Las Vegas Weekly

Neonopolis Art Center: Gone, but maybe not forever

Studio/gallery space leased by Lonnie Gordon.

Photo: Susanne Forestieri

Amid rumors of poor ventilation, no air conditioning and canceled leases, the once-promising Art Center at Neonopolis is officially closing. According to Rohit Joshi, owner and operator, leases on the galleries and studios are being allowed to lapse as of June 1.

Originally a multiuse building with shops, a food court and a movie theater, the facility itself is not exactly well-suited to an arts center: renovation would be necessary to accommodate the needs of a fully functioning artists’ studio. Ventilation and circulation are essential, as well as 24-hour access for the 2 a.m. painter. Joshi says that poor foot traffic and a tepid economy negatively affected gallery sales. He plans on “restructuring the art center to fit the Neonopolis building … [and] reopening by the end of the year with a different strategy.” The Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art will remain open. As for the Art Center, stay tuned.