Vegas is best known for its casinos.
But it is also more than that. It is home to a bustling world of nightlife, performing arts, sports, luxury hotels, unique attractions, and some of the world’s most iconic architectural designs.
On your next trip to Sin City, be sure to check out the buildings that made Las Vegas.
Historic Fifth Street School
Located in downtown Las Vegas, the Historic Fifth Street School was initially called Las Vegas Grammar School.
Today, the building is home to an events arena, and is regularly booked for weddings and entertainment.
The structure features Revival-style architecture, which makes it the perfect home for the Downtown Design Center for the School of Architecture, as well as the University of Las Vegas fine arts program.
The school was built in 1936, and in 1988 was included in the National Historic Register.
The Nevada Supreme Court
Opened in March 2017, the Nevada Supreme Court is a newer addition to the Las Vegas landscape.
Constructed completely out of marble, the architecture was modelled after other prominent court houses around the world, including the U.S. Supreme Court Building.
The Nevada Supreme Court can be visited at any time of the day, but arguable, it looks most majestic around sunset as the gold dome on top of the structure is a show of light at this time of the day.
The Lou Ruvo Center
The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is arguably one of Vegas’ most unique architectural designs.
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the structure consists of two wings that are connected by a courtyard.
The design of the building intends to represent the two sides of the human brain. On the south side, the reflection is that of imagination and creativity, while the building on the north represents reason and logic.
Gehry certainly managed to create a design that manipulates space and construction materials in such a way that the end-result captivates the imagination.
Opened in 2010, when FIFA World Cup odds for the games in South Africa were at fever pitch, the construction of the building cost more than US$100 million.
Little Church Of The West
Situated on Las Vegas Boulevard, the Little Church of the West was built in 1941. It is today one of the oldest buildings in the region.
What makes the Little Church of the West so unique is the fact that the owner of the building has strived to keep intact its original integrity. The original pews as well as the light structures remain as they were when the church was first built.
The church has over the years hosted famous celebrity weddings, including those of Judy Garland, Angelina Jolie, and Cindy Crawford.
The Luxor Hotel & Casino
The Luxor Hotel & Casino is a unique and world-famous architectural icon of the Las Vegas skyline.
Constructed of steel and black glass, it towers 30 stories high. Opened in 1993, the masterpiece took 2 years to complete, and at a cost of US$375 million.
The building is regarded a symbol of post-modern architecture and features a light beam that is visible from up to 300 miles away.
