Las Vegas Museum of Art to Launch Family Album Exhibition

Categories: ArtEvents/What's HappeningNews

The Family Album exhibition at the Las Vegas Museum of Art, showcasing personal histories through photography.

News Summary

The Las Vegas Museum of Art is launching a new exhibition, ‘Family Album’, which will showcase the work of over 20 intergenerational artists exploring personal and collective histories through family photographs. Opening on September 4, the exhibition will be free to the public and is a significant cultural milestone for the Las Vegas Civic Center. Alongside this exhibition, the museum plans a new facility with expected construction starting in 2027, aiming to enhance community engagement and support local educational needs.

Las Vegas Museum of Art to Launch Family Album Exhibition Ahead of Construction

The City of Las Vegas has announced a partnership with the Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA) to present a new contemporary art exhibition titled “Family Album,” set to open on September 4, 2023. The exhibition, which will run until January 9, 2026, will be free to the public, showcasing the work of over 20 intergenerational artists who explore both personal and collective histories through family photographs.

Among the notable artists featured in the “Family Album” exhibition are Dannielle Bowman, an acclaimed photographer and filmmaker, and Janna Ireland, recognized for her distinctive depictions of domestic and architectural spaces. This exhibition marks a significant cultural milestone for the Las Vegas Civic Center and aims to enhance community engagement with the arts.

Future of the Las Vegas Museum of Art

In addition to the exhibition, the LVMA plans to break ground on a new museum in March 2027, with an anticipated opening in 2028. The new facility will be constructed at Symphony Park and is projected to cost approximately $150 million. It will feature a three-story building encompassing between 60,000 to 90,000 square feet, which will include rotating exhibits, educational programming, and public gathering spaces.

The planned LVMA Media Lab, approved by the Las Vegas City Council on September 14, 2023, will serve as the museum’s headquarters. Set to open in spring 2026 at 355 Promenade Place, the Media Lab will cover 15,536 square feet and will host exhibition spaces and public programs. Additionally, the design of the Media Lab includes an immersive experience area that showcases plans for the future museum, created by Pritzker Prize winner Francis Kéré.

Impact on the Community and Economy

Construction of the new museum is expected to generate $191 million in economic activity, with an ongoing annual impact of $181.5 million once operational. The LVMA aims to address the noticeable absence of a standalone art museum in Las Vegas, which is the only metropolitan area among the top 30 U.S. cities without one. Furthermore, the museum plans to cater to local educational needs by supporting over 300,000 students from the nearby Clark County School District.

The new museum, located adjacent to other prominent institutions and amenities—including residential units and a planned 400-room Marriott hotel—will contribute to the ongoing downtown redevelopment project that began construction in 2021. The Civic Center, part of this broader initiative, encompasses over 248,000 square feet of office and retail space designed to promote cultural activity in the area.

Looking Ahead

The LVMA intends to collaborate with local landmarks such as The Smith Center, Nevada Ballet Theater, and the Discovery Children’s Museum to enrich its programming and outreach. Future exhibitions at the LVMA Media Lab will include notable works such as Christian Marclay’s “The Clock,” previously featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

The launch of the “Family Album” exhibition signifies the commitment of the Las Vegas community to foster a vibrant arts culture while also paving the way for future artistic endeavors through the establishment of a dedicated art museum.