How “The Floating City” Was Recreated at the Venetian in Las Vegas

The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas masterfully reimagines the romantic charm of Venice with a design that blends meticulous craftsmanship and grand scale. Developed by businessman Sheldon Adelson, the resort was built on the site of the former Sands Hotel and Casino, which closed in 1996. The Venetian, after it opened in 1999, quickly became renowned for its grand Venetian-themed design, created by Stubbins Associates and Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo alongside UK-based architects, WATG.

The design team focused on replicating Venice’s key landmarks like the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge. These iconic structures were thoughtfully integrated into the resort, evoking the architectural splendor of Venice while maintaining a cohesive visual experience. The sprawling layout, punctuated by elaborate frescoes, statues, and water features, transports visitors into a world of timeless beauty, marrying old-world elegance with Las Vegas’ modern energy.

The attention to detail extends beyond the individual landmarks to the intricate facades and interiors, which echo the textures and materials of Venice’s historic buildings. To ensure historical accuracy, the design team consulted two Venice historians and sent photographers to capture key details of the city.

Its cobblestone streets, arched bridges, and winding canals were created by Treadway Industries which worked with a team of 250 artists and sculptors. The Venetian’s design blurs the lines between reality and illusion, offering guests an immersive journey through a romanticized version of the Italian city.

The inclusion of gondola rides along the Grand Canal, coupled with expansive frescoed ceilings and opulent interiors, completes the experience, turning the resort into a living museum of Venetian culture, all housed within the vibrant atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip.

The Venetian Gets a New Addition

In one of the biggest changes at The Venetian since its opening in 1999, this year saw the unveiling of its new poker room, which offers a modern and luxurious gaming experience that blends contemporary design with enhanced player amenities. As part of a broader renovation that has transformed the resort, the poker room will feature a clean, sophisticated aesthetic marked by bright spaces, sleek lines, and light finishes.

The use of custom lighting, including ribbed glass chandeliers adorned with crystal and pendalogues, adds a touch of brilliance to the room, while advanced LED technology enhances the space’s overall ambiance with soft, luminous effects. This attention to lighting, coupled with the refined interior, creates a welcoming and elevated atmosphere that reflects The Venetian’s commitment to reimagining the gaming experience.

The new poker room was opened with typical Las Vegas fanfare. Music star Nelly joined Jamie Kerstetter for a game with Matt Berkey and Farah Galfond in the new venue. Kerstetter was recently dominating the poker news headlines when she came runner-up to Shiina Okamoto at the WSOP $10,000 Ladies Championship No Limit Hold’em event in July. Landon Tice, fresh from his WSOP crossbook loss to Jeremy Becker was also in attendance alongside poker author Maria Konnikova and the multi-WSOP bracelet champion Jeremy Ausmus.

A Tribute to Venice’s Singular Allure

The Venetian stands as a stunning tribute to Venice, seamlessly blending historical authenticity with modern luxury. Through meticulous design and craftsmanship, the resort captures the charm of the “Floating City” while offering a uniquely immersive experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With continued innovations like the new poker room, The Venetian continues to evolve, ensuring its place as both a cultural landmark and a premier destination for luxury and entertainment.