Regional Art to Be Showcased at MGM National Harbor

PHOTO: John Safer’s Unity, located at the entry outside of MGM National Harbor’s hotel porte cochere; rendering courtesy of MGM Resorts International

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NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- Works by regional artists and artwork inspired by the region will be on display at the new MGM National Harbor when it opens later this year, the company said this week in a news release.

When the resort and casino opens later this year, visitors will find a permanent collection of art by local artists, the company said.

MGM National Harbor Heritage Collection will showcase commissioned and procured works by local and international sculptors, photographers and mixed-media artists, including Margaret Boozer, Alice Aycock, Sam Gilliam, John Dreyfuss, John Safer, Liao Yibai and Chul Hyun Ahn, among others.

“An unparalleled art program that exemplifies the diversity of the region and captures the spirit of MGM National Harbor, while also being accessible and engaging for everyone, has been a part of our vision from the very beginning,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “The Heritage Collection will celebrate and seamlessly blend the creative brilliance, beauty and inspiration of local and international artists. That juxtaposition of global and local is a hallmark of MGM Resorts as a leading creator of entertainment destinations.”

The company gave hints this week about the art you will see at the resort including:

• Three, 60-foot-tall stainless steel figures of the Unity sculpture will greet visitors at the hotel’s porte cochere
• A seven-foot-tall Cinderella Shoe will be located in the retail promenade,

The MGM National Harbor Heritage Collection will feature pieces from more than a dozen artists working with a variety of mediums including aluminum, clay, stainless steel, bronze, watercolors, photography and more, according to MGM. Objects will range from large-scale sculptures and paintings to photography and LED light boxes, creating a rich visual experience.

Some works, like those by Madelyn Keesing and Sam Gilliam, are abstract pieces which echo the historical visual art movement of the Washington Color School that originated in Washington, D.C., MGM said. Commissioned pieces by emerging artists reflect the rich heritage of Prince George’s County and the greater Mid-Atlantic region, such as the landscape composition fashioned from construction site clay by Margaret Boozer of Red Dirt Studio.

Murren added, “Art is one of the cornerstones of the sensory experience at our resorts, creating environments that are interesting, exciting and distinct. The experience at MGM National Harborwill be exceptional, offering the community and visitors from around the world access to a high-quality special collection.”

Watch a video below, from MGM, about the art collection: