Las Vegas isn’t always about world-famous entertainment and five-star accommodations. Apart from the high-rolling recreation that the Strip is known for, the art scene in Las Vegas is also thriving with the enormous number of galleries, street art installations, and exhibits giving color and soul to the city.
These are my top picks for a Las Vegas art crawl.
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LAS VEGAS ARTS DISTRICT
Much more subdued than the oftentimes-raucous Strip is an area spanning 18 blocks where art and a strong sense of community combine – the Las Vegas Arts District. Located more than 4 miles north of the Strip via I-15, the Arts District is home to a happy mix of studios, galleries, coffee shops, bars, and quaint stores that celebrate art and life. For a deep dive into the culture of this Las Vegas gem, here are two of its notable frontliners.
Art Square
Called the “artistic and cultural hub of the Las Vegas Arts District”, this multi-use space spans 30,000 square feet and has anything from galleries, stores, and food stops to a live theater, an art garden, and even a hair salon. Indoor spaces are housed in three vintage buildings that have been restored to their former glory.
The Arts Factory
A venue where ideas are percolated, The Arts Factory is where people can mingle with those involved in the local arts scene, including photographers, artists, architects, and fellow art lovers. Regular events held here include Preview Thursday and First Friday, where visitors can explore the building and encounter visual treats.
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AREA 15
Home to art with an edge, Area 15 seeks to excite and even break your conventional ideas of art. This venue along South Rancho Drive is a mere 8-minute drive from the Strip and features immersive experiences like no other. From the art to the rides to the spots for food and drink, you’ll be in for an out-of-this-world sensory overload. Check out an alternate reality in Virtualis VR, go on the zip line at Haley’s Comet, and sip some cocktails by a digital maple tree at Oddwood.
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BELLAGIO GALLERY OF FINE ART
One of Las Vegas’ premier art galleries, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art offers the opportunity
to view esteemed works of renowned artists from all over the world. Located inside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, this museum is a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. The exhibits here are constantly changing so there’s always something new to expect.
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CENTAUR ART GALLERIES
The oldest art gallery in Las Vegas, Centaur Art Galleries offers an extensive catalog of artworks in various forms, as well as those made by some of the art world’s acclaimed masters such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, LeRoy Neiman, Steve Kaufman, and more. Pieces here can be purchased and are sure to make great additions to your personal art collection or home décor.
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NEON MUSEUM
Part of the Strip’s allure lies in its neon signs that light up the entire area at night. As the Strip evolves with new or upgraded establishments, so does its collection of neon signs. So, where do the “retired” neon signs go? To the Neon Museum!
Some of the more iconic signs you will find in the museum’s Neon Boneyard include the Hard Rock Cafe guitar and signage, the old La Concha Motel sign, as well as the Moulin Rouge and Stardust neon signs – all of which are part of the main collection. The museum also has an educational program that strives to relate the collection of neon signs to the history, culture, and heritage of the city.
EXPERIENCE LIVING IN LAS VEGAS
The thriving art scene is just one of the many reasons why it pays to live in Las Vegas and experience all it has to offer. For the best of Las Vegas luxury, let me – luxury real estate expert Anthony Romeo – be of service to you. Call me at 702.353.6759 or send a message here to find your new luxury abode in Sin City!