immediate access to Broadway, Lincoln Center, the High Line, and Hudson Yards, while also placing them steps from the grit and charm of Hell’s Kitchen. That balance—between legacy and innovation, local authenticity and global sophistication—is what continues to draw a diverse and loyal guest base.

Throughout the summer, the hotel is offering a limited-time “Cheers to 15” welcome amenity, which includes a French 75 cocktail and choice of a sweet or savory snack, available both in-room by pre-order and at The Stinger Cocktail Bar & Kitchen. It’s a gesture that nods to timeless celebration, delivered with contemporary polish.

In the lead-up to the anniversary weekend, InterContinental is also sharing “Guest What?” daily stories on Instagram and Facebook—playful, behind-the-scenes facts about the hotel’s history, people, and design. These moments of digital storytelling invite past and future guests to engage with the property in new ways and underscore the role of luxury hospitality in today’s attention economy.

The collaboration with Marco Santini speaks directly to the hotel’s ethos of bridging global standards with local culture. Known for his “One Love” visual language and commitment to education and inclusion, Santini brings both color and intention to public-facing art. His work often encourages participation and shared ownership—values that align with InterContinental’s goal of creating guest experiences that are as communal as they are personal.

The anniversary mural, created in real time during the weekend’s events, will become a permanent fixture in the hotel, symbolizing not only 15 years of hospitality but also its role as a connector—between past and present, city and visitor, artist and audience.

As InterContinental New York Times Square moves into its next chapter, its dedication to cultural relevance, sustainability, and experiential service remains central. The anniversary isn’t a capstone—it’s a continuation of the hotel’s mission to offer more than a stay. At this dynamic intersection of neighborhoods and narratives, the property reaffirms its place not just in the skyline, but in the ongoing story of New York.