LAS VEGAS.- CityCenter has revealed that its stunning resort casino, scheduled to open in late 2009, will be named ARIA. With an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities, ARIA Resort & Casino will immediately become the focal point not only of the Las Vegas skyline but of the hospitality industry.

Designed by the world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli, ARIA’s architectural expression will reveal itself at every turn, from its two breathtaking curvilinear glass towers to the clean use of natural elements including lush foliage, wood and stone. Soaring open spaces, ranging from ARIA’s three-story lobby and casino to its guest rooms, will fill with natural light and evoke breadth and freedom. Art and interior design will envelop guests in warm, comforting surroundings and provide a sense of human scale.

The contemporary architecture of the ARIA tower will be complemented by the resort’s lavish accommodations. ARIA’s 4,004 guest rooms, including 568 suites, will incorporate integrated technologies never before used in the hospitality industry. Guest room corridors streaming with natural light will open to areas of enclosed glass, delivering spectacular city or mountain views. Guests also can enjoy these breathtaking panoramas from the privacy of their rooms; all will feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. ARIA’s modern tower is uniquely designed to deliver corner-window views from every guest room.

Throughout CityCenter’s grounds, visitors will enjoy access to an extensive $40 million public Fine Art Program encompassing a multitude of styles and media – ranging from sculptures and paintings to large-scale installations – engaging visitors on both a visual and intellectual level. The CityCenter Fine Art Program is designed to become a benchmark for enlightened corporate involvement with the arts on a global level and will be one of the world’s largest and most ambitious corporate art programs.

One of the program’s highlights will be featured within ARIA’s reception area. Famed artist Maya Lin is creating an approximately 133-foot silver cast of the Colorado River, which will be her first work of art displayed in Las Vegas. Lin is incorporating reclaimed silver in the spirit of CityCenter’s commitment to sustainability and in light of Nevada’s standing as the “Silver State.”

The work of Jenny Holzer will be on display as guests approach the resort’s north valet, where they will be welcomed by one of the artist’s insightful LED signs spanning more than 250 feet.

Additional artists represented in the Fine Art Program will include Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Frank Stella, Henry Moore and Richard Long, among others.

CityCenter will feature prominent works from some of the world’s most influential artists:

Maya Lin – For ARIA, New York-based Maya Lin is creating her first work of art in Las Vegas: an approximately 133-foot silver cast of the Colorado River that will be suspended above the reception area. Lin is using reclaimed silver to develop her creation in the spirit of CityCenter’s commitment to sustainability and in light of Nevada’s standing as the “Silver State.” Lin’s work reflects a strong interest in the environment, a commitment she also has served as an advisor on sustainable energy use, and as a board member of the National Resources Defense Council. Considered to be one of the most important public artists of the century, Lin, whose highly acclaimed body of work includes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., also has become a celebrated architect. Her life and work were detailed in the Academy Award-winning documentary, Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision.

Jenny Holzer - Artist Jenny Holzer made her mark in 1976 with her first public work, Truisms, which made profound statements in the form of anonymous broadsheets pasted on buildings, walls and fences in and around Manhattan. Her text later took the forms of posters, monumental and electronic signs, billboards, television and her signature medium: LED signs. At CityCenter, Holzer’s work will make a stirring impact. As guests approach the gaming resort’s north valet, they will be welcomed by one of the artist’s insightful LED signs spanning more than 250 feet wide. Most recently, Holzer’s work has been seen in Washington D.C. with her collection, “For the Capitol,” which incorporates nighttime projections of quotes by presidents John F. Kennedy and Theodore Roosevelt about the role of art and culture in American society.

Nancy Rubins – A sculptor and artisan famous for her grandiose works created from salvaged and industrial consumer goods, Nancy Rubins will create one of the most visually stunning commissions at CityCenter with a larger scale version of her famous installation: Big Pleasure Point. Measuring approximately 50 feet tall and 80 feet long, Rubins’ work of art at CityCenter will be a colorful composition of numerous rowboats, kayaks, canoes, small sailboats, surfboards, wind-surf boards, jet skis, paddle boats, catamarans and other small river and ocean vessels that are finessed into a gravity-defying form that is both delicately balanced and precisely engineered. Rubins maintains the look, shape, and feel of her chosen objects, so each craft showcased in the piece will be exactly as originally found. The commission will be located on the exterior of Vdara Condo Hotel and will be one of Rubins’ few works with a permanent home. Rubins has designed amazing works of art from mattresses, trailers, hot water heaters, airplanes and small appliances since the 1970s. For more than 25 years, Rubins has exhibited extensively around the world in major solo and group exhibitions.

Richard Long – Veer Towers will feature two large-scale commissioned works by Richard Long. Entitled Circle of Life and Earth, Long’s two mud wall drawings will measure 80 feet high x 50 feet wide each and be displayed on Veer’s west and east tower walls, respectively. An English sculptor, photographer and painter, Long is one of the best-known British land and conceptual artists. His art showcases his appreciation for nature and the majority of his works are inspired by natural landscapes he has encountered while hiking. During his walks, Long often creates sculptures using natural materials in the environment such as leaves, twigs and stones, and then photographs the end result to forever capture his work. Long is the only artist to be short-listed for the Turner Prize four times. He was nominated in 1984, 1987 and 1988, and won the award in 1989 for White Water Line.
CityCenter commenced in 2004 as a blank canvas 67 acres in size, imagined by a diverse group of people with the energy, foresight and talent to create the most ambitious and visionary development ever conceived in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen –Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will feature Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, 1998-1999, an iconic piece by Oldenburg and van Bruggen. Designed with the pair’s classic approach to creating large-scale outdoor sculptures of popular commercial objects, the five-ton, 19-foot stainless steel and fiberglass sculpture depicts a giant blue and red typewriter eraser with the bristles of the brush turned upward in a graceful, dynamic gesture. Scale X is the largest of three sculptures created of the form, beginning in the 1970s. Oldenburg and van Bruggen have collaborated on more than 40 monumental projects throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. Their most recent work is the 144-foot-long, 64-foot-high Cupid's Span for Rincon Park on the Embarcadero in San Francisco.

Frank Stella – For the reception desk at CityCenter’s Vdara Condo Hotel, MGM MIRAGE has purchased one of artist Frank Stella’s most prominent works. Damascus Gate Variation I, created in 1969, features a design of interlaced semicircles made of fluorescent alkyd resin on a 96 x 384 inch shaped canvas. Recognized for more than 45 years for his contributions to the forms of Abstract Expressionism, sculpture and the concept of the shaped canvas, Stella’s work has been the subject of several retrospectives in the United States, Europe and Japan. In 1970, The Museum of Modern Art in New York presented a retrospective of Stella’s work. An authority and critic in his own right, Stella presided over the Charles Eliot Norton lectures at Harvard University from 1983-1984, which were published by Harvard University Press in 1986.

Henry Moore - On the exterior of ARIA, guests will find Reclining Connected Forms, 1969-1974, a sculpture by Henry Moore inspired by the fundamentals of the human experience – the primary theme of his life’s work. Measuring 10.17 x 17 x 7.70 feet, the abstract work of art displays a baby wrapped in its mother’s embrace. The graceful outer shell of the sculpture depicts the changing shape of a pregnant figure as it protects the new life growing within. Moore’s work was traditionally inspired by the human body, organic shapes found in nature and the sculpture of ancient and exotic cultures such as Egypt, Sumeria, Africa and pre-Columbian Mexico. Surrealism, the modern European art and literary movement with a tendency toward abstract forms, also was a major influence.


The project began with a master plan developed by New York’s Ehrenkrantz, Eckstut and Kuhn Architects (EEK) for a high-density destination with interesting places and experiences, smooth public circulation and regard for its surroundings.

To realize this plan, MGM MIRAGE executives traveled the world and met with numerous architects to review their work and understand their approach. When the search concluded, MGM MIRAGE had assembled a dream team of the world’s foremost architects and two of the country’s foremost builders, Perini Building Company and Tishman Construction, to begin the ambitious 20-month design phase.

Gensler, the world’s largest architectural firm, was chosen to lead the design process, managing seven “star-chitects,” 90 interior designers and hundreds of consultants to take CityCenter from merely an idea, to a reality.

For Veer Towers, Chicago-based architect Helmut Jahn was a natural choice: an artist whose buildings were certain to look unlike any other. Jahn’s signature projects include the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels, Munich’s Kempinski Hotel and Sony Center Berlin.

Helmut Jahn’s design for the two residential high rises known as Veer Towers will be a masterful translation of energy and excitement into physical form; its two 37-story glass towers will shimmer day and night. With approximately 337 modern condominium residences in each tower, Veer will soar above the city and put residents close to The Crystals, CityCenter’s retail and entertainment district. Inclined at five-degree angles – a feature celebrated by the development’s name – the towers will seem to dance with each other. Lobbies and public spaces will be developed by notable designer Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido1 to showcase impressive works of glass and metal with plenty of natural light. In the residences, the renowned team of Dianna Wong Architecture & Interior Design, Inc.2 will create modern spaces that impart a sense of openness. Atop each striking tower, residents will enjoy an amenities floor featuring an unequaled view of Las Vegas complemented by an infinity edge pool, cabanas, hot tubs, a sun deck and a patio for outdoor entertaining. Within, Veer will feature recreation rooms for special events or casual celebrations, private media rooms with panoramic windows, a fitness center with men’s and women’s steam rooms, and business centers. Upscale dining, lavish shopping and electric nightlife – with entertainment as only Las Vegas can offer – will be only steps away.

For Vdara Condo Hotel, MGM MIRAGE felt RV Architecture, LLC, led by principal Rafael Viñoly, was ideally suited to design a building that would complement the nearby resort casino properties. Viñoly also designed the Cleveland Museum of Art, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, Uruguay.

In creating this soaring 57-story condo hotel deep within CityCenter, RV Architecture used a disciplined design approach to remarkable effect. Vdara’s distinctive crescent shape and unique skin of patterned glass will create one of the most provocative design statements in Las Vegas. Located between two of the world’s finest casinos, Bellagio and CityCenter’s gaming resort, Vdara’s approximately 1,495 residences will feature open floor plans and horizontal windows delivering expansive views of the city and mountains. Acclaimed designers BBG-BBGM3 will create stylish, contemporary environments infused with comfort. At Vdara, residents and guests will enjoy amenities commensurate with the world’s most elite resorts. From early morning to late evening, its full-service wellness spa will soothe, relax and rejuvenate. Vdara’s luxurious pool will feature fully appointed retreat and spa cabanas with semi-private plunge pools, and a high-energy bar and lounge open day and evening. Martin Heierling, the internationally acclaimed innovator behind Bellagio’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant Sensi, will serve as executive chef for Vdara Condo Hotel. Vdara’s destination restaurant will transform as the day evolves, from fresh, vibrant and energetic at daybreak; to hip, intimate and sexy at nightfall. Additional amenities will include an advanced fitness facility, 24-hour concierge service, state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities for groups of 10 to 400, in-room dining, a gourmet grocery, housekeeping and valet parking. When a unit isn’t in use, owners will have the option to rent out their units on a nightly basis.

For The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences, MGM MIRAGE selected London’s Foster + Partners, a firm noted for the thought-provoking modernity of its work and its beautifully engineered, intelligent and efficient structures. Foster + Partners’ strikingly wide range of work includes the Beijing Airport and Hearst Tower in New York.

Recently accepted as a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences is designed for those who can appreciate the precise collision of privacy and profile. Operated by The Light Group – one of the nation’s leading hospitality, development and management companies – The Harmon Residences will define hip, exclusive living on The Strip and deliver luxurious services and amenities to its A-list residents and guests. The tower’s top 20 floors will be dedicated to its approximately 207 luxury residences, which will encapsulate The Harmon’s highly distilled atmosphere and deliver phenomenal views of the Las Vegas Strip. Munge Leung Design Associates2 will craft living spaces adorned with comfort and stunning modernity, with thoughtful layouts and beautiful color schemes to create exotic, private retreats that reflect privileged living. Residential suites will be finished with patterned surfaces of granites, marbles and onyx stones that bring color, movement and depth to the spaces. Walnut, oak or maple hardwood floors will add rich texture and warmth. Gourmet kitchens adorned with designer fixtures and spa-inspired bathrooms will complete the sensuous luxury residences. Residents will have full access to all hotel amenities including the newest creation of international cultural icon Michael Chow with his first and only MR CHOW restaurant in Las Vegas, a hair salon by world-renowned hair stylist Frédéric Fekkai, a private lobby lounge, other dining offerings, the most elite retail offerings in Las Vegas, a indulgent spa (with in-room services available), valet parking and much more. The hotel’s pool deck will be perched 100 feet above The Strip providing full views of the world’s most dynamic street below.

For the design of Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE turned to Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. The New York-based firm is recognized for the excellence and innovation of its buildings in cities around the world.

The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will set the new standard of style with state-of-the-art suites, amenities and architectural design, and become the most esteemed address in Las Vegas. Situated above the bright lights of the Boulevard on the highest floors of the 400-room boutique hotel, its approximately 227 residences will be a true limited edition. Through the provision of bespoke benefits, residents will be treated as permanent guests of Mandarin Oriental and enjoy privileged access to the exceptional services provided by the hotel.

This will include a spectacular elevated pool and accompanying cabanas; top-of-the-line fitness center; distinguished salon; internationally recognized spa; destination dining and retail; owner’s private boardroom and lounges; exclusive residential entrance, lobby, recreation quarters and elevators; advanced conference facilities and business center; and an array of concierge, doorman, housekeeping and valet services. Residential interiors will be crafted with studied, meticulous care by the distinguished design and architecture firms of Kay Lang & Associates2 and Page & Steele Interior Architects2. Living spaces will be characterized by an artful, eastern approach, married with contemporary aesthetic splendor, in a decadent selection of color palettes, materials and finishes.

New York’s Studio Daniel Libeskind2 is the exterior architect of The Crystals, a faceted-roof retail and entertainment district at the heart of CityCenter. The Crystals will be an international gathering place and premier shopping destination combining art, design and experience. Libeskind became a household name in 2003 when he won the World Trade Center competition and was named master plan architect for the site. Other celebrated works include the Jewish Museum Berlin and the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building.

For The Crystals interior architecture, New York’s Rockwell Group will introduce a series of striking environments designed to invite and engage, intrigue and relax. Noted for designs of cultural, hospitality and retail projects, Rockwell’s celebrated work includes the Elinor Bunin Film Center at Lincoln Center, the Kodak Theatre, sets for Broadway’s Hairspray and the W New York.

Soaring to 61 stories, ARIA was designed by the New Haven, Connecticut firm of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. Pelli Clarke Pelli has created four of the world’s largest private developments: World Financial Center, New York; Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Malaysia; Canary Wharf, London; International Finance Center, Hong Kong.

ARIA, CityCenter’s resort casino will be the development’s most iconic feature, setting a new global standard for gaming and leisure. The sophisticated, contemporary design will be demonstrably different from any building that has preceded it, contributing to the breathtaking Las Vegas skyline and providing a rich variety of experiences at the street level. The 4,000-room resort casino will deliver the unprecedented dining, entertainment, shopping and spa experiences for which MGM MIRAGE is renowned. It will feature an extraordinary new Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the legacy of Elvis Presley and approximately 300,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. ARIA’s architecture incorporates sustainable features including the extensive use of natural light, dramatically reducing lighting power requirements in guestrooms and water-saving fixtures throughout. CityCenter’s automated transit system will connect the property to Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts.