MGM National Harbor is celebrating Lunar New Year, and this week unveiled a massive floral display celebrating the Year of the Rooster. Imagined and designed by renowned event designer Ed Libby, the display at MGM National Harbor’s Conservatory delights guests with its palette of gold, red and orange and a multitude of flowers, now through March 12.
The display’s central figure is a 30-foot-tall fire rooster made entirely of reflective glass and 60,000 persimmon, crimson roses, and golden marigolds. Located beside this symbol of loyalty and responsibility, sits a golden money tree that not only brings good fortune to all, but lives as a representation of prosperity and positivity.
Inspired by the traditional architectural elements of Chinese gardens, display also features a large fountain that lives beneath an oversized moon gate. Dressed in banners expressing “good luck” and “Happy New Year,” the moon gate is widely known across Asia as a symbol of class and beauty and serves as an entryway to the gardens beyond.
Directly across from the moon gate, a foot bridge stretches over a pond accompanied by an over-sized lucky koi fish accented with golden fins and more than 2,000 vibrant roses. Surrounded by lush greenery, begonias and azaleas and parallel to the auburn bridge, a soaring pagoda plays home to “Lady Luck,” the Chinese empress. Dressed in a floral robe of 14,500 persimmon, yellow and crimson roses accented with golden marigolds and bay leaves, she delicately beckons guests into The Conservatory while veiling her custom-carved face with a bewitching fan. Opposite the bridge stands a symbolic tangerine tree signifying wealth, filled with 7,000 orange roses and golden marigolds.
Suspended from the 85-foot high glass-topped atrium, eight giant Chinese lanterns accompanied by clusters of firecrackers ward off evil spirits. There is also stylized lighting effects to complement the display throughout the evening.
The Conservatory at MGM National Harbor is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is complimentary to the public.
