About the Bellagio Water Fountains

One of Las Vegas's most popular attractions are the outdoor fountains at The Bellagio. Tops on every tourist's list, visitors line the sidewalks along Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip) and driveways of the hotel, from the moment the Fountains start until the last show each evening.

Instructions

History

1. 

   The Fountains Project began in 1995 when casino developer Steve Wynn and representatives from WET Design began designing the work. According to the WET Design website, the goal was to develop a project "that would be vibrantly kinetic and elating for visitors, while expressing the romantic spirit of Bellagio." The Fountains are set in a nine-acre manmade lake in front of the hotel, appropriately named Lake Bellagio. The Fountains have been the visual centerpiece of the hotel since the Bellagio opened in 1998.

Function

1. 

   The Bellagio fountains pump fresh water from a well drilled years ago to irrigate a golf course that was previously on the site. The network of pipes feed 1,200 nozzles which are managed by computer and choreographed to music. According to WET Design, there are three different types of nozzles --- the Oarsmen, which shoots water in a full 360-degree range; the Shooters, which fire water upward; and the Super Shooters, which can push water 250 feet into the air. The combination of water jets and more than 4,500 lights provide the aesthetic display to accompany the music played. In addition, musicians and choreographers were invited to design the routines and patterns of the jets.

Significance

1. The Fountains have been featured four major motion pictures. The Bellagio and its fountains were the centerpiece of the movie "Ocean's Eleven" and serve as the setting for the post-robbery scene, before George Clooney's character is arrested. The Fountains also appear in "Ocean's Thirteen" (2007), "Lucky You" (2007) and "21--The Movie" (2008).

Features

1. 

   The Fountains are programmed to perform to 29 different songs. Among them are:

   Singin' in the Rain. Artist: Gene Kelly.
   Rondine al Nido. Artist: Luciano Pavarotti.
   Luck Be A Lady. Artist: Frank Sinatra.
   Con Te Partiro. Artist: Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman.
   Hallelujah Chorus (Handel's Messiah). Artist: Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
   Carol of the Bells. Artist: Los Angeles Master Chorale.
   O Holy Night. Artist: Placido Domingo.

Time Frame

1. The Fountains operate seven days a week. Shows are only canceled with the threat of high winds.
   Monday - Friday
   3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with shows every 30 minutes
   8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. with shows every 15 minutes
   Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
   12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with shows every 30 minutes
   8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. with shows every 15 minutes

Resources

• The Fountains of Bellagio
• WET Design's Fountains' page