Iconic Casino Architecture: Designed by World-Famous Architects

Casinos – including online casinos – have always tried to stand out from the crowd. Whether that be through the host of games they provide, the entertainment and restaurants that are linked to the casino or the extravagant events that they run.

The other way casinos have tried to create a real impression is through the world class architecture that casinos all over the world have implemented.

Often pushing human imagination, structural reliability and physics to their very limits, let’s take a look at some of the most famous casino architecture from around the world.

Bellagio

It was during the late 90s where the Las Vegas Strip really started to shape into the amazing place that it is today. Designed by Jon Jerde, Jerde specialised in creating large entertainment spaces such as theatres, stadiums and shopping malls and he brought all of that expertise into his vision for the Bellagio.

The Bellagio was inspired by the town of Bellagio which sits on the shores of Lake Como. One of the most beautiful and exclusive parts of Europe, the Bellagio is full of elegance and clean luxury and even to this day remains one of the most iconic casinos in the world.

Although the building and its opulent decor is enough to warrant a place on this list alone, the real beauty of the Bellagio is of course it’s fabulous water fountain. Arguably the strip’s most famous landmark, hundreds and thousands of people flock to the Bellagio to see the dancing water in action.

The Bellagio’s fountains have added an X-factor to a world class design that already accommodates a casino, shops and nightclubs. The Bellagio is one of the most complete casinos in all of the world and looks set to stand the test of time for many decades to come.

The Venetian

Although the Bellagio might take the title for being the most iconic hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, the Venetian would very much be in the running for the most stunning.

At its heart, the Venetian is a hotel and casino complex like no other. Designed by world famous architectural group KlingStubbins, the Venetian took two years to build with the doors to the casino opening in 1999.

One of the most expensive buildings to build in history, the final bill for the Venetian totalled almost one and a half billion. When you look at what is inside that’s hardly a surprise. 

Taking inspiration from Venice, the Venetian boasts a purpose built canal, luxury shopping centre and murals of Italian art. 

Keen to not stop there, the casino also boasts a world class theatre and numerous restaurants and bars. When in the Venetian it feels like you have been transported to the famous city itself and that is because every detail has been considered.

Since it opened its doors to the world, other casinos may have surpassed the Venetian in terms of total cost, but the Venetian certainly set the benchmark when it comes to opulent design and imagination.

Morpheus Casino

Although it has always been Las Vegas that dominated the casino landscape, in the early 2000’s a new player arrived on the scene and that was the Chinese province of Macau. Billing itself as the Vegas of the East, there have been a flurry of casinos that have been built that have contained breathtaking architecture.

Arguably the most special is the Morpheus Casino. Designed by the world famous Zaha Hadid, Hadid and her agency were responsible for award winning buildings such as the London Aquatic Centre, Phaeno Science Centre and Glasgow Transport Museum, Hadid always has one eye on the future and her work often involved futuristic waves and curves.

When it comes to casino design, her most famous design was the Morpheus. A building like no other, the building consists of thousands of twisting bars all of which have been designed to help channel sunlight into the centre of the complex structure. 

Hadid used curves as fundamental to her work of the Morpheus as it represented the fluid forms of China’s past.

A casino like no other, you would be hard pressed to find a more striking casino than the Morpheus.

Casino de Monte Carlo

It wouldn’t be right if we were to include some iconic casino architecture and didn’t mention arguably the most famous casino in the world, the Casino de Monte Carlo.

One of the oldest and grandest casinos in the world. The casino was the brainchild of Charles Garnier. Responsible for designing the Paris Opera House, the Casino de Monte Carlo first opened back in 1856 with work finally coming to an end thirty years later.

The casino has pride of place right in the heart of the Principality and with Monaco being the playground for millionaires from all over the world, you can be assured that Garnier was keen to make sure the casino fitted right in amongst its opulent surroundings.

As was customary at the time, Garnier used only the finest materials. The inside is full of marble and luxurious details. The chandeliers are some of the biggest in the world and the fountain outside of the main entrance adds a real touch of class.

Marina Bay Sands 

Once again we travel out east for the next casino in our list, the Marina Bay Sands. Located in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands is one of the most special buildings on our list.

Designed by Moshe Safdie, the casino and hotel complex consists of three separate towers, all of which are connected by a huge rooftop terrace.

Opened in 2010, the Marina Bay Sands dominates the Singapore skyline and has quickly emerged into one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. Safdie’s bold design paved the way for other casinos to follow and if you ever find yourself in Singapore visiting the Marina Bay Sands will provide you with an experience that you will never forget.