Belgian artist Albert Szukalski’s “The Last Supper”

Goldwell Open Air Museum

Where Art Meets Nevada’s Wild Desert

By Laura Henkel

Nestled within the stark, silent landscapes of Nevada’s Mojave Desert, the Goldwell Open Air Museum is a testament to the power of imagination and resilience. Just four miles west of Beatty, Nevada, and near the ghost town of Rhyolite, this 15-acre sanctuary offers a surreal blend of art and nature, making it one of the most captivating exhibits in the American West. Founder Suzanne Hackett-Morgan reflects, “Goldwell has been a labor of love for both Charles and me. There’s a raw, unfiltered beauty out here that never ceases to inspire us and everyone who visits. Over the years, we’ve seen people from all walks of life connect with these sculptures and this landscape in ways we never imagined. We look forward to seeing how it will continue to ignite creativity and a sense of wonder for decades to come.”

Goldwell Open Air Museum’s journey began with Belgian artist Albert Szukalski’s “The Last Supper” in 1984, an ethereal sculpture reimagining Da Vinci’s iconic scene. Szukalski’s ghostly, shrouded figures, created from plaster-soaked fabric, stand as a haunting homage to human spirituality amid nature’s austerity. This piece laid the foundation for the museum’s mission, inspiring other artists to contribute works celebrating Nevada’s raw beauty.

Among these is “Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada,” a 25-foot-tall pixelated figure created in 1992 by Belgian artist Dr. Hugo Heyrman. Originally in bold pinks and reds, the cinder-block sculpture has softened over the years, blending with its desert surroundings. “Icara,” another 1992 piece by Dre Peeters, captures a winged woman gazing skyward, embodying the ambition and vulnerability of the myth of Icarus.

Nestled within the stark, silent landscapes of Nevada’s Mojave Desert, the Goldwell Open Air Museum is a testament to the power of imagination and resilience. Just four miles west of Beatty, Nevada, and near the ghost town of Rhyolite, this 15-acre sanctuary offers a surreal blend of art and nature, making it one of the most captivating exhibits in the American West. Founder Suzanne Hackett-Morgan reflects, “Goldwell has been a labor of love for both Charles and me. There’s a raw, unfiltered beauty out here that never ceases to inspire us and everyone who visits. Over the years, we’ve seen people from all walks of life connect with these sculptures and this landscape in ways we never imagined. We look forward to seeing how it will continue to ignite creativity and a sense of wonder for decades to come.”

Goldwell Open Air Museum’s journey began with Belgian artist Albert Szukalski’s “The Last Supper” in 1984, an ethereal sculpture reimagining Da Vinci’s iconic scene. Szukalski’s ghostly, shrouded figures, created from plaster-soaked fabric, stand as a haunting homage to human spirituality amid nature’s austerity. This piece laid the foundation for the museum’s mission, inspiring other artists to contribute works celebrating Nevada’s raw beauty.

Among these is “Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada,” a 25-foot-tall pixelated figure created in 1992 by Belgian artist Dr. Hugo Heyrman. Originally in bold pinks and reds, the cinder-block sculpture has softened over the years, blending with its desert surroundings. “Icara,” another 1992 piece by Dre Peeters, captures a winged woman gazing skyward, embodying the ambition and vulnerability of the myth of Icarus.

Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s “Portone”

Goldwell Open Air Museum’s evolution has continued with contemporary works that connect its past to its future. Recent additions like Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s “Portone,” installed in 2021, add a meditative presence with nine steel frames arranged sequentially, suggesting a portal to another dimension. Each 10-by-10-foot frame interacts with the desert’s expansive landscape, encouraging visitors to consider new perspectives and freshly experience The museum’s quiet vastness. “Keep Going” by Michelle Graves, installed in 2023, responds uniquely to the shifting light and shadows of the desert. This semi-camouflaged sculpture appears and disappears from view depending on the angle, symbolizing resilience amid change.

Goldwell Open Air Museum is a dream setting for photographers and artists alike. The desert’s quiet, vast expanse offers an ever-changing backdrop, and no matter the season or time of day, you’re bound to capture photos you’ll cherish forever. It’s also ideal for those seeking a rustic retreat where art, landscape, and solitude foster a deep connection to Nevada’s rugged beauty.

After a day of exploring, the nearby town of Beatty offers comfort with cozy lodging, local eateries, and relaxing hot springs, a welcoming end to a desert adventure.

This year’s 40th-anniversary celebration marked a leadership transition, with Hackett-Morgan passing on a symbolic wooden staff hand-carved by Szukalski. Her reflections underscore the personal dedication she and her husband, Charles Morgan, have poured into the Goldwell Open Air Museum, guiding it from a handful of sculptures to a cultural icon in the Nevada desert.

For those captivated by art and nature, the museum is open 24/7, inviting travelers to journey into Nevada’s vast open spaces and discover the beauty hidden in the desert’s quiet. As a nonprofit, the Goldwell Open Air Museum depends on community support to preserve its sculptures and expand its programs. Consider visiting or donating to help continue its legacy as a cultural landmark in Nevada’s art heritage.