Published on: December 19, 2025, 04:44h.
Updated on: December 19, 2025, 04:44h.
The Las Vegas Museum of Art has just revealed new renderings of its upcoming location, representing a significant advancement for the cultural scene in the city.
Big Win for Culture: An Art Museum Beyond Casinos
Spanning 60,000 square feet, the museum is set to debut in 2029 at Symphony Park, symbolizing the first standalone art institution in the downtown area of Las Vegas. Previously, art galleries in Las Vegas existed within the confines of casinos, libraries, or multipurpose facilities, leading to the misconception that the city undervalues art.
The museum’s design is credited to Diébédo Francis Kéré, a Burkinabé architect and Pritzker Prize recipient in 2022. Kéré’s concept is influenced by the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada and the iconic baobab tree found in African savannas, which he often uses to symbolize community and gathering.
Although Kéré Architecture leads the design, the official architect role is held by the acclaimed firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill based in New York City.
The latest renderings depict a trapezoidal structure featuring locally sourced stone, artistically cut into diamond-shaped segments. The earthy tones of the exterior are designed to reflect the nearby Red Rock Mountains located just west of the Strip. An impressive canopy extends outward, creating a shaded entry plaza.
Additional highlights include an outdoor sculpture plaza resembling an oasis and gallery spaces inspired by the Guardian Angel Cathedral, a renowned A-frame design from 1963 by the groundbreaking architect Paul Revere Williams.
Kéré articulated his vision for the project as a “community hub where locals can feel represented, taking pride in a edifice that embodies the city’s history, spirit, and natural beauty.”
Kéré emphasized that “Las Vegas boasts an array of architectural wonders amid a stunning desert landscape. Our goal is to craft an inviting building that harmonizes both attributes of Las Vegas while reintroducing the essence of nature into its iconic skyline.”
Heather Harmon, the executive director, echoed this vision, referring to the museum as “a hallmark for cultural advancement” that reflects the rich diversity of Las Vegas.
With a project budget of $200 million, it receives substantial support from philanthropy. Following the passing of its founding board chair, Elaine Wynn, in April 2025, the partnership established with the LA County Museum of Art will persist, facilitating loans of artworks and curatorial services.
Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2027, with the museum designed to accommodate both the city’s 2.4 million inhabitants and the 40 million tourists arriving each year.
Groundbreaking is expected to commence in 2027.