The city of neon lights, slot machines, and relentless entertainment is about to enter a new era with the creation of its first art museum. While Las Vegas has become famous for its eccentric museums, from the Neon Museum to the Mob Museum, it has never boasted a major fine art institution. In a desire to leave a legacy beyond hotels and casinos, for this ambitious project Elaine Wynn collaborated with Michael Govan, director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). In a shocking yet thrilling turn of events, the 2022 Pritzker Prize award winner Francis Kéré has been chosen to design the Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA).
For Borkina Faso native Kéré, this project is not just any other building, it is his first major commission in the United States. Becoming the Las Vegas Museum Architect reflects the growing recognition of his work on a global scale. “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,” he said.
With a budget of $150 million and a generous city land donation of 6,070 square meters in the LV downtown cultural district, the museum is set to open in 2028. Beyond the impressive financial backing and bold ambition, the architect behind the design has the potential to infuse a creative perspective on the city of sin. Known for his use of local materials and distinctive approach to blending architecture with its natural surroundings, Kéré’s vision for the LVMA challenges the flamboyant aesthetic of Las Vegas by invoking tranquility and calm.
On the concept, he shares: ‘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.’ He also draws inspiration from Paul Revere Williams’ Guardian Angel Cathedral located near the site. You can feel hints of it in the exterior design of the two-story exhibition which floats graciously above a pedestrian plaza.
His use of rammed earth, a hallmark of his architectural language, resonates with the desert vernacular and creates a building that feels rooted in place while addressing the future heat challenges of the region. The construction will begin in early 2027, marking Las Vegas’ cultural evolution and Wynn’s legacy. As for Kéré, the museum will stand as a monumental addition to his body of work. The design speaks to the spirit of Las Vegas while offering another perspective on its constant hustle with a space for visitors to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in art and culture.
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