Windmill at the Bellagio

Las Vegas themed casinos cover a very wide range of subjects from around the world, so it was very likely that eventually a windmill would enter into such a world. Whilst it's not a permanent fixture, the latest display in the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio Hotel takes a Dutch theme, and with it comes 26 foot high mock windmill.

The mill appeared on the 7th March 2012 (presumably prefabricated somewhere else, and moved into place pretty much complete, since it was not there the previous day), with the surrounding gardens complete by the 10th. As of the time of writing, it can be seen on the hotel webcam, and is due to be in place until the 13th May.

The full press release by the casino reads:

DANCE INTO SPRING WITH JOY AND SPLENDOR AT BELLAGIO'S CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDENS

LAS VEGAS (March 14, 2012) - Spring has sprung at Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, now open to the public through May 13. This year's show debuts the enchanting musical sounds of the harp and violin, a rotating windmill and a floral exhibition showcasing tulips, azaleas, hibiscus and lilies. A carousel, waterfall and ceiling-hung hand-painted parasols invite the spirit of spring with open arms.

For the first time during the Conservatory’s spring display, guests can enjoy live musical performances 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. daily, from the Victorian Gazebo in the South Garden. The sounds of the harp and violin transport guests to a serene village through compositions and arrangements inspired by European musical masters like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Chopin.

Steps away and making its debut at Bellagio, a 26-foot-tall windmill, weighing approximately 9,000 pounds, lures visitors into a captivating garden surrounded by magnolia, weeping willow, bottle and plum trees. A stunning mother swan and her cygnets, made of 5,000 feathers and simulated fur, frolic in the cool water beneath a 24-foot-long stone bridge.

Near the entrance to the Conservatory, a colorful 11-foot-tall carousel, weighing 5,600 pounds, is accented with shades of emerald, plum, ginger and ruby and surrounded by large daffodils. Bumble bees made of preserved sunflowers and mums buzz about the daffodils while four custom-painted sets of over-sized traditional Dutch clogs complete the springtime ambiance.

In conjunction with the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art's new exhibit "Claude Monet: Impressions of Light", the Conservatory has created a floral interpretation of Claude Monet's Fisherman's Cottage on the Cliffs at Varengeville (1879). Located in the Giardini corner, the recreated painting is fitted within a 6-foot tall elaborately carved frame.

Also new to the spring display is the high-definition streaming Earthcam, allowing guests to experience the Conservatory from anywhere in the world. Perched above the Botanical Gardens, the Earthcam provides a live look at each seasonal transformation and transports guests to the beauty of Bellagio, around the clock, all year long.

The spring exhibit within Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open daily, 24 hours a day.

Spring Display Facts
Display dates: through May 13
Total flowers on display per week: 8,283
Total flowers on display for duration of the exhibit: 82,830

Windmill:
Height: 26 feet
Height w/ blades: 36 feet
Weight: 9,000 pounds

Carousel:
Height: 11 feet
Width: 18 feet
Weight: 5,600 pounds

Picture Frame:
Height: 6 feet
Width: 8 feet

News coverage of the display includes:

• Spring comes to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
• Harp and Violins Come to the Bellagio's Conservatory

The 2011 Fall Harvest display in the same location featured a watermill, complete with rotating waterwheel, which was in situ from mid October through to the 27th November 2011.