Photo by Heather Gill on Unsplash
Casinos and art have long shared a fascinating relationship. While gambling halls are known for their energy, risk, and luxury, art provides a cultural layer that enhances the overall atmosphere. One of the earliest cultural intersections between art and gaming can be traced to the iconic Dogs Playing Poker series by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge. Painted in the early 20th century, the series humorously depicted dogs seated around a table, smoking cigars, and playing cards—a reflection of how gambling was viewed at the time, often as a pastime hidden behind closed doors rather than a mainstream entertainment activity.
Today, casinos are no longer confined to smoky backrooms. They are grand entertainment complexes filled with music, fine dining, luxury shopping, and, in some cases, world-class art. Luxury casino resorts, such as the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, have become iconic due to their extravagant decor and service. However, the rise of online casinos has presented serious competition to physical venues. Digital platforms allow players to enjoy their favorite slots and table games from home. Premier Asian casino brand Solaire demonstrates how the biggest gaming companies have successfully broken into new markets through live casinos that bring real dealers and authentic gameplay to players worldwide. Yet, online platforms cannot replicate the cultural immersion of physically stepping into a casino adorned with priceless artwork.
For many, a casino visit isn’t just about gambling—it’s about the entire experience. The glitz of the gaming floor, the exclusivity of the lounges, and the presence of valuable art all contribute to the allure. This is why some of the most prestigious casinos across the globe have invested in extraordinary works of art, displaying paintings worth millions. Let’s explore five of the most expensive paintings to appear in casinos worldwide, each from a different country.
- Le Rêve by Pablo Picasso – Wynn Las Vegas, USA
No list of casino art is complete without mentioning Le Rêve (“The Dream”), painted by Pablo Picasso in 1932. The famous artist is one of the most iconic and highly regarded artists in art history and his works are a massive draw across the world. Once displayed at Steve Wynn’s resort in Las Vegas, the Le Rêve became famous not only for its value but also for an unfortunate accident: Wynn accidentally put his elbow through the canvas while showing it to guests. After restoration, the painting was later sold for $155 million, making it one of the most expensive artworks tied to a casino anywhere in the world.
- The Grand Canal, Venice by Canaletto – The Venetian, Macau
By Canaletto – Google Cultural Institute, Public Domain, Link
Credit Wikipedia: Public Domain
Macau, known as the “Monte Carlo of the East,” is home to some of the grandest casinos in the world. At The Venetian Macau, paintings by Giovanni Antonio Canal, better known as Canaletto, have been exhibited, including his celebrated work The Grand Canal, Venice. Canaletto’s Venetian cityscapes, painted in the 18th century, regularly fetch $20–30 million at auction. Displaying such a work in a casino built as a tribute to Venice perfectly fused art, architecture, and theme, elevating the experience for visitors.
- The Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens – Casino de Montréal, Canada
By Peter Paul Rubens – Rubenshuis, Public Domain, Link
Credit Wikipedia: Public Domain
Casino de Montréal, one of the largest casinos in North America, has hosted exhibitions of European masterpieces, including works by Peter Paul Rubens, the Flemish Baroque master. His The Massacre of the Innocents, an emotionally intense depiction from the early 1600s, sold at auction for more than $76 million. While on loan to cultural institutions in Canada, its presence tied to a casino event demonstrated how even North American casinos seek to distinguish themselves by showcasing art of immense historical and financial value.
- Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear by Vincent van Gogh – Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, one of Asia’s most iconic integrated resorts, has partnered with galleries to exhibit original works by Vincent van Gogh, including his Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. Painted in 1889 after the infamous incident in which Van Gogh cut his ear, the artwork has been valued at over $80 million. Its temporary exhibition at Marina Bay Sands highlighted how casinos use high-value cultural experiences to attract global visitors.
Why Art Belongs in Casinos
The presence of multimillion-dollar paintings in casinos underscores an important truth: casinos are not just gambling halls—they are cultural hubs. While online casinos like Solaire Online can replicate the thrill of live gaming with features such as real-time dealers, they cannot reproduce the feeling of walking into a grand casino lobby adorned with priceless art. For many, that cultural immersion is part of the attraction and why they still choose physical casinos over purely digital platforms.
Casinos around the world have showcased some of history’s most valuable and breathtaking paintings. These works, worth tens or even hundreds of millions, transform casinos into cultural destinations that transcend gaming.
While online platforms like Solaire Online continue to grow in popularity and offer unmatched convenience, they cannot replicate the artistic and cultural depth found in a casino filled with masterpieces. This blend of art and gaming ensures that, even in the digital age, the most exclusive casinos remain not only places of entertainment but also centers of culture.
