MGM National Harbor Corner Suite
The Theatre at MGM National Harbor
MGM National Harbor Plaza out from the construction site ( with a few rocks and roots in the mix ) and presents an aerial view of the National Harbor area . A large , impressionistic rendering of George Washington hangs in the guest room bathrooms . And an in-floor installation dubbed “ The Wells ,” in the resort ’ s District area ( locale of retail shops and restaurants ) presents whimsical , though potentially vertigo-inducing , optical illusions .
Even if you ’ re not the gaming type , it ’ s worth checking out the interior entrance to the casino just to see the massive metal archway created by Bob Dylan . Yes , the Bob Dylan . The legendary singer / songwriter is also an artist / welder who , according to an MGM spokesperson , scouts junkyards for raw materials . Among the wrenches , industrial hooks , and other artfully arranged heavy metal castoffs in this work called “ Portal ,” is a blue crab , presumably a nod to Maryland ’ s official state crustacean .
The heart of the resort ’ s public space is the 15,000-square-foot Conservatory , with a twostory atrium crowned by a glass-ceiling . The decoration here changes five times a year , reflecting four seasons and the Chinese New Year . Management believes it will be a big draw . Similar installations at MGM ’ s Bellagio attract up to 40,000 people a day , and even more during the holidays .
In the Conservatory ’ s lower level is the Bellagio Patisserie , with a 12-foot-tall chocolate fountain circulating two tons of velvety sweet stuff . It claims fame as the world ’ s second-largest such fountain . ( The biggest is in the Bellagio .)
Seven restaurants include Fish by José Andrés , a locally sourced eatery by the Washington-based celeb chef ; Marcus , featuring American cuisine by Top Chef Masters winner Marcus Samuelsson ; and Voltaggio Brothers Steak House , a homey but elegant space by award-winning Bryan and Michael Voltaggio . National Market , a
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 52 SPRING 2017