A Walk Through MGM National Harbor Timeless design, impeccable service and spectacular amenities combine to create a new generation of resort experiences: MGM National Harbor, the first luxury gaming destination in the Capital Region. Guests will be drawn into the bold, forward-looking design and breathtaking spaces as they discover excitement at every turn: restaurants by some of the region’s most celebrated chefs, an intimate theater showcasing the hottest acts in entertainment, an immersive spa escape, luxurious rooms and suites and much more. MGM National Harbor will be the ultimate destination, whether for an evening of entertainment or an indulgent weekend getaway. Architecture Situated on a hill overlooking the Potomac River, MGM National Harbor serves as a landmark to the community and gateway into Maryland. The overarching vision of the resort draws inspiration from Washington D.C.’s monumental architecture while also incorporating the natural beauty of the surrounding area, including vistas of the Potomac River and annual cherry tree bloom. While respecting the District’s historic sense of place highlighted by classical structures, MGM National Harbor embodies a modern and bold design that complements the sense of timelessness created by the Nation’s Capital buildings. Designed by architecture visionaries HKS Hospitality Group, MGM National Harbor’s architectural unfolds as guests explore the space, from the series of grand steps leading up to the lobby to its glistening knife-like tower rising vertically toward the sky. In designing the resort, it was important to not only pay homage to surrounding architectural marvels, but also to include MGM Resort’s legacy by incorporating trademark elements from Las Vegas resorts such as Bellagio, ARIA and MGM Grand. The iconic lion, prominently displayed at MGM National Harbor’s VIP entrance, can also be found in front of MGM Grand on Las Vegas Boulevard as well as welcoming guests to MGM Grand Detroit and MGM Macau. Arrival As guests travel up the tree-lined drive to the VIP entrance, they catch their first glimpse of Whirlpools by internationally acclaimed sculptor Alice Aycock. This commissioned work welcomes guests with Aycock’s compelling interpretation of water movement inspired by the nearby Potomac River. This large-scale installation, with hundreds of swirling or folded and curved aluminum plates, brings to life the feeling of waves whirling around you. Viewers can feel the power of this sculpture from a distance or watch it come to life as they examine the intricate patterns and attention to detail up close. As they walk inside, guests pass through two expansive water walls extending from the porte cochere. These curved walls, designed by Fluidity and inspired by those found in at ARIA’s entrance, are made of textured stone that create ever-changing geometric patterns as water flows, enveloping visitors in its serene presence punctuated by sweeping surges of choreographed water. In the evening, LED lights illuminate the walls. Just inside the VIP entrance is Fighting Cash by Liao Yibai. Currently based in New York, Yiabi explores U.S.-China relations in his very political yet humorous stainless steel sculptures. This piece, which makes a powerful statement on trade relations and economics binding China and U.S., is best viewed from a 360-degree angle. Specializing in oversized everyday objects with a twist, Fighting Cash is an absurdist piece depicting Benjamin Franklin coming alive and bursting from a $100 bill, ready to box his counterpart on the 100 Yuan bill. Beyond that is The Conservatory, which draws its inspiration from Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and serves as the centerpiece of the MGM National Harbor. It is a celebration of flowers and design that changes seasonally. Just outside the main porte cochere, which is located on the second level of the resort, guests encounter Unity by internationally renowned sculptor John Safer of Washington D.C. Unity’s 60-foot tall structures seemingly defy gravity as they stretch towards the sky and rotate 270 degrees from their base. Named for the nearly identical appearance of the three towers while acknowledging their differences, this piece represents an important principle for MGM Resorts: culturally diverse people coming together to work as a group. Guests entering from the Self Park entrance will be greeted by Bob Dylan’s first permanent public sculpture, Portal. This iron gate, made entirely of found objects collected by Dylan himself, was welded together at his California studio and is the first of his projects to be on permanent display. Dylan was recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his poetic expressions within the tradition of American song. Lobby Guests walking toward the reception desk will be immediately intrigued by the dramatic piece, Harbor, created by local Prince George’s County artist Margaret Boozer. This abstract map of the region, created with 10,000 pounds of clay excavated from the resort’s construction site, continues to evolve as the soil hardens, revealing new cracks and texture changes and an ever changing experience each time a guest visits. A series of ceramic totems and vessels from another Price George County artist, Ani Kasten, greets guests in the VIP check-in lobby. These nine separate works are comprised of two collections, White Birch Totems and Long-stem Bottle Forms. Each ceramic piece is wheel- thrown and hand-built by Kasten, then carved and stamped to create unique textures and patterns for each piece. Guests looking directly above the Conservatory will discover a photo of a Washington D.C. cherry tree in bloom taken in 2015. Cherry Blossom photography, taken by Prince George’s County native and photographer Ron Beverly, is prominently displayed throughout the resort including on walls, in elevator cabs, and even decorative pillows in select suites. Showcasing three local artists as guests arrive to the lobby was no coincidence, the designers chose their locations specifically to create a sense of home where guests will check into the hotel. Conservatory At the center of the resort is The Conservatory, a vibrant tableau of flora and striking design elements. Guests are immersed in designer Ed Libby’s expression of traditional elements through non-traditional means that evokes the feeling of each season without being literal: the holidays without evergreens, springtime in Washington without cherry blossom trees—or at least not in the style one might expect. The first display, “Holiday Reflections,” is a contemporary forest filled with a series of geometric holiday trees and more than 70,000 flowers, sourced from local nonprofit Melwood, which supports adults with differing abilities. By day, the space is lit with an abundance of natural light that pours from the expansive glass ceiling, by night, the display glows with glittering lights, creating an enchanting experience that’s sure to draw visitors back again and again. Art at MGM National Harbor MGM National Harbor is home to a major permanent collection of art in Prince George’s County, encouraging visitors to discover the pieces that have been seamlessly integrated into the resort’s public spaces. Inspired by the rich history of the Capital Region, The Heritage Collection showcases commissioned and procured works by visionary local and international sculptors, photographers and mixed-media artists including Bob Dylan, Margaret Boozer, Alice Aycock, Sam Gilliam, John Dreyfuss, John Safer, Liao Yibai and Chul Hyun Ahn, among others. From the moment guests arrive to MGM National Harbor they encounter a sensory experience unlike any other. Guests will be immersed in a storyline unique to the resort with every aspect of the art – from the piece to the location to the orientation – carefully selected and strategically designed to complement the space. Featuring works from more than a dozen artists working with a variety of mediums – including aluminum, clay, stainless steel, bronze, watercolors, photography and more – the collection ranges from large-scale sculptures and paintings to photography and LED light boxes, creating a rich visual experience. Signature Restaurants MGM National Harbor is home to a powerhouse line up of acclaimed chefs to lead its culinary program. Each concept has been carefully crafted to pay homage to the culture and influence of the region’s prominent culinary landscape. Specialty Dining: MARCUS – Making his Capital Region debut, five-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson has crafted a menu honoring his cultural roots while showcasing distinct coastal flavors of the local landscape. Samuelsson serves culinary creations for breakfast, lunch and dinner including signature dishes such as his whole fried chicken, Miss Leah’s Blackened Catfish, Muffin Top Pot Pie and Red Velvet Cake N’Shake. The space, anchored around an open kitchen, offers two bars where guests can grab a signature cocktail or craft beer, as well as a patio overlooking the Conservatory. The overall vision for this concept was designed by Parts & Labor Design of New York, and encourages a celebratory and festive atmosphere, making it the ideal setting for either a special event or a casual stop for a quick snack while enjoying live music. FISH by José Andrés – Internationally acclaimed chef José Andrés, named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People,” and who most recently received the National Humanities Medal from President Obama, introduces a unique seafood-focused concept overlooking the Potomac from the prow of MGM National Harbor. Drawing inspiration from the bounty of the regional Chesapeake Watershed, the restaurant’s menu features locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, prepared with local and international cooking techniques. The delicious dishes incorporate diverse flavor combinations and profiles such as Cornmeal Crusted Sunburst Ruby Trout, Cedar Planked Arctic Char and Grilled Rockfish, additional favorites include Maryland blue crab and oysters from the Rappahannock River. Diners can select their preferred setting including cocktail, sushi or tempura bars with exciting views of interactive kitchen stations.