Art and the Casinos – Two Legendary Architectural Wonders

When we think of casinos, we most often picture either a run-down shabby building filled with smoke and dim light, or a super luxurious and extravagant place on the Las Vegas strip, which is impressive and yet kind of kitschy. We rarely think of refined and artistic atmosphere, the kind of glamour captured in the James Bond films. Well, we are about to change that. Grab your tux or ball room gown, pour yourself a glass of champagne and prepare for a classy read, after this article you will feel as elegant as 007 himself. Here’s a short presentation of two magnificent casinos with rich history.

Casino de Monte Carlo – Monaco – This one is still synonymous with old-school glamour and it’s no wonder. Dating back to 1863, the casino was expanded, transformed and redecorated dozens of times by different architects, painters and sculptors. The facade and the interior of the casino are the definition of fine-art. Many paintings and murals by famous artists can be found and each hall is dedicated to a different theme. The casino has been featured in many films and is often a place where James Bond is found (Never Say Never Again and Golden Eye)

L’Atrium (the lobby) is designed by architects Charles Garnier and Dutrou. This is the room where you can find 90 slot machines including the progressive Luxor Palace slot. Salon de l’Europe historically was the first gaming room in Monte-Carlo. It was rebuilt several times but you can still see the original frescoes and paintings, which were inspired by the whimsical nature of the Riviera. There are also eight astonishing crystal chandeliers, each weighing more than 150 kilos.

Place du Casino is the central square where you will also see Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Café de Paris – two equally impressive buildings that add to the ambience of this extraordinary place.

Hippodrome Casino – England – Situated in the centre of the West End of London, this historical building went through many transformations and still managed to preserve it’s former glory and grandeur. Built in 1900 and designed by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham, it was never actually used as a theatre. A circus, a music hall, a place for variety shows, a night club – it survived many closures and was reinvented as a place for entertainment, joy and excitement. In its rich history the Hippodrome has seen a 10-year-old Charlie Chaplin on stage for the first show in 1900, the premiére of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake in 1910, the final act of Harry Houdini and performances of Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Frank Sinatra and many more when the Hippodrome hosted the nightclub Talk of the Town. The renovated building houses a bar a restaurant and a casino. The new owner and CEO Simon Thomas sees this as a new life and another splendid spectacle for the Hippodrome.