Ras Al Khaimah strengthens its global luxury position through culture-led hospitality

Wynn Al Marjan Island has confirmed that its highly anticipated resort in Ras Al Khaimah will debut a museum-caliber art collection when the property opens in Spring 2027. The collection will integrate historic masterpieces, iconic contemporary works, and newly commissioned pieces throughout the resort, creating one of the most ambitious private art displays ever assembled within a hospitality destination in the Middle East.

The artworks will appear across public spaces, guest areas, and accommodations, transforming the resort into a continuous living gallery rather than a traditional exhibition setting. Wynn Design & Development curated the collection to encourage discovery, accessibility, and cultural context at every stage of the guest journey.

A Global Art Collection Integrated Into Architecture

The Wynn Al Marjan Island art collection spans multiple historical periods, including prehistoric, ancient, Old Master, Victorian, Orientalist, and natural-world works. This scope positions the resort as a cultural landmark rather than a standalone luxury property.

Key highlights include:

• A 66-million-year-old Triceratops skull

• A newly commissioned Light Into Life sculpture by British artist Marc Quinn

• A 10-meter 17th-century wool-and-silk tapestry, with comparable works housed at the Louvre and The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rather than isolating these works in formal galleries, Wynn will embed them directly into the spatial flow of the resort. As a result, guests will encounter art organically while moving through entrances, corridors, gardens, and living spaces.

Iconic Works From Wynn’s Global Portfolio

Wynn Resorts will also bring signature artworks from its international properties to Ras Al Khaimah, reinforcing the destination’s global stature.

These works include:

• Jeff Koons’ “Tulips”, an 11-meter sculpture previously displayed at Wynn Las Vegas

• A Jaume Plensa sculpture from the Secret Garden series, last exhibited at Encore Boston Harbor

• A rare set of 18th-century Buccleuch vases from Wynn Palace, Macao

• A Victorian cut-glass console and mirror from Wynn Las Vegas

By relocating these pieces, Wynn connects its worldwide creative legacy to the UAE’s emerging luxury and cultural landscape.

Reframing Orientalism Through Regional Context

A defining element of the collection is its contemporary reinterpretation of 19th-century Orientalism. Instead of presenting Middle Eastern culture through a purely Western lens, Wynn has curated historically significant works back into the region that inspired them.

Notable examples include:

• Caravan in the Desert by Gustave Guillaumet (1840–1887)

• Entering the Temple by Rudolf Ernst (1854–1932)

Many of these artworks have remained in private collections for generations. Their public exhibition in Ras Al Khaimah marks the first time in decades that audiences can view them within a culturally aligned context.

Contemporary Regional Voices Within Guest Spaces

Alongside historic works, Wynn Al Marjan Island places strong emphasis on contemporary regional artists. Guest rooms and suites will feature commissioned pieces by Faïza Maghni, an Algerian artist whose work draws from Persian miniature traditions.

Every artwork within the resort has been created or selected for a specific location. Nothing serves a purely decorative role. This approach positions Wynn as both a collector and an active patron of artistic production.

Art as a Guided Guest Experience

From arrival to departure, the collection unfolds in a deliberate rhythm. Monumental works anchor entrances, while quieter pieces appear in unexpected settings. Sculptures traditionally displayed outdoors move indoors, while delicate artworks appear within landscaped environments.

This pacing encourages guests to pause, engage, and reflect, turning movement through the resort into a curated cultural journey.

Resort Scale and Development Timeline

Set across more than 60 hectares, Wynn Al Marjan Island will include:

• 1,217 resort rooms

• 297 Enclave suites

• Two Royal Apartments

• Four Garden Townhomes

• Ten Marina Estates

The destination will also feature 22 restaurants, lounges, and bars, a beach club, a large-scale spa and beauty complex, a skylit luxury retail parterre, 12 swimming pools, a 420-meter white-sand beach, a deep-water marina for superyachts, and dedicated venues for performances and events.

Construction remains on schedule. The resort’s 300-meter spire is set to top out in November 2025, ahead of its early Spring 2027 opening.

FAQ

What is the Wynn Al Marjan Island art collection?

The Wynn Al Marjan Island art collection is a museum-caliber private collection integrated throughout the resort, featuring historic, contemporary, and newly commissioned works by regional and international artists.

When will Wynn Al Marjan Island open?

Wynn Al Marjan Island is scheduled to open in Spring 2027, with construction progressing according to plan.

Where is Wynn Al Marjan Island located?

The resort is located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

Which artists are featured in the collection?

The collection includes works by Jeff Koons, Jaume Plensa, Marc Quinn, Gustave Guillaumet, Rudolf Ernst, and contemporary regional artists such as Faïza Maghni.

How is the art displayed within the resort?

Artworks appear across public spaces, guest areas, landscaped zones, and private rooms, forming a continuous living gallery rather than a traditional museum layout.