If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, the Seven Magic Mountains is a must-see attraction. This world-famous art installation is in the middle of the Mojave Desert, just a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip.
Created by renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this vibrant installation features seven towers of colorful, stacked limestone boulders. It is a striking contrast against the natural desert landscape and offers a poetic burst of form that captivates its visitors.
Getting There
The Seven Magic Mountains is located on S Las Vegas Blvd, approximately ten miles south of the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway.
If you are driving, you can use Google Maps to navigate to the installation site. A parking lot is available at the entrance, making it convenient for visitors arriving by personal or rental car.
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation available to the site. However, tour companies like Mr. Las Vegas Tours or Max Tour offer day trip guided tours with hotel pick-up and drop-off services from popular resorts along the Las Vegas Strip.
Most tour companies do not offer a sole Seven Magic Mountains Tour. Instead, they provide combination tours to the Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon that include a stop at the Seven Magic Mountains.
A guided tour is ideal for the ultimate sightseeing adventure, but if you only want to visit this art installation and do not have a vehicle, you will need to use Uber, Lyft, or a taxi.
The Art Installation
Renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone created Seven Magic Mountains in partnership with the Art Production Fund and the Nevada Museum of Art, two nonprofit organizations that support contemporary art.
This public art installation cost $3.5 million, with most of the funding from private donors, the largest being the Aria Resort & Casino.
The art installation is a large-scale, site-specific public art exhibit that reflects Rondinone’s creative critique of the artificial vs. natural world. The vibrant colors of the rocks create a stunning visual impact, making it a popular photo op for visitors.
Each of the seven towers is composed of locally-sourced boulders stacked to varying heights. Interpretive signage at the site offers insight into the history and significance of the installation and the broader context of this land art installation.
Rondinone’s work continues the land art movement, drawing inspiration from significant sculptures by artists such as Michael Heizer and Jean Tinguely.
Best Time of Day to Visit
To fully appreciate the vibrant colors and the striking desert backdrop, visit the Seven Magic Mountains in the late afternoon. The lighting during this time of day enhances the visual contrast between the colorful rocks and the surrounding landscape.
Additionally, the cooler temperatures in the late afternoon make for a more comfortable experience, especially given the typical Las Vegas weather.
Another good time to visit is in the morning! The angled light in the morning makes for stellar photos, the crowds are thin in the morning, and you avoid the heat. During the late fall, winter, and early spring, it can be cold in the morning, so grab your jacket!
Practical Information
There is no entrance fee to visit the Seven Magic Mountains, and parking is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly activity for all visitors.
However, be mindful of the desert environment, which can be harsh. It is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water. There are no restroom facilities or other amenities offered at the artwork site.
Moreover, the site is open year-round, but visitors should be cautious of seasonal monsoons and potential flash floods that can occur in the desert.
While the artwork is on open public land, overnight camping is prohibited. The preferred visitation hours are sunrise to sunset.
Nearby Attractions
Visiting the Seven Magic Mountains can be easily combined with other nearby attractions. The iconic Hoover Dam and the scenic Red Rock Canyon are within driving distance, offering more opportunities to explore Nevada's natural beauty.
Those interested in the history of land art can also visit the Marjorie Barrick Museum on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for further context and appreciation of these ambitious public art projects.
Enjoy!
The Seven Magic Mountains offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Las Vegas. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply looking for a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, this vibrant art installation will leave a lasting impression.
Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the creative expression of human presence in the heart of the Nevada desert.
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