Stanley Bard was a prominent figure in New York City's cultural history, best known as the longtime manager and co-owner of the Chelsea Hotel, an iconic establishment in Manhattan that became a legendary hub for artists, musicians, writers, and creatives.He took over the management of the Chelsea Hotel in the 1950's, following in the footsteps of his father David Bard, who was one of the hotel's original owners. Stanley became the face of the hotel, running it with a unique, hands-on approach for over 50 years.

Under Bard's leadership, the Chelsea Hotel became a sanctuary for artists, writers, and musicians. He often allowed residents to pay their rent late or in creative ways, fostering an environment where creativity thrived. The hotel became synonymous with bohemian culture and was home to many famous figures, including: Arthur C. Clarke, William S. Burroughs and Dylan Thomas. Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen and Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols. Along with artists like Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe and many others.

Bard was known for his personal touch and deep connection to the hotel's residents. He curated a unique community, blending established artists with emerging talents, and his support for creativity made the Chelsea Hotel a cultural landmark.His tenure at the Chelsea Hotel ended in 2007 when he was removed from management by the hotel's board. His departure marked the end of an era for the hotel, which had become a symbol of New York's artistic and counter-cultural history.

He passed away on February 22, 2017 in Boca Raton, Florida, due to a stroke but his legacy lives on as a key figure in the history of one of New York's most famous institutions. His life and work remain a testament to the power of nurturing creativity and community, making him an unforgettable figure in the world of art and culture.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Mar 7 2025, 1:55:45 UTC

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• Residence: New York, Bronx, New York - 1935
• Residence: Marital Status: Single Relation to Head of House: Son, New York, Bronx, New York, USA - Apr 1 1940
• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Mar 7 2025, 1:51:54 UTC

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References

1. "Stanley Bard, Former Owner and Manager of The Chelsea Hotel, Dies at 82" (February 14, 2017) < chelseahotelblog.com >
2. Legends of the Chelsea Hotel "One of the recurring pleasures of Ed Hamilton's "Legends of the Chelsea Hotel" is his sly rendering of its former proprietor, Stanley Bard, an eccentric patron of the arts who almost pathologically refused to acknowledge that the Chelsea was anything other than a crystal palace inhabited by muses and magicians." - NY Times Book Review, June 2007