These cigarette vending machines dispense art
Smoking kills but art saves
© Shutterstock
LIFESTYLE Cigarette
Cigarette vending machines used to be a staple of many restaurants and retail locations, however since being banned in many cities in the 20th century, the retro smoke distributors have gone out of circulation. Artist Clark Whittington had a healthier idea for these vending machines, by repurposing them into pocket-sized art stores dubbed Art-o-Mat's.
Beginning in 1997, Whittington now has transformed more than 100 cigarette cases that house the work of over 400 artists, according to Atlas Obscura. For a $5 fee, which is about the same as a pack nowadays, customers can get paintings, jewelry, little sculptures, or drawings—and avoid the cough too.
The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is currently home to the largest collection of Art-o-Mat's in one space. Venture through the stunning halls and lobbies of the famed Vegas location to find all six vending machines.
@Art_o_mat I found your vending machines at the Cosmopolitan in Vegas - my new FAVORITE thing. So awesome! pic.twitter.com/aY1yIx4nsR
— Crystal Foth (@CrystalFoth) April 15, 2018
Throw away your smokes and pick up some art.