Art Galleries Worth Visiting on Your Vegas Vacation

Believe it or not, but Las Vegas has been evolving into quite a mecca for world-class art and architecture. As the city has grown into the new millennium, so has the emphasis on art, whether modern or classic. If you’re in town, definitely branch out to appreciate the finer side of Vegas’ art culture with these great galleries.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Considered by many to be one of the most stunning art galleries in town, The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is in the center of the hotel. It features visiting exhibits ranging from the likes of Andy Warhol to Monet and Georgia O’Keeffe and more. Getting to the gallery is a joy in and of itself as you pass through the lobby beneath more than 2,000 glass flowers that have been hand blown by Dale Chihuly. Once you arrive at the gallery, you’ll be able to peruse gorgeous works of classic art. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., just make sure you arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. or you’ll not be able to get in, let alone enjoy the artwork.

Neon Museum
Get in a little Vegas nostalgia at the Neon Museum with the Neon Boneyard that showcases an array of neon signs that once graced the front facades of now demolished Vegas hotels and businesses. For the best tour, call ahead and book a nighttime tour that will get you up close and personal with these historic signs -- just note only four are lit at night. Plus, your tour guide will be able to offer little nuggets of history as well. If you haven’t had enough of the iconic signs, take a drive in your car (or cab) to check out some of the historic neon emblems on the urban gallery tour. Simply download the map here and take a brief drive down the Las Vegas memory lane.

18b Arts District
Downtown Las Vegas is considered the hub for the art movement in town, with so many brilliant artists and promoters of the arts often gathering and setting up shop here. There are a variety of galleries from large to small. A good place to start is to head to the 18b Arts District, which holds many – not all – of the nook-and-cranny galleries. Whether it’s making a stop at the Trifecta Gallery on Charleston or the City of the World gallery on Casino Center, there’s a plethora of places that are showcasing some of Vegas’ finest artists as well as national and international artists.

City Center Fine Art Collection
The City Center of Las Vegas holds some of the most intriguing modern art and is itself architecturally captivating. It has been deemed the first considerable collection of art in a public space in the city. Properties like the Vdara near the City Center also feature works of art in and around the properties. If you head inside of the City Center, you’ll find the fine art collection has included works by Claes Oldenburg, Maya Lin, and Henry Moore to name a few.

P3Studio
For a truly unique art experience, make a stop in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and head to the third floor where you’ll find the P3Studio. A working studio for artists in residence, you’ll have the opportunity to get a sneak peak into the life of a working artist. Depending on the hours, you may even get a chance to step into the studio to chat with the artist.