News Summary
Las Vegas embraces the Burning Man spirit with the installation of The Mantis, a 40-foot tall art sculpture featuring nightly fire displays. Additionally, a transformed Boeing 747 art car is set to arrive at Area15. Both installations highlight the city’s commitment to art and community and celebrate the unique essence of the Burning Man festival ahead of its upcoming start.
Las Vegas Celebrates Burning Man Spirit with The Mantis and Arrival of a Transformed Boeing 747 Art Car
Las Vegas is embracing the spirit of the renowned Burning Man festival ahead of its start on Sunday, August 23, 2025, at Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The city features a significant art installation called The Mantis, located in Downtown Container Park, which offers fiery displays and a unique aesthetic reminiscent of the artistic celebrations held annually at Burning Man.
The Mantis is a towering sculpture that stands at 40 feet tall and is known for its nightly fire displays that shoot flames into the air, creating a vibrant spectacle for onlookers. Described as “some kind of post-apocalyptic, Mad Max-monster,” The Mantis was designed and built by aerospace engineer Kirk Jellum as an anniversary gift for his wife. The sculpture has previously appeared at various prestigious events, including Zion National Park and the 2012 Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.
This initiative to bring The Mantis to Las Vegas was spearheaded by visionary entrepreneur Tony Hsieh, placing the sculpture prominently at the entrance of Container Park on Fremont Street. Container Park is an eclectic space made up of stacked storage containers transformed into shops, boutiques, and dining establishments, providing a lively atmosphere for visitors.
The Mantis operates nightly from sundown until 11 PM on Sunday through Thursday and until 1 AM on Friday and Saturday. Following a temporary shutdown during the pandemic, The Mantis was reactivated in 2021, resuming its role as an interactive art display that resonates with the culture of the Burning Man festival.
In addition to The Mantis, Las Vegas will soon welcome a Boeing 747 that has undergone transformation into an art car. This unique aircraft, which was originally brought to Burning Man in 2016, is being transported to Area15, a location known for its immersive entertainment and art installations. The Boeing 747 was initially converted into an open-air nightclub in 2017 and will now serve as an event and nightlife venue.
The aircraft’s journey to its new location began with the cockpit being towed on a flatbed truck from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The airplane faced challenges during the Burning Man 2018 event when it got stuck in the playa, complicating its removal. After being relocated to Las Vegas in 2020, the plane was purchased by Fisher Brothers in 2022.
Area15, the site of the Boeing 747’s new installation, aims to celebrate the arts community by creating engaging experiences for visitors through innovative art and entertainment. The arrival of the transformed aircraft and the permanence of The Mantis in Las Vegas highlight the city’s commitment to recreational art that captures the unique spirit of the Burning Man festival.
As the Burning Man festival approaches, the visual and experiential excitement that both The Mantis and the Boeing 747 are set to provide showcases how Las Vegas continues to honor and celebrate art and community through transformative projects.
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Additional Resources
- MSN: Burning Man Spirit in Las Vegas
- Travel Nevada: Burning Man’s Impact on Nevada
- 8 News Now: Mantis in Downtown Las Vegas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Burning Man Festival
- RGJ: Burning Man 747 in Las Vegas Area 15
- Google Search: Burning Man Festival
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
