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ART AND CULTURE!
For decades, Las Vegas has occupied a singular place in America's cultural spectrum. Elvis impersonators, showgirls and neon lights are some of the most familiar emblems of Las Vegas' culture, but they are only part of the story.
In recent years, Las Vegas has secured its place on the cultural map. From the highbrow to the kitschy, you can bet on the destination to deliver a well-rounded dose of art and culture.
Unique Las Vegas Culture
Visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural offerings that are unique to Las Vegas and learn more about this gaming capital and its place in history.
Las Vegas' newest cultural and historic attraction, the Springs Preserve, opened in 2007 on a 180-acre historic site commonly known as "the birthplace of Las Vegas." The Preserve features historic museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, educational and play areas for children, the future Nevada State Museum, an interpretive trail system, a botanical garden and more.
For fans of legendary entertainer Liberace, or those just wanting to catch a glimpse of this Las Vegas legend's life, the Liberace Museum is a must-see. The museum features "Mr. Showmanship's" dazzling jewelry, rare antiques, unsurpassed wardrobe, unique and historical pianos and his custom car collection. The non-profit museum supports the work of the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts which has funded scholarships for the arts since 1976. This year, the Liberace Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Focused on preserving one aspect of Las Vegas' vibrant history, the Neon Museum is a collection of classic neon signs from the 1940s to present day. The museum currently features 11 refurbished, vintage neon signs on display downtown at the Fremont Street Experience. The Boneyard, a 3-acre outdoor site, features non-restored historic signs and is available to view by appointment only. The Neon Museum recently broke ground on its new building to house the non-restored historic signs, currently displayed on a 3-acre outdoor site called the Boneyard. Part of the new museum will include the historic La Concha Motel Lobby.
Las Vegas's newest museum, the Erotic Heritage Museum, is a 24,000-square-foot space featuring permanent exhibits designed to preserve wonders of the erotic imagination as depicted through the artistic expression of love. Guests can explore the vast array of socio-cultural perspectives including a special emphasis on the unfolding of the American Sexual Revolution of the 20th Century.
The Las Vegas Museum of Law Enforcement and Organized Crime will be an interactive museum presenting a bold and authentic view of organized crime's impact on Las Vegas' history and its unique imprint on America and the world. The exhibits, programs and experiences will offer multiple perspectives and provide a contemporary, engaging, challenging and educational experience. The museum will be located in the heart of Downtown's urban core and housed in the former federal courthouse and United States Post Office. The museum is expected to open in 2010.
Each year, the CineVegas Film Festival is held in June at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres. CineVegas combines the excitement of red carpet premieres (such as OCEAN'S 13 in 2007 and THE ROCKER and GET SMART in 2008) with the glitz and glamour of Vegas. The Festival annually presents the best new independent films, documentaries and shorts, as well as parties up and down the famed Las Vegas strip. Each year, CineVegas also includes in-depth celebrity tributes with some of today's most talented actors and directors, including Viggo Mortensen, Don Cheadle, James Caan, Charlize Theron, Anthony Hopkins, Sean Penn and Jack Nicholson. Trevor Groth, a senior programmer at the iconic Sundance Film Festival, serves as the Artistic Director for CineVegas. And since 2004, famed actor, director and artist Dennis Hopper has served as Chairman of the CineVegas Creative Advisory Board.
Art for Art's Sake
In 1998, Steve Wynn surprised many when he decided to open an art gallery in his $1.9 billion hotel-casino, Bellagio. Art critics were skeptical, but the public applauded his efforts when the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art opened and launched Las Vegas to the forefront of the art scene. With eyes glued to this emerging art center, other reputable art
institutions started looking toward Las Vegas. The result: fine art galleries located in the resort corridor, featuring revered masterpieces by celebrated artists.
*The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presents traveling art exhibitions from around the world. Recent exhibitions have included exhibits showcasing everything from Fabergé designs from St. Petersburg, Russia, to paintings by Claude Monet on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Currently, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art proudly presents "Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends." On loan from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the collection features contemporary masterworks by such iconic artists as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol Lewitt and Frank Stella, to name a few. The compelling exhibition is on view at BGFA through Sept. 8, 2009.
* While the Bellagio was the first Strip resort to house a gallery of fine art, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay is a veritable museum, entirely decorated not with fanciful, themed decor, but with works by blue-chip contemporary artists, from the Arturo Herrera mural behind the registration desk, to the Andy Warhol prints in the foyer.
* Red Rock Hotel & Casino, located off-Strip in the Summerlin area, has a collection of fine art throughout the property. Masterpieces from artists such as Robert Indiana, Takashi Murakami, Paul McCarthy and Vik Muniz adorn the walls of the resort's restaurants, pool and nightclub.
Fine art in Las Vegas is not confined to the resorts, however. Other galleries thrive elsewhere in town, and serve as gathering points for artists and art aficionados alike. Several notable venues and events make the roster of must-see activities for art buffs visiting Las Vegas.
* During First Fridays in the Downtown Arts District, Las Vegas' historic downtown neighborhood draws thousands of visitors who come to see visual and performing artists, patronize arts-oriented businesses and enjoy the area's unique shops that offer antiques and vintage collectibles (The Attic, The Funk House) restaurants (Chicago Joe's, The Ice House Lounge, El Sombrero Cafe, Florida Cafe, Luv It Frozen Custard, Tinoco's Bistro and Casa Don Juan), and art galleries:
* The Arts Factory in downtown Las Vegas houses several artists' studios and contemporary art galleries, including Michael Wardle Gallery, showcasing the artist's contemporary Abstract-Expressionist paintings;
Trifecta, presenting the nostalgic Pop paintings of Marty Walsh and other emerging artists; and M Modern, Jennifer Main Studio and more.
* Commerce Street Studios include The Fallout, a venue for exhibitions by local and national artists working in a variety of media; MTZC (work by area artist Mark T. Zeilman); and Naked City Tattoo and Art (tattoo parlor and painting) and others.
* S2 Art is a fine-art-print maker, housing elaborate 19th-century printing presses used to reproduce works by artists such as Alphonse Mucha, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Tom Everhart and Matthew Rinard.
*Dust Gallery located on the first floor of downtown's new SoHo Lofts building. is one of the most up-and-coming contemporary art galleries in the West. Its stable of artists includes several of the area's emerging up-
and-comers, many of whom also show their work in other reputable galleries around the world.
* Holsum Lofts on Charleston, just west of the Arts District, is a converted Holsum Bread factory adorned with oversized brand logos on the outside. Inside you'll find a number of art-and-design-oriented galleries and shops.
* Art and photography from nationally and internationally recognized artists, students and faculty alike are exhibited at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery.
* The City of Las Vegas Cultural Affairs Division oversees several arts venues in town, including the Reed Whipple Cultural Center, Charleston Heights Cultural Center, and West Las Vegas Arts Center. This City department also curates the Bridge Gallery, which displays work by area artists in the covered catwalk leading into City Hall.
* Nevada Cancer Institute, a nationally recognized cancer research facility, promotoes a philosophy of whole-person treatment that includes a prominent aesthetic component; the facility is adorned with an impressive collection of contemporary art including work by Dale Chihuly, Claes Oldenburg, Ed Ruscha, Sol Lewitt, Robert Rauschenberg, Ellsworth Kelly, John Baldessari, Lisa Stefanelli and others.
Cultural Events
Those who claim there is no culture in Las Vegas need look no further than the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Each year, UNLV features theatre productions, musicals, art exhibits, jazz, classical and chamber music concerts, ballets, opera, lectures, dances and other worldly entertainment.
The campus' performing arts venues, such as the Judy Bayley Theatre, Artemus Ham Concert Hall and the Black Box Theatre, feature entertainment of all kinds, including performances by the acclaimed Nevada Ballet Theatre, the Las Vegas Philharmonic and world-renowned musicians. Some of the ongoing series include The Charles Vanda Master Series, showcasing the best in classical music and dance; The Best of the New York Stage, featuring acclaimed Broadway, cabaret and jazz performers; The World Stage, devoted to international music and dance; and the UNLV Visiting Artist Lecture Series, which features nationally and internationally acclaimed artists discussing their work.
Theater All Around
Las Vegas is making a name for itself as a place to see great theater. High profile, star-powered shows and touring musical productions continue to make stops in Las Vegas, where they play to packed houses.
Many of the performances on the Las Vegas Strip are among the best and most innovative in the world, from the internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil (six resident productions) and Blue Man Group (Venetian) to Broadway productions such as "Phantom - the Las Vegas Spectacular" (Venetian) and Disney's "The Lion King" (Mandalay Bay).
The Las Vegas musical theater scene benefits from the presence of the Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The 7,000-seat performing arts center is the Strip's only mid-sized entertainment venue and is home to cultural and popular entertainment including national tours of highly acclaimed Broadway musicals.
Community theater has also received attention from Southern Nevada's residents and visitors alike. Groups such as the Las Vegas Little Theater, the local summer stock company Super Summer Theatre, the Rainbow Company Children's Theatre, as well as local academic institutions UNLV and the Community College of Southern Nevada present plays and musical productions featuring local and up-and-coming talent. The City of Las Vegas also features a comprehensive cultural arts program with events scheduled throughout the year.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts will bring a whole new world of song, dance and performance to Las Vegas, including unique international attractions, theatre and music. Currently, Clark County is the largest county in North America without a world-class performing arts center. The Smith Center will be located on the 61-acre
parcel of land across from the Clark County Government Center in downtown Las Vegas. The 2,050-seat main hall will be home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows, in addition to housing the Nevada Ballet. A smaller, 300-seat theater will have a stage facing Symphony Park and host jazz, cabaret and other performances.
The third theater will be a 200-seat flexible studio used for rehearsals, children's theater and local community events. The development will be the largest arts project in the state's history.
For decades, Las Vegas has occupied a singular place in America's cultural spectrum. Elvis impersonators, showgirls and neon lights are some of the most familiar emblems of Las Vegas' culture, but they are only part of the story.
In recent years, Las Vegas has secured its place on the cultural map. From the highbrow to the kitschy, you can bet on the destination to deliver a well-rounded dose of art and culture.
Unique Las Vegas Culture
Visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural offerings that are unique to Las Vegas and learn more about this gaming capital and its place in history.
Las Vegas' newest cultural and historic attraction, the Springs Preserve, opened in 2007 on a 180-acre historic site commonly known as "the birthplace of Las Vegas." The Preserve features historic museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, educational and play areas for children, the future Nevada State Museum, an interpretive trail system, a botanical garden and more.
For fans of legendary entertainer Liberace, or those just wanting to catch a glimpse of this Las Vegas legend's life, the Liberace Museum is a must-see. The museum features "Mr. Showmanship's" dazzling jewelry, rare antiques, unsurpassed wardrobe, unique and historical pianos and his custom car collection. The non-profit museum supports the work of the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts which has funded scholarships for the arts since 1976. This year, the Liberace Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Focused on preserving one aspect of Las Vegas' vibrant history, the Neon Museum is a collection of classic neon signs from the 1940s to present day. The museum currently features 11 refurbished, vintage neon signs on display downtown at the Fremont Street Experience. The Boneyard, a 3-acre outdoor site, features non-restored historic signs and is available to view by appointment only. The Neon Museum recently broke ground on its new building to house the non-restored historic signs, currently displayed on a 3-acre outdoor site called the Boneyard. Part of the new museum will include the historic La Concha Motel Lobby.
Las Vegas's newest museum, the Erotic Heritage Museum, is a 24,000-square-foot space featuring permanent exhibits designed to preserve wonders of the erotic imagination as depicted through the artistic expression of love. Guests can explore the vast array of socio-cultural perspectives including a special emphasis on the unfolding of the American Sexual Revolution of the 20th Century.
The Las Vegas Museum of Law Enforcement and Organized Crime will be an interactive museum presenting a bold and authentic view of organized crime's impact on Las Vegas' history and its unique imprint on America and the world. The exhibits, programs and experiences will offer multiple perspectives and provide a contemporary, engaging, challenging and educational experience. The museum will be located in the heart of Downtown's urban core and housed in the former federal courthouse and United States Post Office. The museum is expected to open in 2010.
Each year, the CineVegas Film Festival is held in June at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres. CineVegas combines the excitement of red carpet premieres (such as OCEAN'S 13 in 2007 and THE ROCKER and GET SMART in 2008) with the glitz and glamour of Vegas. The Festival annually presents the best new independent films, documentaries and shorts, as well as parties up and down the famed Las Vegas strip. Each year, CineVegas also includes in-depth celebrity tributes with some of today's most talented actors and directors, including Viggo Mortensen, Don Cheadle, James Caan, Charlize Theron, Anthony Hopkins, Sean Penn and Jack Nicholson. Trevor Groth, a senior programmer at the iconic Sundance Film Festival, serves as the Artistic Director for CineVegas. And since 2004, famed actor, director and artist Dennis Hopper has served as Chairman of the CineVegas Creative Advisory Board.
Art for Art's Sake
In 1998, Steve Wynn surprised many when he decided to open an art gallery in his $1.9 billion hotel-casino, Bellagio. Art critics were skeptical, but the public applauded his efforts when the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art opened and launched Las Vegas to the forefront of the art scene. With eyes glued to this emerging art center, other reputable art
institutions started looking toward Las Vegas. The result: fine art galleries located in the resort corridor, featuring revered masterpieces by celebrated artists.
*The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presents traveling art exhibitions from around the world. Recent exhibitions have included exhibits showcasing everything from Fabergé designs from St. Petersburg, Russia, to paintings by Claude Monet on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Currently, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art proudly presents "Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends." On loan from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the collection features contemporary masterworks by such iconic artists as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol Lewitt and Frank Stella, to name a few. The compelling exhibition is on view at BGFA through Sept. 8, 2009.
* While the Bellagio was the first Strip resort to house a gallery of fine art, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay is a veritable museum, entirely decorated not with fanciful, themed decor, but with works by blue-chip contemporary artists, from the Arturo Herrera mural behind the registration desk, to the Andy Warhol prints in the foyer.
* Red Rock Hotel & Casino, located off-Strip in the Summerlin area, has a collection of fine art throughout the property. Masterpieces from artists such as Robert Indiana, Takashi Murakami, Paul McCarthy and Vik Muniz adorn the walls of the resort's restaurants, pool and nightclub.
Fine art in Las Vegas is not confined to the resorts, however. Other galleries thrive elsewhere in town, and serve as gathering points for artists and art aficionados alike. Several notable venues and events make the roster of must-see activities for art buffs visiting Las Vegas.
* During First Fridays in the Downtown Arts District, Las Vegas' historic downtown neighborhood draws thousands of visitors who come to see visual and performing artists, patronize arts-oriented businesses and enjoy the area's unique shops that offer antiques and vintage collectibles (The Attic, The Funk House) restaurants (Chicago Joe's, The Ice House Lounge, El Sombrero Cafe, Florida Cafe, Luv It Frozen Custard, Tinoco's Bistro and Casa Don Juan), and art galleries:
* The Arts Factory in downtown Las Vegas houses several artists' studios and contemporary art galleries, including Michael Wardle Gallery, showcasing the artist's contemporary Abstract-Expressionist paintings;
Trifecta, presenting the nostalgic Pop paintings of Marty Walsh and other emerging artists; and M Modern, Jennifer Main Studio and more.
* Commerce Street Studios include The Fallout, a venue for exhibitions by local and national artists working in a variety of media; MTZC (work by area artist Mark T. Zeilman); and Naked City Tattoo and Art (tattoo parlor and painting) and others.
* S2 Art is a fine-art-print maker, housing elaborate 19th-century printing presses used to reproduce works by artists such as Alphonse Mucha, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Tom Everhart and Matthew Rinard.
*Dust Gallery located on the first floor of downtown's new SoHo Lofts building. is one of the most up-and-coming contemporary art galleries in the West. Its stable of artists includes several of the area's emerging up-
and-comers, many of whom also show their work in other reputable galleries around the world.
* Holsum Lofts on Charleston, just west of the Arts District, is a converted Holsum Bread factory adorned with oversized brand logos on the outside. Inside you'll find a number of art-and-design-oriented galleries and shops.
* Art and photography from nationally and internationally recognized artists, students and faculty alike are exhibited at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery.
* The City of Las Vegas Cultural Affairs Division oversees several arts venues in town, including the Reed Whipple Cultural Center, Charleston Heights Cultural Center, and West Las Vegas Arts Center. This City department also curates the Bridge Gallery, which displays work by area artists in the covered catwalk leading into City Hall.
* Nevada Cancer Institute, a nationally recognized cancer research facility, promotoes a philosophy of whole-person treatment that includes a prominent aesthetic component; the facility is adorned with an impressive collection of contemporary art including work by Dale Chihuly, Claes Oldenburg, Ed Ruscha, Sol Lewitt, Robert Rauschenberg, Ellsworth Kelly, John Baldessari, Lisa Stefanelli and others.
Cultural Events
Those who claim there is no culture in Las Vegas need look no further than the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Each year, UNLV features theatre productions, musicals, art exhibits, jazz, classical and chamber music concerts, ballets, opera, lectures, dances and other worldly entertainment.
The campus' performing arts venues, such as the Judy Bayley Theatre, Artemus Ham Concert Hall and the Black Box Theatre, feature entertainment of all kinds, including performances by the acclaimed Nevada Ballet Theatre, the Las Vegas Philharmonic and world-renowned musicians. Some of the ongoing series include The Charles Vanda Master Series, showcasing the best in classical music and dance; The Best of the New York Stage, featuring acclaimed Broadway, cabaret and jazz performers; The World Stage, devoted to international music and dance; and the UNLV Visiting Artist Lecture Series, which features nationally and internationally acclaimed artists discussing their work.
Theater All Around
Las Vegas is making a name for itself as a place to see great theater. High profile, star-powered shows and touring musical productions continue to make stops in Las Vegas, where they play to packed houses.
Many of the performances on the Las Vegas Strip are among the best and most innovative in the world, from the internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil (six resident productions) and Blue Man Group (Venetian) to Broadway productions such as "Phantom - the Las Vegas Spectacular" (Venetian) and Disney's "The Lion King" (Mandalay Bay).
The Las Vegas musical theater scene benefits from the presence of the Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The 7,000-seat performing arts center is the Strip's only mid-sized entertainment venue and is home to cultural and popular entertainment including national tours of highly acclaimed Broadway musicals.
Community theater has also received attention from Southern Nevada's residents and visitors alike. Groups such as the Las Vegas Little Theater, the local summer stock company Super Summer Theatre, the Rainbow Company Children's Theatre, as well as local academic institutions UNLV and the Community College of Southern Nevada present plays and musical productions featuring local and up-and-coming talent. The City of Las Vegas also features a comprehensive cultural arts program with events scheduled throughout the year.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts will bring a whole new world of song, dance and performance to Las Vegas, including unique international attractions, theatre and music. Currently, Clark County is the largest county in North America without a world-class performing arts center. The Smith Center will be located on the 61-acre
parcel of land across from the Clark County Government Center in downtown Las Vegas. The 2,050-seat main hall will be home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows, in addition to housing the Nevada Ballet. A smaller, 300-seat theater will have a stage facing Symphony Park and host jazz, cabaret and other performances.
The third theater will be a 200-seat flexible studio used for rehearsals, children's theater and local community events. The development will be the largest arts project in the state's history.
