Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Daniel Globe
The Bellagio Hotel is one of the best-known resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, but its history is relatively recent. Developed by Steve Wynn’s Mirage Resorts on the former site of the Dunes hotel-casino, Bellagio was conceived as a luxury resort inspired by Bellagio and the villages surrounding Lake Como in northern Italy. Its fountains, art, gardens, restaurants, and European-influenced design helped establish it as a Las Vegas landmark.
Quick Answer
Construction of the Bellagio began in May 1996, and the resort officially opened on October 15, 1998. The original project cost approximately $1.6 billion. Bellagio was built on the former Dunes hotel-casino site and was inspired by the lakeside village of Bellagio on Lake Como in Italy.
Key Takeaways
- Bellagio opened on October 15, 1998, after construction began in May 1996.
- The original resort cost approximately $1.6 billion and replaced the former Dunes hotel-casino.
- Bellagio currently has 3,933 guest rooms, including 512 suites.
- Architectural design is associated with DeRuyter O. Butler and Jon Jerde Partnership, while Roger Thomas played a major role in Bellagio’s interior design.
- The Fountains of Bellagio span more than 1,000 feet and can send water as high as 460 feet.
- Bellagio’s dining lineup has changed significantly: Picasso closed in 2024, CARBONE RIVIERA opened in its former space in 2025, and Le Cirque completed its final service on August 23, 2026.
- Bellagio Spa and its fitness facilities are undergoing renovation as of August 2026, so some normally advertised amenities are temporarily unavailable.
- Major attractions include the fountains, “O” by Cirque du Soleil, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, luxury shopping, and Dale Chihuly’s Fiori di Como.
When Was the Bellagio Hotel Built?
According to MGM Resorts, construction on Bellagio began in May 1996 and the resort opened to the public on October 15, 1998. The original development cost approximately $1.6 billion, making Bellagio an exceptionally ambitious resort project for its era.
Bellagio rose on the site formerly occupied by the Dunes Hotel and Casino, a longtime Las Vegas property that had opened in 1955. Steve Wynn and Mirage Resorts developed Bellagio with the goal of creating a more refined resort experience centered on architecture, art, dining, landscaping, and entertainment rather than relying only on the casino.
Bellagio opened on October 15, 1998, after an original development costing approximately $1.6 billion.
A Short Bellagio Development Timeline
| 1955 | The Dunes Hotel and Casino opens on the site later occupied by Bellagio. |
| May 1996 | Construction of Bellagio begins. |
| October 15, 1998 | Bellagio officially opens on the Las Vegas Strip. |
| December 23, 2004 | The Spa Tower opens, adding 928 rooms and suites as well as additional meeting, retail, and hospitality space. |
| Today | MGM Resorts lists Bellagio with 3,933 guest rooms, including 512 suites. |
Who Designed the Bellagio Hotel?
Bellagio’s design was the work of a broader team rather than one individual. Architectural references credit DeRuyter O. Butler with Jon Jerde Partnership, while Roger Thomas was a major influence on Bellagio’s elaborate interior design. Thomas later became widely associated with the distinctive interiors of several Steve Wynn resorts.
The overall aesthetic drew heavily from European resort architecture and the villages around Lake Como. Instead of copying a single historic Italian building, Bellagio combined Italian-inspired forms, gardens, water, art, luxury materials, and theatrical interior spaces into a large Las Vegas resort.
Note: Describing Bellagio simply as an “Italian Renaissance” building is an oversimplification. Its appearance is Italian- and Lake Como-inspired, while architectural references also classify the resort as postmodern.
The Luxurious Accommodations at the Bellagio Hotel
Bellagio’s accommodations remain an important part of the resort’s luxury positioning. MGM Resorts currently lists 3,933 guest rooms, including 512 suites. Current room categories include Premier King and Premier Two Queen rooms, Spa Tower rooms, Fountain View rooms, Resort Tower rooms, and a variety of larger suites.
Many remodeled rooms use soft colors and design details inspired by Lake Como. Fountain View rooms are especially notable because they face the Fountains of Bellagio, while other rooms overlook the Las Vegas valley or surrounding Strip skyline.
A typical remodeled Premier or Fountain View room is approximately 510 square feet. Current rooms feature modern televisions, charging outlets, work surfaces, automatic drapery controls, marble bathrooms, and other contemporary amenities.
For guests who want more space, Bellagio offers multiple suite categories. The current Penthouse Suite, for example, measures 1,536 square feet and includes a marble foyer, living area, separate dining space, modern entertainment system, and individual climate controls. Larger Lakeview and multi-bedroom suites provide additional living space and, in some categories, direct fountain views.
Bellagio also offers 24-hour in-room dining in many room categories, while select luxury suites can include additional VIP services such as private check-in, concierge assistance, and priority access benefits.
The World-Famous Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel
One of Bellagio’s defining features is the Fountains of Bellagio. Designed in collaboration with WET, the attraction combines choreographed water, music, and lighting on the large lake in front of the resort.
Bellagio says more than 1,000 fountains perform across a span of more than 1,000 feet, with water capable of rising as high as 460 feet. The attraction is outdoors and free to watch from public viewing areas along Las Vegas Boulevard.
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Current Bellagio Fountain Schedule
- Monday–Friday: every 30 minutes from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: every 30 minutes from noon to 7:30 p.m.
- Every night: every 15 minutes from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
Note: Bellagio states that fountain schedules can change and outdoor performances may be canceled because of weather or special circumstances. Check the official schedule if seeing a particular show is important to your visit.
The music changes from performance to performance, allowing the water jets to move in different patterns according to each musical selection. For many visitors, the combination of the lake, resort façade, lights, and music makes the fountains one of the most recognizable attractions on the Las Vegas Strip.
The High-End Dining Options at the Bellagio Hotel
| Restaurant | Cuisine / Focus | 2026 Status | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIME Steakhouse | Steakhouse | Open | Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant with steak, seafood, lamb, and fountain-side setting. |
| Le Cirque | French | Closed August 23, 2026 | A historically important Bellagio fine-dining restaurant known for French cuisine and luxury service. |
| Michael Mina | Seafood | Open | Seafood-focused menu, raw bar selections, tableside preparations, and wine pairings. |
| Jasmine | Cantonese / Chinese | Open | Cantonese and Hong Kong-inspired cuisine with views toward the Bellagio lake. |
| CARBONE RIVIERA | Italian coastal / Seafood | Open | Opened in November 2025 in the former Picasso dining room overlooking the fountains. |
| Spago | American / California-inspired | Open | Wolfgang Puck restaurant with a prominent fountain-side location. |
Dining has been part of Bellagio’s identity since the resort opened, but the restaurant lineup has evolved significantly. PRIME Steakhouse remains a major fine-dining choice, while Michael Mina continues to focus on refined seafood. Jasmine offers Cantonese and Hong Kong-inspired dishes in an elegant lakeside setting.
Le Cirque was one of Bellagio’s most celebrated restaurants for nearly three decades and earned major hospitality awards over its long run. However, it should now be viewed as part of Bellagio’s culinary history: the restaurant held its final service on August 23, 2026.
Picasso was another landmark Bellagio restaurant. Its dining room displayed works associated with Pablo Picasso and became known for French and Spanish-influenced cuisine. Picasso closed after its final service in August 2024. The former Picasso space is now home to CARBONE RIVIERA, a seafood-driven Italian coastal concept that opened on November 7, 2025.
Older descriptions of Bellagio may also mention Sensi. It is not part of the resort’s current restaurant lineup, so visitors should rely on Bellagio’s current dining directory rather than older restaurant lists when making reservations.
Pro Tip: If fountain views matter, check the seating type when making a reservation. Having a restaurant inside Bellagio does not automatically mean every table has a direct view of the fountains.
The Entertainment and Nightlife at the Bellagio Hotel
Bellagio’s signature resident production is “O” by Cirque du Soleil. The aquatic production has been performed exclusively at Bellagio since October 1998 and combines acrobatics, artistic swimming, diving, theatrical staging, and a large performance pool.
The theater was designed with the atmosphere of a European opera house. Performers work in, on, and above the water, making “O” substantially different from a conventional stage production. Its regular schedule generally runs Wednesday through Sunday, although dark dates and performance times can change, so visitors should check the official calendar before booking.
Bellagio’s nightlife is now more lounge-focused than the generic nightclub description found in some older guides. Current options include The Pinky Ring by Bruno Mars, The Vault, Club Privé, Baccarat Bar, Petrossian Bar, and The Mayfair Supper Club.
The Pinky Ring by Bruno Mars combines cocktails, DJs, and live musicians in a modern Vegas lounge environment. Petrossian Bar remains a quieter option for drinks and live piano, while Mayfair blends dinner with live entertainment.
The Spa and Wellness Facilities at the Bellagio Hotel
Bellagio has long offered spa, salon, fitness, and wellness services, including massages, facials, beauty treatments, and exercise facilities. However, visitors should be aware that the current experience is different from older descriptions of the full Spa Bellagio facility.
Current renovation notice: As of August 26, 2026, Bellagio says its spa is being reimagined. Select spa services are available on the fourth floor of the Spa Tower, along with in-room massages and facials. Jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas, locker rooms, and relaxation areas are currently unavailable.
The resort’s fitness center is also being renovated and has been temporarily relocated to the Promenade Shops near Tutto. The temporary facility includes free weights, ellipticals, and other exercise equipment.
Because renovation conditions can change, guests planning a spa-focused stay should review the official Bellagio Spa & Salon information before booking treatments or assuming a particular wet-area amenity will be available.
The Shopping Experience at the Bellagio Hotel
Shopping at Bellagio centers on a collection of luxury boutiques and resort shops. The current Bellagio Shops directory includes brands such as CHANEL, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Bottega Veneta, BVLGARI, Cartier, Harry Winston, Valentino, Van Cleef & Arpels, and others.
The retail mix is not limited to designer fashion and jewelry. Bellagio also includes resort-oriented stores, beauty retailers, specialty shops, and locations selling gifts and Bellagio-branded merchandise.
Because luxury retail tenants can change, travelers looking for a particular brand should check the official Bellagio shopping directory shortly before visiting.
The Iconic Art and Architecture of the Bellagio Hotel
Art and architecture were central to Bellagio’s original concept. The resort uses European and Lake Como-inspired design cues, extensive landscaping, water features, marble, decorative lighting, and carefully planned interior spaces to create a more formal atmosphere than many earlier Las Vegas casino resorts.
Bellagio’s art program is not limited to a conventional gallery: major works and artistic installations are integrated throughout the resort.
One of the best-known works is Dale Chihuly’s Fiori di Como, the colorful glass installation suspended over the hotel lobby. Its sculptural glass forms have become one of Bellagio’s signature interior sights.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is another major attraction. The 14,000-square-foot space is transformed throughout the year for spring, summer, harvest, winter holiday, and Lunar New Year displays. Bellagio’s horticulture and engineering teams rebuild the environment around changing plants, flowers, sculptures, and themed installations.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art provides a more traditional exhibition experience, presenting rotating museum-style exhibitions assembled with works from outside collections. Art elsewhere in the resort further reinforces Bellagio’s long-standing connection between hospitality and visual culture.
The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas was built in 1998, becoming one of the most recognizable luxury resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and staying at Bellagio, you may also want to review this guide to the best travel gifts for women when preparing gifts or travel accessories for someone joining the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Bellagio Hotel built?
Construction began in May 1996, and Bellagio officially opened on October 15, 1998.
How much did the original Bellagio cost to build?
The original Bellagio development cost approximately $1.6 billion.
What was on the Bellagio site before the hotel was built?
The property was previously occupied by the Dunes Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1955. Bellagio was later developed on the former Dunes site.
Who designed the Bellagio Hotel?
Bellagio was created by a larger design team. Architectural sources credit DeRuyter O. Butler with Jon Jerde Partnership, while designer Roger Thomas had a major role in the resort’s distinctive interiors.
Where is the Bellagio Hotel located?
Bellagio is at 3600 South Las Vegas Boulevard on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada.
What architectural style is the Bellagio Hotel?
Bellagio is best described as an Italian- and Lake Como-inspired postmodern resort. Its architecture and interiors borrow from European resort traditions rather than reproducing one historical Italian Renaissance building.
How many rooms does the Bellagio Hotel have?
MGM Resorts currently lists Bellagio with 3,933 guest rooms, including 512 suites.
When was the Bellagio Spa Tower added?
The Spa Tower opened on December 23, 2004. The expansion added 928 rooms and suites along with additional meeting, retail, and hospitality space.
Are the Bellagio fountains free to watch?
Yes. The outdoor Fountains of Bellagio can be watched free of charge from public viewing areas. Show schedules can change and performances may be canceled because of weather.
What are some notable features of the Bellagio Hotel?
Notable features include the Fountains of Bellagio, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, “O” by Cirque du Soleil, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, Dale Chihuly’s Fiori di Como, luxury shops, fine-dining restaurants, casino, pools, and fountain-view rooms and suites.
Sources
- MGM Resorts Frequently Asked Questions — Bellagio construction dates, current room count, suite count, and fountain facts.
- Fountains of Bellagio — current fountain schedule, dimensions, and weather notice.
- Bellagio Hotel Rooms & Suites — current room categories, sizes, fountain-view accommodations, and suite information.
- Bellagio Spa & Salon — current spa renovation status, available services, and temporarily unavailable amenities.
- Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens — current 14,000-square-foot Conservatory information and seasonal displays.
- SAH Archipedia: Bellagio — architectural history and design attribution.
