Top Pic: The Last Supper (1984) by Albert Szukalsk, Goldwell Open Air Museum.
Thanks to Harvest Hosts, we had the opportunity to spend the night at Goldwell Open Air Museum. Our coach is nicely situated across from the "Red Barn" – the art studio.
Overnight Parking - Goldwell Open Air Museum, Beatty, NV: Participating HarvestHosts.com member, no facilities provided, must have self-contained RV & have an active Harvest Hosts membership for an overnight visit. April 15th-17th. Miles traveled: 217 miles (tap on mileage to see route & elevation change).
Overall Experience:
As it turns out, we ended up dry camping on public land near the museum's property, which allowed us to stay for a couple of nights.
Located near the abandoned town of Rhyolite, Nevada, the Goldwell Open Air Museum is a one-of-a-kind outdoor art destination. Spanning 7.8 acres, this special sculpture park showcases a diverse collection of permanent artworks that seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings.
A Fusion of Art and Nature
The Goldwell Open Air Museum originated in the 1980s when a group of Belgian artists called the Goldwell Group started installing their creations in the remote Nevada desert. Since then, the museum has expanded to include sculptures, installations, and other artistic pieces from both local and international artists.
Iconic Artworks
Among the museum's notable artworks are:
"The Last Supper"
- Haunting sculpture depicting Christ and his disciples as ghostly white figures
- Created by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski in 1984
- Symbolizes the area's history and the impermanence of life
"Icarus"
- Towering sculpture of a human figure with wings outstretched, frozen in a tragic moment
- Created by artist Fred Bervoets
- Represents humanity's aspiration to overcome limitations and the often-disastrous consequences
Intimate Discoveries
Aside from these larger installations, the Goldwell Open Air Museum also showcases smaller artworks scattered throughout its grounds:
- "The Kneeling Woman" - a peaceful bronze figure nestled among desert rocks
- "The Miners" - a group of ghostly figures paying homage to the region's mining past
Integration with Nature
One of the remarkable features of the Goldwell Open Air Museum is how well it integrates art with its natural surroundings. The stark beauty of the Nevada desert serves as an awe-inspiring backdrop for the sculptures, establishing a sense of unity between human creativity and the environment.
Flexible Exploration
The museum welcomes visitors 24/7, allowing them to explore the grounds at their own pace and experience the artworks in different lighting conditions. The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are open from Wednesday to Saturday, providing additional information about the museum and its background.
Dynamic Offerings
Apart from the permanent collection, the Goldwell Open Air Museum hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, including:
- Artist talks
- Workshops
- Special installations
These activities provide insights into the artistic process and the museum's significance within the local community.
