Sculpted from bronze, Leo the Lion at the MGM Grand Casino embodies strength and grandeur. He’s hard to miss, wouldn’t you agree? This majestic beast isn’t just any lion. Leo the Lion is the largest bronze statue in the Western Hemisphere. He stands a proud 45 feet tall and stretches 50 feet long, a colossal figure weighing in at 50 tons. Imagine 1660 individual bronze pieces welded together to create this magnificent work of art. Sculptor Snell Johnson and designer M. Smeaton brought Leo the Lion to life, officially installing him on February 15, 1997. But Leo the Lion wasn’t the first to guard the MGM Grand. Before him stood a massive lion’s head entrance. Guests literally walked through its open mouth to enter the casino. However, it was discovered that the open mouth symbolized bad luck in some cultures, deterring certain guests. The MGM Grand, ever sensitive to its diverse clientele, replaced the head with the current Leo the Lion statue. Rumor has it the original lion’s head resides in a private collection. Today, Leo the Lion stands as a symbol of the MGM Grand, a testament to its rich history and commitment to its guests. He is regularly cleaned and polished. He has undergone a thorough cleaning as recently as April 2021, ensuring he remains a shining beacon on the Las Vegas Strip. So next time you’re at the MGM Grand, take a moment to admire Leo the Lion. He is a true masterpiece and a beloved icon of Las Vegas.
Lamb of God Lutheran Church
“Unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.” These powerful words encapsulate the spirit of Lamb of God