5 Fine-Art Photography Galleries You Must See In Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Vegas? Most likely the words are entertainment, gambling, the infamous slogan “What Happens In Vegas, Stays in Vegas” and maybe drive-thru wedding chapels. Fine Art Photography and museums typically won’t make your list, but hidden under all the makeup and lights, Vegas has a very active, creative and professional community of artists and fine-art photographers.
Although you’re most likely not going to find any place local with a Picaso or Ansel Adams on display, you will discover some incredible rising stars and established pros searching for your eyes, interpretations, wall space and the moon that are more than likely located at your favorite places to shop making them easy to find.
1, Bobby Wheat Gallery
A few miles just west of downtown Las Vegas in the affluent community of Summerlin, also named a “Best Place to Live In America” in 2014 by Money magazine, is where you can find vintage-film-photographer, Bobby Wheat’s gallery. Recently I stopped by his gallery at Downtown Summerlin and found myself inspired by his work and awed by his creativity. In one framed black and white photo the art consultant explained how Wheat shot the photo in a normal perspective and then reversed the negative during development to create one of the most artistic photographs of the Golden Gate Bridge that I have seen. I honestly thought it was a sketch until I stepped closer to it. Other works included fine-art paper, exquisite wooden frames and acrylic triptychs.
Downtown Summerlin 1825 Festival Plaza Dr. Suite 160
Las Vegas, NV 89135
2, National Geographic Fine Art Galleries
During the summer of 2017, National Geographic added a sixth fine-art gallery location in Las Vegas, Nevada. Located right on the shiny Las Vegas Blvd, aka The Strip, the Nat Geo Fine Art Gallery is on the street level of The Forum Shops at Caesars. I found the easiest way to access this gallery, as well as two others listed below is to park behind the Linq which features one site of the dominant skyline of Las Vegas, the High Rollers wheel. The gallery is full some of the most authentic and vibrant acrylic photographs I have seen and what I come to appreciate most about this place. Unlike most fine-art photography galleries where selling is the norm, this gallery seems capture the raw essence of the photographer’s passion and proudly display it.
The Forum Shops at Caesars
3500 Las Vegas Blvd So., Suite E11A, Las Vegas NV 89109, (702) 781–5920
3, Marjorie Barrick Museum
When the Las Vegas Art Museum closed its doors in 2009, the Marjorie Barrick Museum on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus changed its focus to art. Their exhibits have included contemporary artists paintings and sculpture to a photography exhibit of legendary photographer Ansel Adams‘s black-and-white works of American landscapes and architecture in 2010. The museum includes an East and West Gallery, Braunstein Gallery and Auditorium. Exhibits, discussions and events change so I highly recommend a quick look at their website or give them a call at 702–895–3381. It’s not uncommon for the Barrick Museum to exhibit fine-art photographers. Admission is free, but a $5 voluntary contribution for adults and $2 for children is suggested and appreciated.
UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV 89135
4, Peter Lik
If you’re a landscape photographer then you have most likely heard of Peter Lik. The Australian born photographer came to the United States when he was 8 and in his 20’s adventured through the vast United States countryside photographing America. In 2010 he sold his first million dollar photo, “One” and then in 2014 his famous, “Phantom” photograph of Antelope Valley, Arizona was sold for a whopping $6.5 million dollars to an anonymous bidder. He opened his first gallery in Lahaina, Hawaii in 2003 and the gallery here in Las Vegas at Caesars in 2005. All of his galleries here in Las Vegas are everything that you come to expect from Peter Lik: vibrant, modern and saturated with photography goodness. Each time I visit Vegas this is a must stop. Lik’s corporate headquarters are also located in Las Vegas and fairly easy to find if you’re a die-hard Lik fan like myself. My only disappointment in the Lik Galleries is that the collections don’t tend rotate very often.
The Forum Shops at Caesars (also at the Venetian and Mandalay Bay) 3500 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
5, William Carr Gallery
Back in 2015 I was pleasantly surprised to discover the William Carr Gallery at the Town Square Las Vegas. Unfortunately this gallery was closed in 2017, leaving the Palazzo the only remaining William Carr Gallery in the Las Vegas area. The gallery is definitely worth the trip downtown and exploring the Palazzo and Venetian shops are also worth time. On my last visit, the window display featured an over-sized large photo of the “Smokin’ Good Times” sign located in the Fremont Street area. Much of the rest of the gallery includes large acrylic prints of the ocean and beautiful vistas of Italy. There is also a secret “white room” with lots of misc photos that have been discounted for quick sale. Carr also is known to host gatherings so be sure to check his Facebook page.
3377 Las Vegas Blvd S, Palazzo Grand Canal Shoppes Ste 2732,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
A few more thoughts
Other Fine Art Galleries that are worth a look, but perhaps on another trip, include The Richard Marc Gallery, the Wyland Galleries, and the fine-art gallery inside the Bellagio.
Note: a few fine-art galleries that you may find when searching online, but have since closed include: The William Carr Gallery at the Town Square Shops, the John Knopf Gallery inside the Stratosphere and the Rodney Lough Jr. Gallery.
