The ARTE Museum Las Vegas makes for great photos amid the tech-driven visual wonders. Whether the ticket price is worth it is debatable, however.
A museum for the Instagram generation
Most art museums follow a certain formula. Paintings are displayed reverently on walls for visitors to admire and consider, sometimes with biographical detail of the artist. It’s safe to say that the ARTE Museum in Las Vegas is not that kind of museum.
This is an art museum for the Instagram generation, making hefty use of technology and encouraging interaction.
What to see at the ARTE Museum Las Vegas
The fundamental gimmick of the ARTE Museum in Las Vegas is large scale video projections, covering a whole room, sometimes with computer-animated animals and dragons weaving across the scene.
Visually, it’s undeniably impressive, and makes for great photographs when visitors put themselves into the scene. Sometimes that’s a field full of flowers, others a waterfall and so on.
Some of these scenes lend themselves to interaction more than others. The room with the aurora borealis taking place over a beach has my children gleefully trying to jump the waves.
The best part of the ARTE Museum Las Vegas
The most engaging section of the ARTE Museum, however, involves colouring pencils. The idea is wonderfully simple – there’s a big safari scene on the wall, but it is populated by drawings made by visitors. Outline sheets of zebras, lions, elephants and more are provided, guests colour them in, then put their artwork under a scanner.
Once scanned, the coloured-in jungle creatures are brought to life on the wall projection, with simple animation having them walk and gallop amongst their rudimentary animal friends.
It’s a great idea and one that keeps children happily colouring away for hours if they’re allowed to.
Is the ARTE Museum worth it?
The ARTE Museum Las Vegas is original, engaging and does have a wow factor. But this unusual American art museum is something of a one trick pony. You’ll get some brilliant photos in there, and the more you decide to engage, the more you’ll get out of it. But at around $55 a ticket including tax, the admission price is steep and whether it’s worth the money is genuinely debatable. Those on a limited budget may prefer to spend that cash on the extraordinarily weird Omega Mart or the history-drenched, heartwarming Neon Museum.
ARTE Museum Las Vegas tickets
ARTE Museum Las Vegas tickets are divided into time slots. Book your ticket in advance, or there’s a strong chance you won’t get in for hours.
Also, leave a bit of extra time to get there. The ARTE Museum is tricky to find, on the second floor between the Cosmopolitan and the Aria.
Things to do near ARTE Museum Las Vegas
- The Shops at Crystals – This luxury shopping centre at CityCenter has designer boutiques, contemporary architecture and public art, making it an easy addition to a visit to ARTE Museum.
- Fountains of Bellagio – The Bellagio’s choreographed water displays combine fountains, music and lighting, with performances throughout the day and evening.
- Flamingo Wildlife Habitat – This landscaped outdoor area at the Flamingo hotel has ponds, gardens and birds, offering a quieter stop amid the Strip’s resorts.
- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas – This waxwork attraction at The Venetian features celebrity figures and themed photo opportunities, providing another interactive experience.
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – Located at the Luxor, this exhibition presents recovered artefacts and reconstructions relating to the Titanic, including recreations of parts of the ship.
Alternative attractions
- Omega Mart – This immersive art experience at AREA15 begins in a surreal supermarket before leading into a maze of imaginative rooms, installations and interactive environments.
- Museum of Illusions Las Vegas – Optical illusions, perspective tricks and interactive installations create unusual photo opportunities and challenge visitors’ perceptions.
- Wink World – Also at AREA15, this immersive installation combines mirrors, coloured lights and visual effects to create a series of psychedelic environments.
- Museum Fiasco – This audiovisual installation at AREA15 uses light, sound and geometric projections to create an immersive environment.
- The Neon Museum – The outdoor collection of retired Las Vegas signs explores the city’s visual history, with illuminated evening visits offering a different experience from daytime displays.
More Las Vegas ideas
Other Las Vegas articles on Planet Whitley include:
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- Which is the best Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show for children?
- What is the cheapest Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show?
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