The Vault at Bellagio Resort & Casino is a pioneering speakeasy cocktail lounge that redefines luxury hospitality through its innovative design and exclusive guest experience. The venue integrates modern design thinking with heritage craftsmanship to create a high-functioning, socially impactful space that speaks to the world’s most discerning clientele.
Studio Munge’s approach embraces a blend of classic opulence and contemporary unpredictability, making the space feel both timeless and forward-looking. The design reflects a deep understanding of human behavior and environmental psychology—encouraging a shift in body language and emotional response as guests transition into the sultry, tactile environment.
Functionality plays a critical role in The Vault’s spatial planning and user experience. The lounge occupies 1,700 square feet and accommodates up to 53 guests with a variety of seating options—ranging from intimate banquettes for quiet conversation to vibrant, interactive spaces at the cocktail bar. This spatial flexibility allows for dynamic social engagement while maintaining personal comfort and privacy.
Innovation is particularly evident in the use of bespoke materials and custom-built features. The entry vestibule’s octagonal layout and mohair-upholstered walls set the tone for a curated sensory journey. Key architectural elements such as the Portoro Gold marble and lacquered surfaces elevate the spatial language, while the layered lighting—featuring Welles sconces and cove lights—creates a warm, enveloping atmosphere. These design choices are not merely aesthetic but serve to guide guests emotionally and spatially through the venue.
Sustainability and social impact are subtly embedded into the project through craftsmanship and material choices that honor traditional artisan techniques. Collaborations with industry leaders like The Rug Company support artisanal manufacturing and reinforce the venue’s commitment to heritage quality over disposable luxury. These partnerships contribute to a longer lifecycle for materials and furnishings, supporting sustainable practices in high-end hospitality design.
The destination cocktail bar is a pinnacle of design functionality and innovation. A diamond-shaped floor pattern extends to the bar top, uniting the space visually and spatially. The 14-foot-high ceiling and integrated shelving serve both aesthetic and functional purposes—highlighting rare bottles and collectable glassware as art pieces. The use of reflective surfaces, including a massive faceted chandelier and mirrored back bar, enhances the visual experience while minimizing the need for excessive artificial lighting, contributing to energy efficiency.
The Vault
Studio Munge
Silver

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Peter Greenberg
Partner
at Ester Bruzkus Architekten
7
7
7
6
6.75

Paolo Torri
Exhibition Design Manager
at Pedrali
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5

Alexandra Cantacuzene
Director of Interior Design
at Al Futtaim Real Estate Group
7
7
7
7
7

Ray Chou
Founder and Creative Director
at Vermilion Zhou Design Group
7
7
7
6
6.75

Ethan Yao
China Resources Land
at Deputy General Manager and Chief Architect of Design Management
8.5
7.5
8
7
7.75

Ina Nikolova
Partner & Senior Project Manager
at Kinzo Architekten
7
7
7
7
7

Clemence Pirajean
Cofounder
at Pirajean Lees
7
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.38
Vandana Dhawan Saxena
Founder and Design Principal
at Studio IV Designs
8
7
8
7
7.5

Ali Mohammadioun
Founder
at E plus A Atelier
7
7.5
7
7
7.13

Paul Birkhead
Cofounder and Creative Director
at Syn Retail
6.5
7
7.5
6.5
6.88
Designer
Client
MGM Resorts International
Floor area
157 ㎡
Completion
2023
Lighting
Furniture
Finishes
Furniture
Finishes
Furniture