According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2018 is the Year of the Dog and the Chinese Lunar New Year is Sunday, Feb. 16.
MGM pays homage to the Year of the Dog with The Conservatory’s new Lunar New Year display and a host of culinary and cultural experiences.
Dog is the eleventh in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac sign. The Years of the Dog include 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018. According to TravelChinaGuide.com, people born in the Year of the Dog are usually independent, sincere, loyal and decisive and are not afraid of difficulties in daily life.
The Conservatory
The Conservatory display, “Modern Asian Glamour,” was created by event designer Ed Libby and is brought to life with more than 16,000 fresh flowers throughout three distinct beds. When you enter The Conservatory, you'll see a 30-foot-tall money tree covered in reflective red and gold bark. The traditional tree, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, is crowned with stunning gold coin leaves.
Nestled at its side, a tangerine tree encircled by silk marigolds in hues of gold and orange signifies riches emerging from the earth. Beneath the trees sit three floral Chinese pugs, frolicking on top of a mountain of botanical greenery.
Inspired by the traditional elements of Chinese gardens, the second bed features a 10-foot-tall Chinese Shar-Pei comprised of an assortment of rice, seeds and lentils. The dog is perched beneath an oversized moon gate adorned with the “Fuk” (meaning good luck, health and happiness) and “Choi” symbols in metallic crimson. The majestic dog rests atop a floral mountain of golden coins representing the luck and good fortune brought to all who come to admire the display. A pond, surrounded by variegated ivies and Japanese junipers, signifies the flowing current of wealth, abundance and good fortune for the coming year.
The third bed features large Lunar New Year good luck envelopes that contour into an elegant foot bridge. Flowing beneath the bridge is a glistening pond complete with a vibrant silk rose Koi Fish, embodying the values of strength, courage and bravery.
Eight oversized Chinese lanterns, in rich red, orange and gold shades, hang from the 85-foot glass-topped atrium alongside gold coin medallions. Completing the immersive experience are theatrical lighting effects illuminating the three beds while traditional Chinese music plays throughout the day and night.
The Conservatory at MGM National Harbor is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to the public. The Lunar New Year display is open now through March.
Entertainment & Events
Celebratory activities at MGM National Harbor for Lunar New Year begin Wednesday, Feb. 14, including:
· Guests can enjoy dining specials at Ginger, the resort’s Pan-Asian restaurant offering authentic cuisine, throughThursday, March 15. Specials include Steamed Live Bass,Golden Crab, Glutinous Rice Cake and Red Bean Soup with Rice Dumpling.
· A traditional Lion Dance performance will take place Sunday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. to kick off the Lunar New Year celebration. Beginning in The Conservatory and weaving through the casino and retail corridors, the energetic dance will be performed by the Imperial Lion Dance Team.
Lunar New Year Conservatory Fast Facts
· 16,400: Flowers in the display
· 10 feet: Height of the Chinese Shar-Pei made of rice, lentils, seeds, oats and sugar
· 30 feet: Height of the money tree comprised of 50 gold coins
· 5x8 feet: Height and width of the hanging silk Chinese lanterns
· 5 feet: Length of the Koi Fish comprised of silk roses
