MGM says casino's art to draw on Springfield's rich history

July 02, 2018 12:00 am • Last Updated: July 02, 2018 1:09 am

This April 18, 2018, photo shows construction progress on the MGM Casino in downtown Springfield, Mass., which is on track to open in August, a few weeks ahead of schedule. MGM Resorts International President Bill Hornbuckle said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, April 25, that Aug. 24 is the new planned opening date for its $960 million downtown resort complex. The company had previously envisioned opening it sometime in September. (Don Treeger/The Republican via AP)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A company's planned Massachusetts casino will have an art flair.

MGM's planned Springfield casino will showcase artwork inspired by the region's history.

The casino company announced this week it will commission works drawing on the Springfield-area's industrial roots and famed locals, such as children's author Dr. Seuss and 19th-century poet Emily Dickinson.

The works range from large-scale sculptures and mosaics to intricate lithographs.

One wall mural will depict an Indian Motorcycle, which was originally manufactured in Springfield. And a large sculpture made of aluminum plates will form a tornado-like structure meant to celebrate the city's resiliency following a destructive tornado in 2011.

The casino will also feature a special exhibit highlighting turn-of-the-century technology associated with Springfield, like a stock ticker and phonograph.

MGM Springfield is slated to open Aug. 24 as Massachusetts' first Las Vegas-style gambling destination.

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