16 Best Art Museums in Las Vegas, Nevada (2024)

Las Vegas is known for its vibrant entertainment scene and dazzling lights. It is also home to several engaging art museums and galleries.

As well as art museums, Las Vegas also has several other museums that incorporate engaging art elements into their exhibits. These institutions seamlessly blend history, science, and art, creating unique and immersive experiences for visitors.

The city is also a haven for immersive art experiences that push the boundaries of traditional museum visits. These immersive installations offer visitors the chance to step inside the art itself, creating unforgettable moments of connection and engagement.

The city boasts several outdoor installations that add a touch of artistic flair to its urban landscape. From towering sculptures to dynamic murals, these outdoor artworks offer a unique blend of creativity and cityscape, inviting both locals and tourists to engage with art in unexpected places.

There is an arts district in Las Vegas that is filled with numerous art galleries. The district provides a vibrant platform for local and international artists to exhibit their works.

In this article I have listed all the best art museums and art venues in Las Vegas to help you plan your visit to this exciting city.

I have included opening times for each museum that are correct at the time of writing this article, but please check the latest information before your visit.

If you would like to read more about other places where you can view artwork in the United States, please click here.

Table of Contents

1. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

2. Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery

3. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art

4. Meow Wolf Omega Mart

5. Museum of Illusions Las Vegas

6. Fantasy Lab Las Vegas

7. The Neon Museum Las Vegas

8. Pinball Hall of Fame

9. Erotic Heritage Museum

10. Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum

11. National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement

12. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum

13. The National Atomic Testing Museum

14. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

15. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

16. The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Art Galleries

The Arts District in Las Vegas

Outdoor Art Installations in Las Vegas

1. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is an art museum located within the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. It showcases rotating exhibitions of fine art from various periods and styles.

The gallery’s exhibitions feature works by renowned artists from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and other forms of visual art. The museum collaborates with prestigious institutions and private collectors to bring exceptional pieces to its visitors.

The exhibitions at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art change periodically, offering visitors a chance to experience different artistic movements and themes. Past exhibitions have included works by artists such as Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Fabergé. The exhibition running from 23rd February to 10th September 2023, ‘In Bloom’ explores themes of rebirth, identity, abstraction, humanity, and forces. This exhibition presents a diverse range of artists including works by Regina Bogat, Nick Cave, Salvador Dalí, Robert Mapplethorpe, Alex Katz, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Ai Weiwei among others.

The gallery’s location within the Bellagio Resort allows guests to easily access its exhibits while enjoying the resort’s other amenities.

2. Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery

CC Image courtesy of Bert Kaufmann, Flickr

Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery Las Vegas offers a unique art experience in two locations within The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace (1) Level Two near the Spiral Escalator and (2) Level One near the Casino Entrance/Valet Parking by the Spiral Escalator.

Visitors can explore a wide range of artworks from renowned artists, including masterworks by iconic figures such as Salvador Dali, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pablo Picasso. The gallery provides opportunities to purchase original works from acclaimed artists and offers special events and exhibitions.

Visitors to Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery can enjoy browsing the collection, appreciating the different artistic styles and movements represented.

3. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art

The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is an art museum located on the campus of the University of Nevada. The museum is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art, as well as cultural and historical exhibitions.

The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art features a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, and multimedia works. It serves as a platform for both emerging and established artists, offering a space for creative expression and exploration.

The museum’s exhibitions often reflect social, cultural, and political themes, encouraging critical thinking and dialogue. It also collaborates with artists, scholars, and the community to present lectures, workshops, and special events that enhance the understanding and appreciation of art.

4. Meow Wolf Omega Mart

CC Image courtesy of Jeremy Thompson, Flickr

Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is an immersive art experience in Las Vegas. Meow Wolf is a renowned art collective that creates interactive exhibits and imaginative installations, and Omega Mart is their unique venture in Las Vegas.

Omega Mart is designed as a fictional supermarket, but it goes far beyond a typical shopping experience. Visitors are encouraged to explore the space, interact with the exhibits, and discover hidden portals and alternate realities within the store.

The installation features a combination of art, technology, and storytelling to create a surreal and immersive environment. Each aisle and section of the supermarket offers surprises, with intricate details, vibrant colors, and interactive elements. The narrative unfolds as visitors delve deeper into the mysteries of Omega Mart.

5. Museum of Illusions Las Vegas

Museum of Illusions Las Vegas

Photo Credit: Museum of Illusions Las Vegas

The Museum of Illusions Las Vegas is a cutting-edge attraction that immerses visitors in a world of visual wonder and perplexing marvels. The museum features an impressive collection of interactive exhibits, mind-bending installations, and enigmatic puzzles designed to challenge perception and reality. From gravity-defying rooms to intricate holograms and brain-teasing illusions, it is a unique and engaging experience that seamlessly blends art, science, and entertainment.

6. Fantasy Lab Las Vegas

The Fantasy Lab is located in the Fashion Show Mall. The Fantasy Lab promotes immersive experiences such as “Time to Dream” and “Midnight Dreams”, offering visitors the opportunity to be transported to extraordinary worlds through stunning visuals and illusions that takes visitors on a journey into their deepest dreams. Fantasy Lab values the use of technology to connect people and aims to create a world where technology provides hope and connection.

7. The Neon Museum Las Vegas

  • Admission: Adults from $20

  • Opening Hours: March & April, 3pm to 11pm; May to August, 4pm to Midnight; September & October 3pm to 11pm; November to February 2pm to 10pm

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, is a popular cultural venue dedicated to preserving and displaying iconic neon signs from the city’s history. It serves as a unique testament to Las Vegas’ vibrant past and the development of neon as a distinctive art form.

The museum is located in downtown Las Vegas and occupies the historic La Concha Motel lobby, which itself is an architectural landmark. The main attraction, however, is the Neon Boneyard—a large outdoor exhibition space where retired neon signs are showcased. These iconic Las Vegas signs, many of them restored to their former glory, represent the visual language that defined the city’s famous Las Vegas Strip and other areas.

8. Pinball Hall of Fame

CC Image courtesy of Mira Mechtley, Wiki Commons

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a popular attraction in Las Vegas, that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing pinball machines from various eras.

The Pinball Hall of Fame features an extensive collection of pinball machines, including both vintage and modern ones. Visitors can expect to see machines from different decades, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for pinball enthusiasts. The museum prides itself on maintaining and restoring the machines to working condition, allowing visitors to play and enjoy the games.

You can find classic titles as well as rare and unique machines that are not commonly seen elsewhere. The pinball machines themselves display a variety of unique artworks.

9. Erotic Heritage Museum

The Erotic Heritage Museum in Las Vegas is a unique museum dedicated to exploring and celebrating human sexuality and the history of erotic art, artifacts, and culture. It aims to provide education, promote sexual wellness, and foster a better understanding of human sexuality.

The museum features a variety of exhibits that cover a wide range of topics related to eroticism, including historical and contemporary art, literature, photography, and interactive displays. Visitors can expect to see collections of erotic art, sculptures, vintage adult films, and exhibits exploring different aspects of sexuality and sexual expression.

The Erotic Heritage Museum also hosts events focused on sexuality, sexual health, and relationships.

It’s worth noting that due to the explicit nature of the subject matter, the museum is restricted to visitors who are 18 years of age or older.

10. Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum

The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is dedicated to the artistic legacy of Rita Deanin Abbey, a multidisciplinary abstract artist and one of the first art professors at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

The museum displays her outdoor sculptures and a selection of her extensive body of work, which includes painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, porcelain enamel fired on steel, stained glass, and computer art.

11. National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement

CC Image courtesy of APK, Wiki Commons

The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, commonly known as The Mob Museum, is a museum dedicated to chronicling the history and impact of organized crime in the United States, as well as the efforts of law enforcement to combat it.

The Mob Museum offers a variety of art exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that showcase the rise of organized crime in America, notable mobsters, like Al Capone and their criminal activities, law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute organized crime figures, and the broader social and cultural impact of organized crime.

Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits on topics such as Prohibition and bootlegging, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, the mob’s influence in Las Vegas, its role as a sin city, the relationship between organized crime and labor unions, and the work of law enforcement agencies such as the FBI in fighting organized crime.

12. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum

DISCOVERY Children's Museum in Las Vegas is a museum focused on providing children with interactive and educational experiences and emphasizes the importance of curiosity and play as a way of learning. The museum’s exhibits include:

  • DISCOVERY Lab: An innovative makerspace.

  • The Summit: A 70-foot tower with 12 levels that span all three floors of the museum.

  • Fantasy Festival: A gallery featuring a life-size pirate ship, medieval castle, and a theater for creative play and collaboration.

  • Eco City: A mini-city with familiar buildings and businesses, emphasizing an environmentally friendly approach.

  • Patents Pending: An environment dedicated to experimentation, curiosity, invention, problem-solving, and tinkering.

  • Toddler Town: A desert-themed exhibition specifically designed for young children.

  • Water World: A celebration of water and its movement, power, and interaction with objects.

  • Young at Art: A space that immerses visitors in a Dr. Seuss book-like experience.

13. The National Atomic Testing Museum

CC Image courtesy of Watts, Flickr

  • Admission: Adults from $29

  • Opening Hours: Open Daily, from 9am to 7pm

The National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas is dedicated to preserving and educating visitors about the history and science of nuclear testing in the United States. This museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

The museum explores the development of the atomic bomb. Visitors can find out about the impact of nuclear weapons and the role of the southern Nevada Test Site, located nearby, in the nation’s atomic testing program.

The museum offers a range of exhibits that cover various aspects of atomic testing, including the science behind nuclear weapons, the Cold War era, the effects of radiation, and the stories of the people involved in the testing program. Visitors can explore artworks, artifacts, photographs, videos, and interactive displays that provide insights into the history, technology, and consequences of nuclear testing.

One of the notable exhibits is the Ground Zero Theater, which provides a multimedia experience simulating an above-ground nuclear detonation. It offers a unique opportunity to understand the power and destructive force of these weapons.

The National Atomic Testing Museum also showcases exhibits on the broader topic of atomic energy, including its peaceful uses such as nuclear power and medical applications.

14. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a family-friendly museum that seeks to educate visitors about the natural world through engaging exhibits, displays, and interactive exhibits and experiences.

The museum features a variety of permanent exhibits that cover topics such as dinosaurs, prehistoric life, marine life, wildlife habitats, geology, and more. Visitors can explore displays of fossils, skeletons, and replicas of ancient creatures, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a woolly mammoth. The museum also houses a vast collection of minerals and rocks, allowing visitors to learn about the Earth’s geological processes.

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum often hosts temporary exhibits that focus on specific themes or scientific discoveries. These changing exhibits offer visitors the opportunity to explore different aspects of the natural world and stay up to date with current research and findings.

15. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

CC Image courtesy of w:fa, Wiki Commons

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is a popular attraction located on the Las Vegas Strip. The museum features lifelike wax figures of famous celebrities, historical icons, and pop culture personalities.

Visitors to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas can explore various themed sections, each showcasing different figures and interactive experiences. Some of the notable sections include the Vegas Icons, where you can find wax figures of Las Vegas entertainers and legends, and the Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience, featuring characters from the Marvel Universe.

The museum offers a chance to take photos with the wax figures, and many of them are incredibly realistic, making for memorable and fun photo opportunities.

The lifelike figures are created using a meticulous process that involves taking precise measurements and using real hair and high-quality materials.

16. The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Art Galleries

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (LVCCLD) operates several art galleries across its library branches, showcasing a variety of artworks by local and regional artists. These free admission galleries provide a platform for artists to display their creations and offer the community opportunities to engage with different forms of visual art.

  • Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Dr., Las Vegas NV 89131. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas NV 89119. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • East Las Vegas Library, 2851 East Bonanza Road, Las Vegas NV 89101. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • Enterprise Library, 8310 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89123. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas NV 89117. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 7.45pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 5.45pm. NB Saharda West Library used to house the Las Vegas Art Museum (LVAM) until it closed in 2009.

  • Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89103. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Dr. Las Vegas NV 89134. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89146. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas NV 89106. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • Whitney Library , 5175 E. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas NV 89122. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • Windmill Library, 7060 W. Windmill Ln. Las Vegas NV 89113. Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

  • Windmill Library Service Center, 7060 W. Windmill Ln. 2nd Floor Hallway, Las Vegas NV 89113. Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.

The Arts District in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Arts District, also known as 18b, is a vibrant and creative neighborhood located in downtown Las Vegas. It is a designated arts district that is home to a diverse range of art galleries, studios, performance spaces, boutiques, vintage shops, bars, and restaurants.

The district spans approximately 18 blocks and is centered around Fremont Street, where Sin City began, Main Street, Charleston Boulevard, Hoover Avenue, and Commerce Street.

Visitors to the Las Vegas Arts District can explore numerous art galleries that exhibit various forms of visual art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media. The district also hosts monthly events such as First Friday, a community-driven art walk where galleries open their doors to the public, street performers entertain visitors, and food trucks offer a variety of culinary delights.

Here are some of the galleries visitors can explore in the Las Vegas Arts District:

  • Conrad West Gallery: Located on West Colorado Avenue, this gallery features contemporary art from emerging and established contemporary artists.

  • Gallery 54: This gallery on Main Street showcases a variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.

  • AW Gallery: This gallery on Charleston Boulevard features contemporary art from local and international artists.

  • RM Photo Gallery: This gallery on 1st Street features music-inspired photography.

  • Helios Fine Arts Gallery: This gallery on Main Street hosts a rotating roster of artists and exhibits thought-provoking contemporary art.

  • Graffiti Art Gallery Alley: This alley in the Arts District features murals and graffiti art from local and international artists.

  • The Arts Factory: This building on Charleston Blvd is home to several art galleries, including the Contemporary Arts Center and the Joseph Watson Collection.

  • Spencer Couture Art Gallery: This gallery features contemporary art from local and international artists.

  • Amanda Harris Gallery of Contemporary Art: This gallery features contemporary art from local and international artists.

  • The Artistic Armory: This gallery features local and international contemporary artists.

Exploring the district’s galleries, attending events, and immersing yourself in the local art scene can be a rewarding experience for art enthusiasts and visitors seeking a unique cultural experience in Las Vegas.

In addition to the art galleries, the Las Vegas Arts District is known for its vibrant street art scene. Colorful murals and graffiti can be found adorning the walls throughout the neighborhood, adding to its artistic atmosphere.

The Las Vegas Arts District is a hub for creativity, cultural expression, and community engagement. It offers a unique and eclectic experience for locals and tourists alike who are interested in exploring the dynamic arts and culture scene in Las Vegas.

Outdoor Art Installations in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is home to many outdoor art installations that offer unique and immersive experiences. Here are some of the outdoor art installations in Las Vegas:

  • Art Island: This outdoor gallery allows visitors to experience and engage with innovative exhibitions. Art Island is arguably one of the best outdoor art galleries in Las Vegas.

  • Seven Magic Mountains: This public art installation located just outside of Las Vegas features seven towering sculptures of brightly colored boulders. It is one of the most iconic art installations in the Las Vegas area.

  • Symphony Park: This park features several outdoor art installations, including sculptures and murals.

These are just a few of the many outdoor art installations in Las Vegas. Visitors can explore these installations to discover a wide range of art styles and media from local and international artists.

I hope you have found my list of museums and galleries in Las Vegas useful. If you have visited any of these places, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel one of your favourites is missing from the list, please email me and let me know at [email protected].

Some of the links you’ll find in this blog post may earn me a small commission if you make a purchase. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps support the work I do in creating valuable content.

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