Las Vegas is on track to open its first dedicated art museum, the Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA), a $150 million project set to break ground by February 2027. Designed by award-winning architect Francis Kéré, the 90,000-square-foot facility will be situated in Symphony Park, a cultural hub that also houses The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The museum will offer two levels of exhibition space, a grand plaza, and a sculpture park, bringing a much-needed cultural institution to a city known more for entertainment than fine arts.
A partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) will provide access to an extensive collection of artworks, curatorial expertise, and world-class exhibitions, ensuring a high caliber of programming. The museum aims to foster community engagement, targeting local educational outreach to benefit over 300,000 students and integrate art into the lives of residents.
In addition to enriching the cultural landscape, the LVMA is expected to stimulate economic growth, generating nearly $200 million in activity during its development. The project aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify Las Vegas’s economy by attracting more cultural and educational tourism. Positioned near cultural landmarks like the Discovery Children’s Museum, LVMA will contribute to a growing arts district, aiming to position Las Vegas as a serious destination for art and culture, not just entertainment.
“Our design blends the beauty of the desert environment with local building principles and the passion and collaborative spirit of the Las Vegas Museum of Art to create a space where dreams come to life,” said Kéré of the facility. “It is a tremendous honor, and a highlight of my professional journey, to create a space that will bring art and joy to the residents who call Las Vegas home.”
This transformative project represents a significant cultural milestone for the city, which has long been without a major art institution, and signals a broader commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
