Goldwell Open Air Museum
A free, 24/7 outdoor sculpture park in the Nevada desert featuring surreal art installations by Belgian artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the sculptures
Goldwell Open Air Museum
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the sculptures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, 24/7 outdoor sculpture park in the Nevada desert featuring surreal art installations by Belgian artists.
"Such a unique, modern & visual experience, especially because it's in stark contrast to a ghost town."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking on desert terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the sculptures.
Bring water! :droplet:
It's the desert! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Pack more than you think you'll need.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Last Supper Sculpture
Main exhibit area
A life-size, ghostly interpretation of Da Vinci's masterpiece, set against the stark desert landscape.
The Pink Lady
Central sculpture
A striking 25-foot high pink woman constructed from cinder blocks, a truly unique and memorable art piece.
The Prospector and Penguin
Near the entrance
A towering 24-foot steel prospector accompanied by a penguin, offering a surreal and whimsical photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Desert Elements
Free Art, Open Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking on desert terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the sculptures.
Bring water! :droplet:
It's the desert! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Pack more than you think you'll need.
Perfect for photos :camera_with_flash:
The unique art and desert backdrop make for incredible, surreal photo opportunities. Golden hour is magical.
Combine with Rhyolite :world_map:
Located near the Rhyolite Ghost Town, making it a perfect two-in-one stop for history and art lovers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking on desert terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the sculptures.
Bring water! :droplet:
It's the desert! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Pack more than you think you'll need.
Perfect for photos :camera_with_flash:
The unique art and desert backdrop make for incredible, surreal photo opportunities. Golden hour is magical.
Combine with Rhyolite :world_map:
Located near the Rhyolite Ghost Town, making it a perfect two-in-one stop for history and art lovers.
Free admission! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy this unique outdoor art experience without any cost. Donations are appreciated though!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Goldwell Open Air Museum's unique and surreal art installations, calling it a 'weird' and 'funky' pitstop. The free admission and stunning desert backdrop make it a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour. While some find the visitor center hours limited, the outdoor exhibits are always accessible and offer a memorable experience.
"Goldwell Museum is the kind of place you walk into, look around, and instantly understand why the entrance fee is zero. The only thing you pay here is your time, and even that feels like a bold investment.
There are literally four things to see. First is the giant blonde statue that looks like a cursed LEGO minifigure doing a dramatic proposal pose. Then you get a row of bleached Nazguls standing around like they are waiting for Frodo to clock in..
None of it is terrible, but none of it is interesting either. It feels like someone started an art park, quit halfway, and just left everything out in the desert to sunburn for a decade.
The best thing about the Goldwell Museum is absolutely the price. Free. You look, you shrug, you leave. The scenery around it is nicer than the art itself, which is never a great sign.
Worth a quick walk if you are already in Rhyolite. Not worth detouring for."
Wade Wilson
"For me, the statues are the reason for stopping. The statues with the Ryolite ruins, makes for a fun visit if you like such things. You can throw the Bullfrog Cemetary in for good measure, but not much there."
Evan Huntzinger
"Great place for some unique art. Interesting concepts and really well done for photo ops.
There is a lot of nature around, so dress accordingly. As for times, it's up to you, find a point where the photos will look great."
Brandon F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Goldwell Open Air Museum is about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Las Vegas. Take US-95 N towards Beatty, NV. Just before Beatty, turn onto NV-374 W (also known as the road to Rhyolite Ghost Town). The museum will be on your left. Many visitors combine this trip with a visit to Death Valley National Park.
Public transport options are extremely limited in this remote desert area. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Renting a car is highly recommended for visiting Goldwell and the surrounding attractions like Rhyolite Ghost Town.
Absolutely! The museum is conveniently located on the eastern edge of Death Valley National Park, making it an easy detour on your way to or from the park, especially if you're heading towards Beatty, NV.
The museum is located on Golden Street, off NV-374, the same road that leads to Rhyolite Ghost Town. The road is generally well-maintained, but it's a desert environment, so drive cautiously.
The closest town with amenities like gas stations and restaurants is Beatty, Nevada, which is just a short drive away. It's a good place to stock up before or after your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Goldwell Open Air Museum offers free admission to its outdoor exhibits, making it an accessible art experience for everyone.
The outdoor sculpture park is open 24/7, allowing visitors to experience the art at any time. However, the visitor center has limited hours, so it's best to check their official schedule if you plan to visit it.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can simply drive up and explore the outdoor art installations at your leisure.
There is no entrance fee for the outdoor sculptures. The museum is dedicated to providing free access to art in the desert landscape.
Yes, the museum is open 24/7, so you can visit at night. However, be aware that it is a desert environment, and visibility will be limited without artificial light. Visiting during daylight or golden hour is recommended for the best experience.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
You'll find a collection of unique and often surreal outdoor sculptures created by Belgian artists. Highlights include a life-size 'Last Supper,' a towering pink woman, and a prospector with a penguin.
It's a photographer's dream! The stark desert backdrop, combined with the quirky and thought-provoking sculptures, creates incredible opportunities for unique and artistic shots.
Many visitors recommend visiting during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for the most dramatic lighting on the sculptures and the desert landscape.
The 'Last Supper' interpretation, the 'Pink Lady,' and the 'Prospector with Penguin' are frequently mentioned as iconic pieces that visitors shouldn't miss.
While the sculptures are not designed for direct interaction, their scale and placement encourage visitors to walk around them, view them from different angles, and engage with the art in a personal way.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the Goldwell Open Air Museum. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks, or plan to eat in the nearby town of Beatty, NV.
The closest town with dining options is Beatty, Nevada. Visitors often recommend Smokin' J's Barbeque for a casual meal after exploring the area.
Yes, it's a good idea to pack food and plenty of water, as there are no services available at the museum itself. This ensures you can enjoy your visit without worrying about finding food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on-site. Dress children in comfortable clothing suitable for the desert climate, including hats and sunscreen. Visiting Rhyolite Ghost Town nearby also adds a historical element that can appeal to different age groups, making it a well-rounded family outing.
🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers
+1 The museum is easily accessible from major routes and can be seamlessly integrated into a journey through Death Valley or a broader Nevada exploration.Photography tips: Aim for golden hour for the best light. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the sculptures against the vast desert. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards – you'll likely take more photos than you anticipate! The unique subject matter guarantees a portfolio of distinctive images.
🎨 Art Lovers & Culture Seekers
+1 It's a chance to experience contemporary art in a raw, natural environment.Cultural insights: The museum's mission to foster artistic exploration in the desert is commendable. Consider visiting the visitor center (if open) to learn more about the artists and the history of the site. The juxtaposition of art with the nearby ghost town of Rhyolite also offers a fascinating commentary on human endeavor and the passage of time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Artists
Key pieces include a life-size, ghostly rendition of Leonardo Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' a monumental 25-foot pink woman made of cinder blocks, and a 24-foot steel prospector accompanied by a penguin. These installations are not just static objects; they are designed to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and challenge perceptions of art in unconventional settings.
The contrast between the vibrant, modern sculptures and the desolate, historic surroundings of the nearby Rhyolite Ghost Town adds another layer to the visitor experience.Many visitors find the art to be 'weird,' 'funky,' and 'surreal,' making it a memorable stop on a road trip. The open-air nature of the museum means the art is constantly being shaped by the elements, offering a dynamic viewing experience. It's a place that encourages contemplation and appreciation for artistic expression in its most raw and exposed form.
+1Photography Opportunities
The stark, minimalist landscape serves as a perfect canvas for the bold and often whimsical art installations.Many visitors highlight the importance of timing for photography. The 'golden hour' – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset – bathes the sculptures in warm, soft light, casting long shadows and enhancing the textures of the art and the desert floor. This time of day can transform the already intriguing sculptures into something truly magical.
Beyond golden hour, the clear desert skies offer opportunities for astrophotography if you're visiting after dark. The isolation of the museum means minimal light pollution, allowing the stars to shine brightly. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the unique subject matter at Goldwell guarantees memorable photographs.
Visiting with Nearby Attractions
Many travelers find that visiting both Goldwell and Rhyolite makes for a perfect half-day or full-day excursion, especially when coming from or heading to Death Valley National Park. The contrast between the contemporary, often surreal art of Goldwell and the historical remnants of Rhyolite creates a rich and varied experience of the Amargosa Desert region.
+1For those looking to extend their exploration, Beatty, Nevada, is the nearest town offering essential services like gas stations and eateries. Visitors often recommend stopping at Smokin' J's Barbeque in Beatty and perhaps feeding carrots to the local burros before or after their museum and ghost town visits.
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