The $256 Million Golden Tree that Rises from the Floor
Tens of thousands of 24-karat gold leaves, a massive crystal chandelier and a seasonal spectacle: how a sophisticated optical illusion at Macau's Wynn luxury hotel became the world's most extravagant display of wealth
At the heart of one of Macau's luxury hotels stands an extraordinary installation combining gold, lighting, music and optical illusions. The gilded tree rises from the floor before visitors' eyes, rotates and changes colours to represent the changing seasons.
The Tree of Prosperity, also known as the "Lucky Tree", stands in the Wynn Macau hotel in Macau and is one of the complex's most prominent entertainment installations. According to online publications, its value is estimated at $256 million.
The tree rises to a height of approximately 11 meters and includes some 60 main branches, more than 2,000 secondary branches and approximately 98,000 leaves. The leaves are made from pure 24-karat gold leaf alongside brass, so not all the leaves are made of pure gold.
But the installation is not limited to a glittering tree. It is a timed performance combining mechanical movement, music, projections and coloured lighting. During the show, the tree rises from the floor, rotates and gradually transforms into a colourful display simulating the changing seasons, from the green of spring to the hues of autumn and winter.
A large dome decorated with symbols of the Chinese zodiac sits above the tree, and the performance also incorporates astronomical elements from Western tradition. Alongside the tree, the complex includes a massive chandelier adorned with thousands of crystal beads.
The installation is designed to symbolise prosperity, success, health and good fortune, and it attracts many visitors even without any connection to the gambling in the complex. According to Macau's official tourism website, the performance takes place daily, and the tree has become one of the attractions most identified with the hotel.