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Go shoppingThis famous glass ceiling, the “Fiori di Como”, can be found in the Bellagio’s main lobby
Casinos have long been associated with glamour and elegance, as world-famous gaming destinations like Monte Carlo and Las Vegas ooze luxury and extravagance. As such, it only makes sense that when creating these gorgeous environments, various works of art are a must in the design process.
Aside from offering patrons the opportunity to play on slot machines or entertaining table games like roulette and blackjack, many casino complexes are also places full of unique pieces of creative expression that only add to the facilities’ overall stylish ambience. In this article we take a look at a few casinos whose art speaks for itself.
The Bellagio, Las Vegas
While some casinos simply have art sprinkled around their walls, the Bellagio has an entire gallery dedicated to it. Located directly inside the hotel and gaming complex, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art puts on diverse exhibitions dedicated to everything from Impressionism to Modernism, Pop Art and more. In cooperation with different museums around the world, past shows have featured famous works from artists like Picasso and Andy Warhol.
The Hippodrome, London
First opened in 1900 as a venue for circus performances, the London Hippodrome is the city’s most famous and popular entertainment destination for tourists and locals like. Located in Leicester Square not far from some of London’s must-see spots like Buckingham Palace and the River Thames, the casino has undergone several upgrades since its inception over 120 years ago. These renovations often see more artworks being included within its walls.
Recently, the Hippodrome has brought in a brand-new, modern piece by their long-term Digital Artist, Thomas D. Gray. His 57-screen video art installation spans the length of four floors and more than two walls. These plasma screens represent a new age in art, when digital projects have become largely mainstream. To understand Gray’s work, it’s helpful to take a look at how far casino establishments have come in the last few decades. Nowadays, online casino games of different varieties have begun replacing physical slot machines, table games, and more. In the same way that Gray’s artistry is adapting with modern times and 21st century audiences, so are casinos all around the world.
The Venetian, Macau
Many people are familiar with the Venetian Las Vegas, one of Sin City’s most famous gaming centres, but how many know that a replica of the building exists on the other side of the world in China’s autonomous southern region of Macau? Inside this expansive resort and casino, visitors will notice an array of gorgeous wall art as well as ceiling paintings. Because most works are presented in bright gold colours, the casino gives off an air of light and luxury that makes guests feel like they are walking through an ethereal palace.
There are also various sculptures which can be found throughout the facility. Seeing as the Venetian Macau is the world’s second largest casino and twice the size of its Vegas counterpart, there is no shortage of space to display beautiful pieces.
The Venetian Macau is modelled after the casino of the same name in Las Vegas
The Palms, Las Vegas
Moving back to the Entertainment Capital of the World, another well-known Vegas-based casino establishment, the Palms, also displays a diverse fine art collection. Here, guests will find unrivaled works from creators like Murakami, Timothy Curtis, Richard Prince, and contemporary neon light artist, Olivia Steele. The casino is even home to some special original pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat and legendary Pop artist, Andy Warhol.
For those interested in more Pop artistry, London’s Tate Modern curated some interesting pieces by female creators a few years ago which shone a light on less-popular works in the era. Highlights from the past event can be viewed here.
Regardless of the style of art you enjoy most, these casinos merge impressionism with modernism, and the classic with the digital. After all, art has the capacity to communicate more than words ever could, and these gaming facilities do just that.