It’s not often you’re driving out in the arid abyss and stumble upon an outdoor sculpture museum. A few miles outside of Death Valley in Nevada you’ll find just that, the Goldwell Open Air Museum with some seriously funky decor plopped right out in the middle of the desert.
Where is the Goldwell Open Air Museum?
Located about 6 miles outside the northeast area of Death Valley National Park is the Goldwell Open Air Museum. Traveling west on CA-374, Rhyolite Road can be found about 4 miles from Beatty, Nevada. The museum is located on the left side of the road before entering Rhyolite.
Read More: Rhyolite Ghost Town – A Worthy Death Valley Detour
About the Museum
Opening in 1984 with its first installment, the mission of the Goldwell Open Air Museum is to “preserve, present, and encourage artistic exploration in and of the Amargosa Desert–an evocative landscape along the eastern edge of Death Valley National Park.”
Now standing as a 15-acre space of land featuring 7 different sculptures, it’s is a fun stop on the way to Rhyolite Ghost Town. Visit the museum any time of any day free of charge. The visitor’s center is open 10 AM – 4 PM except Sunday.
Find out more about the Goldwell Open Air Museum on their website here
Exploring the Goldwell Museum
Over the years, an addition of 6 other pieces were made by 3 other Belgian artists. A few of my favorites, like the blonde-haired statue and an abstract piece, are further off into the distance near the mountains.
The main piece to catch the eye was also the first established here in 1984 by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski. As a life-like representation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” Szukalski created ghostly-draped shapes contrasting with the vast Amargosa Valley behind it.
Another favorite exhibit of mine are the 4 puppets. A note nearby discusses how there are puppets like these throughout the world, all hailing from the Speeltheater Holland Studio. Designed to be altered by the elements of weather, the puppets will decay and then be removed before becoming part of an installation for another museum.
The one piece that really embodies the whole ‘funky installation in the desert’ thing is a beautifully-colorful tiled couch. While it’s definitely out of place in this arid land, it somehow fits so perfectly in the environment.
Read More Death Valley Posts HereBe sure to visit Rhyolite Ghost Town too! Learn more about that here
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