The Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA) has announced exciting developments for its future space, which is set to open next year. This marks the first major public initiative since the passing of Elaine Wynn in April.
In a decisive move, the Las Vegas City Council approved a lease agreement on Wednesday between the city and LVMA, unveiling plans for a new media lab.
The LVMA Media Lab will be located at 355 Promenade Place and is slated to open in spring 2026, before the museum’s anticipated opening in 2028.
Heather Harmon, the executive director of the future museum, expressed gratitude for the support in realizing Elaine’s vision for Las Vegas, emphasizing a commitment to her legacy and the community’s future.
The museum will rent the space from the city at a rate of $1.70 per square foot, under a 10-year lease with options for two additional five-year extensions.
Harmon noted that the Media Lab is designed to activate Symphony Park ahead of the grand opening and aims to strengthen the public-private partnership between the city and the LVMA.
Occupying 15,536 square feet, the Media Lab is being developed in collaboration with the LVMA board and LGA Architecture. It will feature a large exhibition space, public programming areas, and retail facilities, including a bookstore.
Moreover, the Media Lab will act as the museum’s headquarters, offering planned office spaces for staff.
Upon entering, visitors will experience an immersive atmosphere where they can preview plans for the museum designed by 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, Francis Kéré. This includes access to floorplans, models, images, and videos.
The Media Lab will also showcase exhibitions, special events, and public program spaces. The facility will house over 6,500 square feet dedicated to rotating art exhibits once it opens in 2026.
Artworks from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a key partner of LVMA and where Wynn once served on the board, will be among the featured pieces. One future exhibition includes Christian Marclay’s acclaimed “The Clock,” which has recently been displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
The Media Lab will host a variety of public programs, such as guided tours, gallery discussions, film screenings, and interactive pop-up experiences.
In addition to these events, LVMA will facilitate special gatherings like conferences, panel discussions, and live podcast recordings.
Educational initiatives are also part of the plan, targeting a wide audience from K-12 to university level. Schools will have the opportunity to schedule visits, along with instructor-led classes designed for children, youth, and families.
Partnerships are expected with several other notable institutions at Symphony Park, including The Smith Center, Nevada Ballet Theater, and Discovery Children’s Museum.
Earlier in September, Wynn and Roger Thomas had revealed plans for the LVMA to the City Council, leading to the approval of a partnership and the sale of 1.5 acres of land at less than fair market value.
The proposed art museum will span 90,000 square feet, featuring three exhibition spaces, a gift shop, a café, and an outdoor promenade, although parking has not yet been addressed.
The expected construction cost for the museum is estimated at $150 million, contributing to a total campaign goal of $200 million. Funding efforts will be pursued through grants, gifts, sponsors, and donations, with organizers already securing half of their funding goal before obtaining the land.
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