The 10 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas for Design Lovers

Beyond the neon lights, dazzling attractions, and bustling casinos, Las Vegas is — believe it or not — a haven for design enthusiasts. The desert oasis has a cool collection of museums, hotels, and structures that seamlessly blend architecture, art, and creativity into one. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here’s everything design lovers should do on their next trip to Vegas.

Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is one of its kind. Dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs, this organization is a design lover’s dream. Stepping into this museum is like taking a journey back in time, especially when you enter The Neon Boneyard. Vintage neon signs from famed hotels, casinos, and businesses can be found here, showcasing how they defined Las Vegas throughout the decades. 

One of Las Vegas’s most unique attractions just might be the Downtown Container Park. This open-air shopping and entertainment complex was constructed from 43 repurposed shipping containers and 41 locally manufactured Xtreme cubes. The best part? There’s a 35-foot-tall praying mantis sculpture that shoots flames from its antennae and has a surround sound system that can speak more than 20 languages.

Located within the CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip, The Shops at Crystals redefine luxury retail architecture. With an exterior designed by Daniel Libeskind and an interior designed by David Rockwell, this high-end shopping destination is not to be missed. The 500,000-square-foot mall is defined by sharp angles, sheer glass, and steel framework. 

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Five times a year, Bellagio’s Horticulture and Engineering teams transform the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Gardens into different floral arrangements and displays. Whether it’s a flourishing spring garden, a summer celebration, or a winter wonderland, the gardens are always a sight to see.

Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, is a true architectural gem. The research center for degenerative brain diseases is divided into two separate buildings connected by a courtyard and features asymmetrical shapes, stainless steel curves, and unexpected angles, which create a captivating structure that mirrors the complexity of the human brain. 

Wander through the ARIA Resort & Casino to discover its impressive Fine Art Collection. Featuring works by acclaimed artists, the collection integrates contemporary art into the resort’s design. For art enthusiasts and hotel guests alike, this collection allows them to check out world-class art without leaving the Las Vegas Strip.

Renowned French architect and designer Jacques Garcia is known for creating elaborate interiors inside residences and hotels, including Paris’s Hôtel Costes, Marrakech’s La Mamounia, and New York’s Nomad. He took his skills to Las Vegas, designing both the NoMad Hotel Las Vegas and the NoMad Library Restaurant. The hotel intertwines classical European influences with a distinct contemporary flair and features ornate decor, rich color palettes, curated art, and bespoke furnishings. The NoMad Library Restaurant is similar, channeling a luxe ambiance with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, rich leather seating, and a cool collection of vintage and modern art.

Culturally immerse yourself at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class performing arts venue designed with a nod to Art Deco influences. From its elegant exterior to the meticulously designed interiors (think gold-leaf detailing and dazzling chandeliers), this cultural hub is not shy when it comes to boasting its artistic and architectural excellence.

Veer Towers, designed by architect Helmut Jahn, are 37-story residential towers that lean at a distinctive five-degree angle. These towers are a spectacle to look at, with sleek, mirrored glass facades and unique angles that create dynamic silhouettes against the Las Vegas skyline. 

It’s a fact: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is one of the most unforgettable hotels in the desert. ​​Its distinctive, multi-tower structure and unique façade of glowing glass and steel make it eye-catching from every angle. Inside, curated art installations, immersive experiences, and beautiful decor fill the space. Plus, The Chandelier Bar is made of 21 miles of crystal-bead swags. It’s all about the details here.