The Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA) has unveiled significant new details for its planned building, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Diébédo Francis Kéré. This marks a major step forward for the city's first freestanding art museum, with groundbreaking anticipated for 2027.
The design draws inspiration from the natural landscape surrounding Las Vegas, featuring an earthy red structure crafted from locally sourced stone. The museum aims to create a welcoming cultural hub for both residents and visitors.
Key Takeaways
- New design details for the Las Vegas Museum of Art revealed by architect Diébédo Francis Kéré.
- The building will feature an earthy red facade using locally sourced stone, inspired by local canyons.
- Groundbreaking is expected in 2027, with a target opening in 2029.
- The 60,000-square-foot museum will cost approximately $200 million.
- The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) will share its collection with the LVMA.
Inspired by Nature, Built for Community
Architect Diébédo Francis Kéré emphasized the importance of integrating the museum into its environment. He stated his goal was to use the surrounding Las Vegas landscape to create a structure that feels both open and welcoming. The design team focused on the subtle beauty of nature, aiming to bring that essence directly into the museum's core.
The renderings show a modernist cubed building situated in Symphony Park. A large awning extends over an active entry plaza, providing crucial shade in the desert climate. This thoughtful design element addresses the practical needs of the location while enhancing the visitor experience.
Quick Fact
The Las Vegas Museum of Art will be the city's first freestanding art museum, a significant cultural addition.
Architectural Influences and Local Connections
Kéré's design references several diverse influences. He cited Paul R. Williams' Guardian Angel Cathedral, which opened in Las Vegas in 1963, as a design inspiration. Additionally, the singular, sturdy trunk baobab trees of the African savanna, from Kéré's home country of Burkina Faso, also shaped his vision.
Despite the environmental differences between Burkina Faso and Las Vegas, Kéré found many design parallels. His approach often involves using local materials and responding directly to the climate, a philosophy evident in the LVMA's design.
"How can I use what is surrounding Las Vegas to create something open and welcoming? We started to think about the subtle beauty of the nature, and to bring it into the core of the museum."
— Diébédo Francis Kéré, Architect
Inside the Design: Spaces for Art and Reflection
A striking feature of the interior design is a curved grand entrance staircase. This architectural element spirals through the center of the museum, visible through the building's expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. This transparency connects the interior with the exterior, inviting engagement.
On the second floor, cloistered galleries are planned. These spaces are specifically designed to offer a peaceful sanctuary, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in art without distraction. This contrast between the open, bustling plaza and the quiet galleries creates a dynamic visitor journey.
Background on the Architect
Diébédo Francis Kéré is a renowned architect and the first African to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the highest honor in architecture. His work is celebrated for its sustainable approach, use of local materials, and community engagement.
Community Engagement and Vision
Museum executive director Heather Harmon highlighted the extensive community research undertaken for the project. She explained that the team visited various neighborhoods, including the west side, rich in African American history, and Ward 3 on the east side, home to a large Latino population.
This direct engagement helped the team understand the diverse populations the museum intends to serve. Harmon stated they wanted a deep understanding of who they were building the museum for, ensuring the project resonates with local residents.
- The museum aims to serve over 2.4 million year-round Las Vegas residents.
- It also targets millions of global tourists visiting the city annually.
A Collaborative Future with LACMA
The Las Vegas Museum of Art is projected to be a 60,000-square-foot facility. Its estimated cost is around $200 million, which includes its endowment. The museum aims for a grand opening in 2029.
An innovative partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) was announced last year. LACMA will share its extensive collection with the Las Vegas museum. This arrangement is significant because the LVMA does not plan to become a collecting institution itself.
Did You Know?
The museum's red hue and stone facade are directly inspired by the stunning red rock formations found in nearby Valley of Fire State Park, a site visited by Kéré during his research trips.
A New Paradigm for Museum Collections
Michael Govan, LACMA director and an LVMA founding trustee, described this sharing arrangement as a "paradigm shift" for LACMA. It allows the Los Angeles institution to expand access to its collection without increasing its physical footprint at its home base. Govan expressed a view that constantly adding wings to a museum is a 20th-century idea, suggesting a more dynamic approach to art accessibility.
This collaboration represents a forward-thinking model for museums, focusing on sharing resources and expanding cultural reach. It aims to bring world-class art to a new audience in Las Vegas, fostering a vibrant cultural scene in the city.