CENTURION, THE ART OF LIVING

2021 marks the major rollout of the new Centurion Card for American Express. The renowned Black Card has been enhanced by integrating art alongside the image of the iconic Roman gladiator.

2021 is the year of the major rollout of the new one Centurion card for American Express. The American Express Centurion Card was already the most exclusive credit card in the world, because most world citizens can only obtain this card through a special invitation. The famous 'BlackCard' has now been made even more exceptional by enriching the card with. right next to the image of the iconic Roman gladiator art.Text: Bart-Jan Brouwer
Online editor: Fleur de JongAmerican Express has entered into a partnership with for the new card Rem Koolhaas and the American portrait painter Kehinde Wiley, which add a good touch of artistic inspiration and innovation to the iconic Centurion Card. In addition to the fact that Centurion Members worldwide can add artistic inspiration to their Wallet, their membership also gives them access to the crème de la crème among artists, creators and trendsetters in the field of fashion, art, design, music and gastronomy. 

Classic Black Card

The changes to the familiar Black Card are inspired by the ethos 'less is more'. Kclassic black, sleeker and more minimalist than before and ready for contactless payments.

Rem Koolhaas x Centurion Art Card

How special that a fellow countryman is represented on this international card. American Express is very proud of it, underlined Robert-Jan Meijers, Country Manager American Express Netherlands: “Rem Koolhaas is one of the great architects of the 20th and 21st centuries. So of course it was a great honor to work with him. Centurion is inspired by the power of the human imagination and the tireless pursuit of a better life. And for us it is Rem Koolhaas the personification of this.” Whether it is a Centurion Member in Miami, the Middle East or London: soon they will all carry a piece of Holland with them in their breast or trouser pocket. A piece of Holland with a story.
 “I discussed various options with American Express, but the Boompjes project quickly became a favorite,” says Koolhaas. “This was a groundbreaking project for myself and for OMA, and it was exciting to dive back in and capture its dynamism in the new design for the Centurion Card.”
Progressive and ambitious, qualities in which American Express recognizes itself and therefore a masterful match.

Kehinde Wiley x Centurion Art Card

For the second Art Card, the creativity of Kehinde Wiley, who is known for his botanical portraits of people from all over the world. “Kehinde Wiley is one of the most important artists of our time, of all time!”, says Robert-Jan Meijers. “So we are honored that he wanted to enter into this collaboration with us. He celebrates the diversity. His work reflects the history of Western art, only he makes it fresher, newer and more diverse – just like the world today.” Wiley was inspired for the Art Card by the botanical motif in the portrait Princess Victoire of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, which he painted in 2012 and which is part of his famous series An Economy of Grace. “An important part of my work is the decorative, organic background of the sitter,” Wiley explains. “The design on the Centurion Card stems from my interest botanical elements and is a reference to my signature style.”

Prada Centurion Wearable

It doesn't stop at cards. American Express has entered into a partnership with Prada. The card has been transformed into a stylish unisex piece of jewelry with which you can make contactless payments. The wearable is made in Italy from the finest black saffiano leather; a durable and scratch-resistant type of leather. The piece of jewelry contains a non-visible payment chip.The new Centurion Card is not just a payment card, it is a way of life, in fact: a way to get the most out of life! Just as Rem Koolhaas brilliantly builds cityscapes with his architecture, American Express connects distant points on the horizon with its unique services and programs, shaping the impressive skyline of the lives of its Centurion Members.

By invitation only.