MGM Cotai joins list of Macau luxury resorts housing artistic masterpieces

Many of Macau’s luxury hotels have begun assembling some of the most sophisticated art collections in the region, kept on permanent display. MGM Cotai, opening later this year, will house about 300 works of art in its public spaces, from modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures by established artists in Asia, to commissioned works by local and regional rising talents, plus large-scale installations and antique carpets from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

The hotel’s parent company, MGM Resorts International, has initiated arts projects across its properties all over the world. For instance, at its Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, 21 works of art – by acclaimed painters, sculptors and artists such as Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer and Frank Stella –are on display for all to see.

At MGM Macau, which opened on the peninsular in 2007, guests can appreciate Salvador Dalí’s bronze sculpture, Alice in Wonderland, and Dale Chihuly’s hand-blown glass sculpture, Fiori di Paradiso. These masterpieces stand at the entrance and in the lobby area of the hotel.

Since 2013 there also has been a dedicated 8,000-sq-ft art space in the hotel showcasing special exhibitions. The space has hosted exhibitions featuring works by Florentine Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli, the French artist Edgar Degas, and a host of other artists. It has also exhibited red sandalwood art.

MGM China is a patron of the arts and is involved in promoting cultural tourism and art appreciation in Macau. Pansy Ho, co-chairperson and executive director of MGM China, says: “We recognise the rich history of Macau and we are very proud to build on our own legacy in artistry and entertainment, while linking both traits to the affluent heritage of China and Asia, to bring creative interpretations of Macau and China to the world through these inspiring artworks.”

Before selecting the works of art, the hotel’s arts and cultural development team held discussions with the hotel’s management to ensure their selections would fit in with the resort’s characteristics – in terms of quality, meaning and physical construction.