25 Years Later: The Bellagio's Splendor Lives On!
Bellagio's Extravaganza: A Journey Through Whimsy and Opulence
As we step into the Bellagio Resort & Casino, we're transported to a world of grandeur and fantasy, where surrealism meets elegance. The iconic Italianesque palace is celebrating its Silver Anniversary in style, with a summer exhibit that's nothing short of breathtaking.
A Surreal Summer
The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, one of the resort's crown jewels, has been transformed into a fantastical wonderland by designer Ed Libby and Bellagio's Horticulture team. The result is "Glam Menagerie: A Surrealist Summer," an illogical experience that will leave you spellbound.
With 125,000 pounds of ivy woven throughout the display, 22,000 potted plants, shrubs, and trees, and 5,000 square feet of boxwood sculpted into topiaries, this exhibit is a feast for the senses. Towering topiaries, couture animals, and multi-sensory surprises will dazzle and disorient you, while intricate trompe-l'oeil illusions challenge your perception at every turn.
A Fantasy World
As we wander through the gardens, we're transported to a world where nature and opulence intertwine. Surreal animal figures adorned in French Renaissance-inspired costuming add a whimsical flair to this escape from reality. Each element was chosen to challenge perception and celebrate luxury, imagination, and the beauty of summertime.
The West Bed: A Life-Sized Chessboard
In the West Bed, a life-sized chessboard takes center stage, with moss-covered figures poised for a fantastical duel. To the left, an elegant pink cockatoo swings gracefully beneath, inspired by Fragonard's iconic painting "The Swing." On the right, grand chandeliers illuminate pink botanicals and oversized topiaries that fill the bed below.
A Surreal Duel
In this whimsical wonderland, reality and fantasy blur. Guests can indulge in a lavish Sadelle's brunch at The Garden Table, where grand marble chess pieces meet opulent decor. With a harmonious soundtrack and delicate jasmine scent filling the air, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
The North Bed: A French Renaissance-Inspired Soiree
In the North Bed, two topiary giraffe sisters join Tigress Giovanna, perched on a swing and dressed in haute couture inspired by the French Renaissance. Nearby, cherub fountains add a sense of gentle tranquility, while surrounding lavender, pink, blue, and white flowers evoke the elegance of classic European gardens.
A Harmonious Experience
LED screens filled with illusionary art brighten the bed from behind, accompanied by a harmonious soundtrack and delicate jasmine scent filling the air. Guests can bring home a piece of the Conservatory with a bespoke candle available for purchase at the Giardini Store.
The East Bed: A Captivating Gazebo
In the East Bed, a captivating gazebo stands at the heart of this whimsical wonderland. Pedestal columns support a wrought iron dome adorned with pink and white blossoms, surrounded by shimmering waters and antique-style lanterns embossed with the Bellagio 'B' hanging high above.
Sustainability at Its Finest
At the Bellagio Conservatory, sustainability meets opulence. Water used in the gardens comes from on-site underground wells that use rain and recycled water from the resort, avoiding the use of municipal potable water. This method of recycling keeps thousands of pounds of waste out of local landfills and turns it into something that improves the region's soil, air, and water quality.
A Culinary Journey
Visitors are invited to embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey at The Garden Table, hosted within an opulent chess piece at the heart of the Bellagio Conservatory. With brunch service from Sadelle's at $125 per person and dinner from MICHAEL MINA Bellagio at $195 per person, this is an experience you won't soon forget.
Award-Winning Dining
Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, Bellagio Resort & Casino overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake in which fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet. Award-winning dining options include Prime Steakhouse and The Mayfair Supper Club, as well as world-class art galleries and shopping.
The Verdict
Bellagio's "Glam Menagerie: A Surrealist Summer" exhibit is a must-see experience that will leave you spellbound. With its opulent decor, whimsical wonderland, and commitment to sustainability, this Italianesque palace has truly outdone itself.
