Ireland has a long history of art creation and appreciation, with early works dating back to mediaeval times. Even today, the Irish art community is thriving with various galleries and art-focused events across the country. But, if you’ve found yourself needing a change of pace from the permanent collections at the National Gallery of Ireland or the Irish Museum of Modern Art, a trip to art exhibits and galleries in other countries is in order.
As surprising as it may sound, many casinos have embraced the art world through exhibits and full-blown galleries on their premises, meaning they should be on your radar when you’re contemplating where to go for an art fix. Add in the fact that many casinos are resorts that offer you exciting games, relaxing spas, and fine dining, and a casino starts to feel like a dream destination.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure that caters to your love of art and your desire for fun and entertainment, the casinos listed here are calling your name.
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1. Bellagio (Las Vegas, United States)
The Bellagio is a famous casino resort known for delivering a luxurious experience and a taste of Tuscany amid the gaming Las Vegas is known for. The Bellagio steeps its guests in luxury through its design and show-stopping features like its fountain regularly displaying water and light shows. Beyond this, the Bellagio also offers the luxury of admiring fine art through the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.
The Gallery offers 2,600 sq ft of exhibition space and has displayed the works of beloved artists like Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh, making it a must-see destination for art lovers worldwide.
2. Marina Bay Sands (Marina Bay, Singapore)
The Marina Bay Sands casino resort is a luxurious place to stay and be surrounded by fine art. Commissioned works are displayed throughout the casino, providing an informal art exhibit for guests, while a formal platform for art appreciation is offered through the casino’s ArtScience Museum.
The ArtScience Museum delivers precisely what the name entails, explorations and information about both art and science. It has been the site of exhibitions for well-known and beloved artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, and Salvador Dali. Thanks to the museum, the Marina Bay Sands presents an opportunity for art lovers to become science lovers with a range of engaging exhibits.
3. Wynn Palace (Macau, China)
The Wynn Palace is known for being a beautiful building and home to many forms of entertainment, including gallery spaces. The art pieces found in the Wynn Palace collection showcase and celebrate China’s history and culture, both past and present, with pieces ranging from as far back as the 1700s to contemporary pieces created in recent years.
Not only is the art collection here vast in its history, but it also showcases a range of mediums and artistic techniques, including tapestries of wool and silk, folding screens created with lacquer on wood, and ceramic vases.
4. ARIA (Las Vegas, United States)
The ARIA, another famed casino resort found in the gambling hub of Las Vegas, is home to a collection of fine art and art instalments. Unlike most fine art collections belonging to casinos, there isn’t a dedicated space for viewing the art. Instead, the artworks are integrated into the building’s public spaces. The first pieces you’ll encounter upon visiting are found at the concierge desk and the building’s various lobbies, while others are found on the casino floor and within the spa and salon.
The ARIA even sponsors artworks found in the city. The artworks can be found in pedestrian-friendly areas and feature commonly used materials or items displayed in unique, thought-provoking ways.
5. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Atlantic City, United States)
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino delivers a unique art experience through the immersive Beyond Van Gogh exhibit. Instead of having paintings hanging from the walls, the casino projects Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces onto the walls and floors of the space, saying that this allows visitors to feel as if “they’ve stepped directly into a scene from one of Van Gogh’s paintings.” As the paintings move across the exhibition space, speakers play readings of some of the letters the artist wrote to his brother.
While some question whether an instalment like this should be considered art, others think it makes art more accessible to more people. Odds are, if you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll want to see it for yourself before deciding one way or another.
6. Palms Casino Resort (Las Vegas, United States)
Much like the ARIA, the Palms displays art throughout its interior, with pieces shown in the casino’s main lobby, bars, restaurants, and even on the casino floor. The casino’s collection comprises various art forms, including photography, paintings, and installations. You’ll find works by famous artists like Andy Warhol and contemporary artists like REVOK, Felipe Pantone, and Olivia Steele.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of the Casino-Art Connection
The pairing of art and casinos may initially sound unexpected, but the two come together seamlessly. For guests, the addition of art within casinos reinforces the idea of luxury, wealth, and sophistication most of us associate with casinos, while for casinos, it’s an opportunity to increase profits. Such combinations are becoming increasingly common.
If you’re looking to admire art and test your luck, these casinos from around the world are the way to go. However, if you’d like to try your hand at casino games before you get there, the collection of free slots on casinos.com can help you find your footing without breaking the bank.
Header image credit: Pinched with Four Aces (1903)
