Goldwell Open Air Museum

"Art where it seemingly shouldn't be." That's the tag-line from the Goldwell Open Air Museum website, and as you drive through the sparse desert landscape towards the museum, it's hard to imagine you'll shortly be experiencing an extraordinary outdoor art and sculpture exhibition.

Located on the access road to the ghost town of Rhyolite, the museum is a striking contrast against the natural landscape. Belgian artist Albert Szukalski initiated this unusual museum in 1984, starting with his life-sized adaption of Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper.” The sculpture endures today, along with works from fellow Belgians Fred Bervoets, Dre Peeters and Dr. Hugo Heyrman. These artists and more form part of the permanent exhibition that surrounds the modest visitor center in the middle of the Mojave Desert at Goldwell.

The museum remains an active exhibitio, and the Goldwell team is regularly onsite to share details of the works on display and encourage further artistic exploration through artist residencies. The museum is on private land, but it is open to the public at no charge 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The visitor center is also often open, with Goldwell team members onsite from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. most days of the week.