Honouring International Women’s Day with Women in Frame exhibition and new rooftop sculpture
Elisabeth and Mirjam Aloys. Mercedes & Franziska Welte / NONOS 'Sissy' 2025. (Photo: Erika Laszlo / © Elizabeth Arthotel)
On the 8 March 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) will mark 115 years of women’s contributions to cultural, social and economic progress, and Elizabeth Arthotel will launch Women in Frame, a new exhibition celebrating contemporary female artists. Presented as part of its season-long cultural programme The Art of Legacy, the new two-week exhibition explores themes of legacy, landscape and cultural memory, reflecting on over a century of female heritage within the Aloys family and honouring its founder, Elisabeth Aloys, with a rooftop sculpture commission by Austrian sister duo Mercedes & Franziska Welte / NONOS.
Founded in 1976 the Elizabeth Arthotel stands as a testament to the enduring female legacy of the Aloys family in Ischgl, in the Austrian Alps. This rich heritage spans over a century, tracing back to Annemarie Aloys in the early 1900s, through Olga Aloys mid-century, to hotel founder Elisabeth Aloys and now her daughter and the current owner, Mirjam Aloys. Each generation has been instrumental in the region’s growth, fostering community progress and shaping Ischgl into the renowned ski destination it is today, embodying the spirit of this year’s IWD theme, “Give to Gain”.
Left: Annemarie Aloys Right: Erwin and Olga Aloys celebrate the opening of the Silvretta Bahn, 1963 (Courtesy Elizabeth Arthotel)
Launching on International Women’s Day, Women in Frame (8–22 March) is a powerful tribute to women whose vision reshapes both canvas and conversation. Featuring Francesca Martí, Susana Anaya, Patricia Reinhart, Annette Goessel and Dhira Barein, the exhibition brings together distinctive contemporary voices, inviting reflection on the enduring influence and presence of women in art. A highlight of the showcase is a new rooftop sculptural commission, Sissy, by the Austrian sister duo Mercedes & Franziska Welte / NONOS. This significant work honours the hotel’s founder Elisabeth, affectionately titled after her nickname — itself a reference to Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Sissy places female presence directly within the Alpine landscape, connecting memory, place and contemporary expression, while reinforcing the dialogue between female artistic vision and generational legacy.
Reflecting on the commission, International Women’s Day and the Aloys’ family female legacy, Mercedes & Franziska Welte / NONOS say: “As artists, we believe that giving form to untold stories is how we honour those who came before us. In creating Sissy, we wanted to reflect the strength of female presence and the importance of remembering those whose vision continues to shape the present. By honouring legacy, we gain a deeper understanding of our future.”
Francesca Martì works featured in Women in Frame exhibition, Courtesy Elizabeth Arthotel
Women in Frame is an important highlight of The Art of Legacy, Elizabeth Arthotel’s season-long cultural programme marking its fiftieth anniversary. Running throughout the winter season, the programme explores continuity, memory, female presence and place. It also includes Visions from the DACH Region (9–22 February 2026) and Architects of the Organic (30 March–12 April 2026), alongside a centrepiece archival photography exhibition tracing the Aloys family’s role in shaping the region and the fifty year history of the hotel. This archival exhibition is presented at the Elizabeth Arthotel and complemented by a virtual gallery accessible via the hotel’s website.
Through The Art of Legacy, Elizabeth Arthotel continues to honour the women who shaped its history while creating space for contemporary artistic voices: The programme positions legacy not as something merely preserved, but as a dynamic entity continually evolving through art, family and place.
ENDS
Elizabeth Arthotel (Photo: Stathis Bouzoukas / © Elizabeth Arthotel)
*Full captions and credits must be used with any published images
Press & Collaborations Contact:
Maisie Brown – maisie@elobrands.com - +44 7729175989
The Art of Legacy Launch, Season–long until 12 April 2026
Visions from the DACH Region, 9–22 February 2026
Women in Frame, 8–22 March 2026
Architects of the Organic, 30 March–12 April 2026
About the Elizabeth Arthotel:
Founded in 1976 by Günther and Elisabeth Aloys, the Elizabeth Arthotel has a rich history rooted in hospitality, design and alpine culture. The Aloys family’s involvement in transforming Ischgl into a world-class ski resort dates back even further to Erwin Aloys, who played a pivotal role in developing the town’s first cable car system in 1963.
Today, the hotel is owned by Mirjam Aloys and her husband Markus Pfister, who continue the family tradition with a shared passion for art, wine and creating exceptional alpine experiences.
Since its opening, the Elizabeth Arthotel has evolved into a five-star property renowned for its architecture, service and cultural character. Key milestones include the 2011 refurbishment, which redefined the property as the Elizabeth Arthotel, and the 2017 renovation of its wellness area and façade, which secured its five-star rating.
Located at the foot of the slopes in the heart of Ischgl, the hotel combines ski-in/ski-out access with a rooftop infinity pool and spa, fine dining, an extensive wine cellar and a curated art collection featuring international and Austrian artists.
As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Elizabeth Arthotel continues to honour its family legacy while redefining alpine luxury for a new generation of travellers.