Land-based casinos have reinvented themselves over the last few years, and the inclusion of highbrow art galleries in casinos has played a major role in their renaissance. Since the advent of online casinos, land-based casinos have had to up their game. Gamblers now have all the casino games that they could possibly want or need at the tip of their fingers, so in order to make a trip to a land-based casino worth their time and effort casinos have evolved into all-round entertainment centres.
The mega casinos in Vegas realised long ago that adding a musical guest to the bill or a professional stage show like Cirque Du Soleil alongside top-notch gambling facilities would bring more people through the doors. With art galleries, casinos are reaching out to a new audience and they’re doing it with style and substance.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is renowned for both its in-house collections and the temporary exhibits that grace its walls and spaces. Quipped as being a gallery where famous art works come for a vacation, casino goers and art lovers alike are often astounded by the works of art on show. Over the years, the Bellagio has shown exhibitions by the likes of Andy Warhol, Faberge and most recently Yasuaki Onishi.
The curators of the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art have forged partnerships with major galleries from around the world in order to be able to show collections from old masters as well as up and coming artists. The space itself is stunning and the whole concept has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the worlds of art and casino are not exclusive. When it comes to art galleries in casinos, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine art is one of the best in the world.
Picasso Restaurant Gallery
Housed within the Bellagio, the Picasso restaurant is so-called because the walls of the restaurant are adorned with original masterpieces by Picasso. In keeping with the theme, Chef Julian Serrano draws inspiration from the traditional dishes of Spain and France that leave guests breathless with delight. While this may not be one of the art galleries in casinos in the traditional sense of the word, it is still a space that showcases some of the most famous artwork of the 20th century. Clearly, the Bellagio has art ingrained within its soul and the art on show certainly puts the Bellagio in a league of its own when compared to other casinos in Las Vegas.
The Hippodrome Casino
The Hippodrome Casino, London, has taken the idea of art galleries in casinos to a whole new level. The building itself is something of a work of art. Originally a circus/music hall, this Edwardian, Grade II listed building went through a number of reincarnations before being lovingly restored by new owners, Jimmy and Simon Thomas. This father and son duo enlisted Thomas D Gray, a digital artist, to help them create a style of casino that has never been seen before. There is a free welcome drink and casino bonus of 10 pounds included. This an only be used once and during the first visit.
Gray’s digital art installation, which consists of 57 panels placed around the main floor of the interior, is the beating heart of the casino. The images reflect both London’s casino heritage and the heritage of the building itself. Guests and gamblers at the Hippodrome casino are treated to a work of art that is both permanent and ever-changing – but more importantly, all-encompassing. The line between where the art gallery ends and the casino begins is purposefully and splendidly blurred.
Palms Casino Art Collection
The Palms Casino is another casino that has released artwork from the bounds of a dedicated gallery space and instead placed them throughout the casino, effectively turning the entire casino into an art gallery. Original works by Andy Warhol, Richard Prince and Jean-Michel Basquiat grace the walls of the beautifully refurbished casino; gamblers can simply look up from their poker game or slot machine and take a moment to contemplate these visual delicacies whenever they feel moved to do so. The Palms also offers free casino bonus, similar to what can usually be found in an online casino. It’s a no deposit bonus. Furthermore, coffee is free at the Palms – at all times.
British artist, Damien Hirst is particularly celebrated at the Palms Casino. His 1999 sculpture, The Unknown, is the inspiration behind The Palms’ Unknown Bar. The controversial sculpture is made up of three large water tanks that each holds a piece of a shark that has been dissected into three parts – and it hangs in pride of place above the bar. Hirst also designed many facets of the bar’s interior, such as the cocktail sticks and place mats. Hirst may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying the visual and emotional impact of his creation and it makes Unknown Bar so much more than just a bar – it’s now an experience. Patrons will soon forget their losses on the poker table.
Live! Casino
Live! Casino and Hotel is now home to the Cordish Art Collection. The eclectic collection features major works by renowned artists, such as Nick Cave, Charlie Ahn, Jennifer Steinkamp, Andy Warhol and Not Vital. Suzi Cordish is the guiding hand behind the curation of this project. Cordish’s credentials speak for themselves; she was president of the Board of Creative Capital Foundation and she was on the Board of the Smithsonian. Online casino bonus is usually not to be used in Live Casinos, however, there are exceptions where even the Live Dealer area might be free for these adventures.
The collection is multi-sensory; it features sculptures brought to life by the innovative use of light and mirrors, unique collages, photographs and paintings. Live! Casino and Hotel is located in Maryland and was recently heralded as Maryland’s Best Gaming Resort. With a collection that is at once both traditional and contemporary, Live! Casino and Hotel is rising above the standard casino fare and it has proved that art galleries in casinos can elevate them to new heights.
Compare Art at Online Casinos
If you are too busy or not equipped with enough money to visit land based casinos that are found all around the world, no worries. You can still compare casinos on the internet and find out what kind of art they include without having to travel anywhere. What should be compared mainly is surely the bonus if each casino. Sadly, online casinos are not filled with traditional artwork – as you can probably imagine – but there is more than meets the eye.
You can compare how the online casinos are being designed: compare the colours, the animations, the banners, everything that is visible to the eye. Get to know the slot selection but pay attention also to table games, video poker and scratch cards. All of these are nowadays pure works-of-art, and they deserve all the attention they are getting from you and other players.
Only by comparing online casinos and their visual looks – not to mention their services – you’ll find the crown jewels.