Las Vegas art and historical museums

Tourists in Las Vegas can opt to have a break from entertainment and casinos and explore the Sin City’s artistic side. The art scene in Las Vegas offer galleries and some remarkable art work from local artists. There are some interesting historical museums to explore as well.

First Friday arts festival

Art lovers can check out First Friday, a monthly community arts festival featuring art exhibits by local artists, live music, entertainment, and food. As its name suggests, this family-friendly event is held every first Friday, at the Arts District in downtown Las Vegas. It reminds me of Berlin’s weekend Art Market at the Museum Island, minus the live performances and food stalls of course. As there are many visitors to this much-awaited monthly event, guests can opt for Preview Thursday and visit the evening before. Most galleries, such as The Arts Factory, are open up to 10:00 PM on Thursday evenings for those who would like to view the exhibits in advance minus the crowd. Guided tours can also be arranged.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

Housed in Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art currently features the exhibition “Claude Monet: Impressions of Light.” This event is jointly organized with MFA (Museum of Fine Arts in Boston) and is ongoing until January 2013. I’m a big fan of Monet’s impressionist style, after viewing his awe inspiring painting (specifically the Nymphéas, 1915) at the Neue Pinakothek gallery in Munich many years back. Art lovers, particularly those of the impressionist style, might consider the Entertainment Capital of the World for their next vacation and book one of those flights to Las Vegas, just to view some of Monet’s famous paintings.

Previously featured exhibits at Bellagio include the works of Andy Warhol, Picasso, and other contemporary and fine art collection. The gallery opens from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Tickets can be bought online at the hotel’s official website, and discounted rates are available for seniors, teachers, students, children, etc. They also have a Locals Night offering low entrance fees for Nevada residents every Wednesday.

Neon Museum

Another interesting museum to visit in Las Vegas is the Neon Museum, which is set to open to the public on October 27, 2012. This is where one gets to take a trip through Las Vegas’ history of long-gone famous and not-so-famous business establishments through more than 150 neon signs at the two-acre outdoor museum known as the Neon Boneyard.

Mob Museum

Fans of spy novels and those interested in law enforcement may want to visit the Mob Museum or the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement where they can check out the Wall of Mobsters, the historical courtroom at the second floor and other interesting displays.