Forget the underwater villa in the Maldives, forget a private island in Fiji – they have nothing on the newly-opened world’s most expensive suite. Lavish fur throws, a bathroom entirely finished in Venus grey marble, and a pill cabinet filled with diamonds…enter the Empathy Suite designed by world-renowned artist Damien Hirst, in the Palms Casino Resort in, of course, Las Vegas. At $200,000 for a two-night stay, this is the epitome of opulence, in the breath-taking setting of a some of the most unique contemporary art, with panoramas of the glittering lights of Sin City below. Take a sneak peak into Damien Hirst’s mind…
It’s called art, didn’t you know?
What makes this suite stand out is the unforgettable installation of original pieces from some of Hirst’s most notable series. Being the first and only of its kind to feature a collection of contemporary art at this scale, tour through six original works including two bull sharks suspended in formaldehyde in a tank set in the wall of the suite, a 10-panel collection of butterfly motifs on monochrome glossy canvases, and a medicine cabinet. Two vitrines, one containing a marlin skeleton and the other a taxidermy marlin, hang directly above the 13-seat curved bar created by Hirst and filled with medical waste.
“I love what Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta have done with the Palms. It’s amazing being able to work with them because they're great collectors and totally understand art,” said Damien Hirst. “They have allowed me to create a suite in the hotel and design everything and completely fill it with my art.”
A personal touch
This ground-breaking suite has been designed first and foremost by Hirst, bringing his vision of modern beauty to life. His signature butterfly motif, which he created in 2001 with his Kaleidoscope painting, can be seen fluttering all across this two-storey sky villa, from the mosaic tiles of the cantilevered pool to the walls, floors and curtains of the indulgent master bedroom. Specially-designed furniture incorporating the pharmacy theme is used unapologetically throughout, including a large pill cabinet filled with diamonds.
"Our work with Damien Hirst and his talented team began with our architecture, design, and furniture for the entire suite. Over the course of a few months, we explored with Damien’s team every opportunity for the intersection of our work and Damien’s – including locations for his commissioned art, modifications to the furniture we chose, and superimposition of his motifs on our material palette. Uncovering those opportunities together was the essence of ‘play’ with an added dose of ‘why not?’” said Peter Bentel, of Bentel & Bentel Architects, an award-winning firm collaborating with Hirst for this affluent suite masterpiece.
Space to admire
The 9,000sq.ft suite lined with top to bottom glass windows is certainly enough space for Hirst and Bentel & Bentel to design exclusivity only a few can dream of. Think a media/theatre area accommodating up to 52 guests, a private healing salt room and two master bedrooms including California-king beds with massage rooms and fitness area. Soaring ceiling heights encase serpentine-shaped Italian leather sofas, Hirst-designed bespoke furniture and a large dining area calling for you and your seven guests to enjoy the ultimate culinary experience. And what could be more Instagram-worthy than the outdoor terrace providing you with vistas of the Vegas madness, that only a VIP could enjoy from the comfort of their suite?
“The Empathy Suite designed by Damien Hirst is the pinnacle of luxury combining museum-worthy art and a truly legendary hospitality experience for the discerning hotel aficionado and casino guest looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Las Vegas stay,” said Jon Gray, General Manager of Palms Casino Resort.
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