Travel aboard Hudson River steamers has always incorporated experience of the arts. Steamers of the Hudson River Dayline exhibited the works of noted American and foreign painters and sculptors including the great Hudson River School painters Albert Bierstadt, J. F. Cropsey, and David Johnson, as well as artists from abroad such as Auguste Emile Princhart of Paris and Yzquierdo of Madrid. When the Hudson River Dayline decided to build the Robert Fulton in 1909 – the first orders placed were for the more than 21 original works of art commissioned for the steamer. The interiors of the vessels included an integration of the decorative arts, fine arts, and architecture that was exemplified in the work of the painter architect Louis O. Keil. Artisans associated with Tiffany and Co. collaborated in creating the rich interiors. Music was also an integral part of the experience of travel aboard the steamers, and larger vessels had specially built mezzanines allowing live music performances to be heard on several decks.

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