Goldwell Open Air Museum
- Admission
- Free (donations accepted)
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
- Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Parking
- Free dirt parking area on site
- Access
- Flat but unpaved dirt and gravel terrain; may be difficult for some wheelchairs.
This haunting 15-acre outdoor sculpture park in the Mojave Desert features ghostly life-size figures, a giant steel penguin, and a colorful tiled lady. Created by a group of Belgian artists, it offers a surreal art experience against a stark desert backdrop.
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Located in the Mojave Desert near the ghost town of Rhyolite, the Goldwell Open Air Museum is an extraordinary outdoor sculpture park spanning nearly eight acres. It was conceived in 1984 by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski, who created a haunting, life-sized plaster-cast representation of "The Last Supper" against the stark desert landscape.
Visitors can wander freely among several colossal, surreal installations created by a collective of prominent Belgian artists. Notable works include a giant pink pixelated woman known as "Lady Desert," a towering metal penguin, and a shimmering tribute to a local prospector.
The museum is open 24 hours a day and costs nothing to visit, offering a raw, self-guided experience under the vast Nevada sky. The juxtaposition of eerie, ghostly figures against the harsh, beautiful desert backdrop makes it a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Ratings
museumVisitor Tips
- ◆ Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Rhyolite Ghost Town to make the most of your journey.
- ◆ Visit during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset to see the sculptures cast dramatic, eerie shadows across the desert floor.
- ◆ Stop by the Red Barn visitor center on weekends to browse the gift shop and learn more about the resident artist program.
- ◆ Admission is free, but donations are highly encouraged to help maintain these exposed, fragile outdoor installations.
Heads Up
- ◆ The desert heat can be intense during the summer months, so bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and dress in layers.
- ◆ Watch your step for rattlesnakes and desert wildlife, especially when walking around brush or off the main paths.
- ◆ Do not climb on, touch, or lean against the sculptures, as many are fragile and highly susceptible to damage.
Common questions
Can you visit the Goldwell Open Air Museum at night?
Yes, the outdoor museum is open 24 hours a day, making it a popular destination for night photography and stargazing. There is no artificial lighting on-site, so you must bring your own flashlights or headlamps.
Is the road to Goldwell Open Air Museum paved?
Yes, the main road leading from Highway 374 to the museum is paved. The immediate pull-off and parking area are unpaved gravel but easily accessible for standard two-wheel-drive passenger vehicles.
Are there restrooms or water facilities at the museum?
No, there are no public restrooms, drinking water, or services at the outdoor art park. You should plan to use the facilities in the nearby town of Beatty before visiting.