A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I ventured over to see the Bellagio Gardens without our usual entourage of houseguests. Although it is on top of our must see in Las Vegas for visitors we chose to consume the joy of the Bellagio Garden Conservatory this time solo! It is renowned for the dazzling artistry and theatrical flair, transforming a portion of the Bellagio lobby into a destination of wonder and fantasy. The floral extravaganza is arranged in a theatrical presentation that changes five times a year – Lunar New Year, spring, summer, fall and winter holidays.
Photo by Sal Musco
Each display is planned a year in advance to ensure that the necessary flowers, plants and trees are available.
They have a dedicated team of 16 Bellagio gardeners working full-time on the Conservatory. However, during the initial installation of a new design, 80-100 people work on any given day to complete the setup and are all Bellagio employees. The glass ceiling is 50 feet high and the garden spans more than 14,000 square feet! It’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free to visit. I love that it features vibrant arrangements of flowers, plants, and whimsical sculptures—ranging from giant Zebras made of thousands of blooms to fantastical animal figures in surrealist settings.
Photo by Sal Musco
The current display is named:Glam Menagerie: A Surrealist Summer. It blends baroque elegance with whimsical fantasy! The installation will be on exhibit through September 6th.
There’s a tigress wearing a stunning black and white garment inspired by a renowned haute couture archival opera costume from the French Renaissance.
Behold the magnificent chessboard of elegant figurines, awaiting their next move in a fantastical battle. The regal queen stands tall, surveying the field with a watchful eye while the gallant Knight prepares to leap into action!
Raptured by the mythical battle playing out before her a precious pink cockatoo swings through the air with delight. This was inspired by French painter, Jean-Honore Fragonards masterpiece. This scene captures the carefree spirit of aristocratic 18th century life.
Sculpted vines weave a tapestry of elegance upon a final detailed 23 foot tall arched swing. High above is an elaborate B for Bellagio in an elaborate structure, transporting the imagination into an extraordinary fairytale.
The Baroque chandeliers, illuminate soft light upon the scene below. The Harlequin patterns create contrast and compliments to the regal black-and-white Zebras. Although relaxed in their poses, they are a dominant force of the entire garden.
Photo by Sal Musco
We thoroughly enjoyed spending a full hour absorbing the scenes and letting the whimsy watch over us, putting playful smiles on our faces and feeling the spirit of Joi de vive beautifully conveyed in each scene by these master artists. Well done team Bellagio!!
On a final note, should you find yourself needing more- you may dine in the garden under a beautiful gazebo.
Dining in the gazebo of the Bellagio Gardens, known as The Garden Table, offers a unique and immersive experience inside the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The gazebo is a stunning 30-foot-tall structure resembling a towering chess piece, surrounded by seasonal floral displays and art installations, creating a fairy-tale-like ambiance with music and floral scents enhancing the atmosphere.
Brunch is served by Sadelle’s Café, featuring American cuisine with signature dishes like Eggs Benedict and Sticky Buns. The brunch is a prix fixe three-course meal costing around $125 per person without mimosas, or $195 with mimosas.
Dinner is curated by Forbes four-star Chef Michael Mina, offering a refined American menu with options such as Wagyu steak, Filet Mignon with Foie Gras, and Charlotte of Asparagus with Crabmeat. Dinner costs $195 per person on weekdays and Sundays, and $225 on Fridays and Saturdays, with an optional wine pairing for $115.
There is also an Afternoon Tea option priced at $65 per person, or $95 with caviar, including savory tea accompaniments and freshly baked scones.
The gazebo seats up to 6 guests for brunch and 4 for dinner, with business casual attire required for dinner.
The dining area is somewhat private though visible to visitors walking through the Conservatory. The design with faux greenery and dim lighting creates a cozy, intimate feel despite being in a public space. Reservations are recommended well in advance due to popularity, with dining sessions limited to about two hours.
