The Chelsea Hotel lives on through dance & stories of scandal

If you think stars are scandalous today, take a trip back in time to the Chelsea Hotel circa any decade in the 20th century. Back then, when the famous did "edgy" things, it was more part of their lifestyle than a media ploy. The hotel held secrets until word got out -- many stories will remain unheard, only seen by those walls.

In the 2006 cult classic series Love Monkey on CBS, the A&R character takes a young musician to rock 'n' roll landmarks around the city, and of course the Chelsea Hotel was one of them. It wasn't just the place for rockstars and where John Simon Ritchie (Sid Vicious) allegedly killed Nancy Spungen. The site has played host to diverse figures in art and entertainment over 100 years, through breakups and reunions, drug binges and detoxes, art creation and destruction. Its importance transcends geographical boundaries, as well.

The Guardian recently reported the latest touring production for the British company Earthfall is "Chelsea Hotel." They're performing all around the UK until December 5th, bringing the cultural landmark of New York abroad through dance. You may not be able to check it out for yourself, but you can relive its history with just a glimpse of stories that keep the hotel alive. Built in the late 19th century as part of artist housing -- the "Hubert Home Clubs," it has closed and reopened through rough economic times. 

A lot of personal stuff went down there: Dylan Thomas drank whiskeys until he died and Arthur Miller rebounded from his failed relationship with Marilyn Monroe, according to The Daily Mail. Edie Sedgwick could have burned down the place after gluing eyelashes on with candle wax, setting the room afire and going in her closet (post-breakup with Bob Dylan).

Famous works were created there: Jack Kerouac, also a resident, wrote "On the Road." Janis Joplin and Leonard Cohen wrote "Chelsea Hotel #2." It's referenced in a score of songs, from Nico's "Chelsea Girl" to Lana del Ray's "Chelsea Hotel" today.

A ton of people lived there: It's housed everyone from famed writer Mark Twain to Patti Smith and Madonna (where she also later shot photographs for a sex book). Ethan Hawke lived there post-breakup with Uma Thurman, and she lived there at one point as well. Hawke even used it as the set for his independent film Chelsea Walls, starring Thurman. 

Most actors, writers, directors, musicians and other artists you can think of have passed through its doors. In August 2011 the hotel stopped having guests. Also called Hotel Chelsea, if its walls could talk they'd be rendered speechless. It may be the closest to 20th century lost generation in Paris we have seen on this side of the pond.

What places will become the new cultural hubs of our time? Will artists ever have a haven free from paparazzi?