A Design Tour of Las Vegas
Las Vegas has definitely gained a reputation for excessive levels of partying and debauchery, but despite the endless forms of entertainment Sin City offers, it is also a city brimming with impressive design and fine art. With a significant transformation over the last few years that caters to the well-heeled crowd—and extraordinary projects like the Raiders stadium and the upcoming MSG Sphere—there’s much more to see in Vegas than ever before. Here’s a look at the city’s most design-worthy spots at which to stay, dine, and socialize.
The Cosmo
Since the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opened in 2010, it has been among the top spots to see and be seen. Draped in curtains of shimmering beads with bars encircled with Swarovski crystals, the Chandelier is the swankiest lounge in town. The majority of the spacious rooms here feature balconies—an unparalleled offering on the Strip—and its lively Boulevard Pool is the perfect alternative to day clubs. And high rollers are in for a real treat with the recent launch of the ultra-exclusive Boulevard Penthouses. Curated by Tihany Design, Richmond International, and Daun Curry Design Studio, each accommodation is unique and boasts opulent details like hand-cut marble and 24-karat-gold accents. Plus, the private Art Deco–style gaming salon is the only one in the city with a terrace that gamblers can walk out onto
Omnia Nightclub
Known as the best club in Vegas, the Omnia also happens to be one of the most breathtakingly stunning in the world. The crown jewel of the space is the main room’s 22,000-pound kinetic chandelier. Made up of eight concentric rings adorned with thousands of LED strips and lights that are individually programmable, it puts on one of the most alluring light shows you’ve ever seen. Combine that with hundreds of LED screens, opera-like balcony tables, and sought-after DJs like Calvin Harris and Zedd and you’re in for one exhilarating evening.
The Palms
The Palms Hotel and Casino is just finishing up a more than $600 million renovation. The most remarkable component of this much-needed facelift is the eclectic mix of art. Its lobby bar has made a splash with a shark sculpture by Damien Hirst, but make sure to take a stroll around the property for works by Takashi Murakami, Kaws, and many more acclaimed artists. While you’re there, dine at Scotch 80 Prime (the flaming seafood tower and ribeye ravioli served over bone marrow are musts) among original Basquiats and Warhols.
KMA Event Center
Beyond being an architectural marvel, the Frank Gehry–designed Keep Memory Alive Event Center also has a charitable component: Proceeds generated from bookings go toward research, treatment, and studies at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
The Shops at Chrystals
Designed by Studio Libeskind, the Shops at Crystals‘ angular construction is a stunner from the Strip. The LEED Gold–certified building also houses two James Turrell installations—one by the entrance closet to Aria and another that’s appointment-only inside the Louis Vuitton store.
The Venetian and Palazzo
The Venetian and adjoining Palazzo resorts have been revamping their beverage program. Last year’s introduction of the Dorsey brought creative drinks that are concocted at a bar surrounded by digital artwork, and last month saw the arrival of Electra Cocktail Club. The real beauty, though, is Rosina, a seductive Art Deco venue focusing on classic and champagne cocktails.
