Marjorie Barrick Museum

Less than three miles from the bustle of the Strip, Marjorie Barrick Museum makes for a highly cultured day out. Named in honor of the late UNLV (University of Las Vegas) philanthropist and academic enthusiast, the M.B Museum combines many of the elements of history and art Barrick brought to the attention of her students in life. She was particularly known for her love of Meso-American art, a hobby which partially influenced the start of the museum's 500-piece collection – some of which dates back over 2,000 years.

Once the basketball court for the locally renowned UNLV Rebels, the Marjorie Barrick exposition center now combines the fascinating treasures of archaeological digs, with the contemporary works of modern art from some of the University's finest students and alumni. Formally known as The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History, the center offers a multicultural experience, with a 40 year old collection of Meso-American craftwork and exhibits that hail from a time when Vegas was little more than an undiscovered desert oasis.

Beyond the ultra-modern, sleek exterior of UNLV lies the light and airy exhibition space wholly dedicated to the education of visitors through ancient fossil artifacts, biology photographs and hundreds of rock specimens found among the many minefields of Nevada's ghost towns. Many remained hidden away among the archived treasures of UNLV for over 50 years, until campus management founded the dazzling new facility in 1989 and slowly unveiled the sheer wealth of their collection for the eyes of the world.

Among the variegated gems incorporated over the years is a burgeoning collection of Meso-American pieces, ranging from 2000 year old tribal art paintings to Paiute woven baskets and badger-skin moccasins. A well lit case explores the evolution of knives and rock plundering tools, including a variety of photographs from the turn of the Century when a significant proportion of the indigenous population were employed for the laying of railroad foundations.

The curious collection of Mexican tribal masks is just one of the many highlights, including “Catrine” masks with ghoulish glass eyes and fluttering eyelids. Nearby sits the music exhibition, an intriguing array of ancient Meso-American instruments such as the arpa jarocha, an early Mexican harp. Unlike the strict regulation of most museums, Barrick encourages visitors to try their hand at playing these instruments – a must for any guitarist interested in early string accompanied music.

Marjorie Barrick Museum features little in the way of children's exhibits, save for a curious reptile section where native species are very much alive and crawling. Feeding time proves an interesting spectacle, since the exhibit curators are keen to use live prey and encourage the wildness of these desert lizards and snakes. A visit to the textiles corner is certainly recommendable if you're a fashionista, since the collection includes a jam-packed corner dedicated to jewelery and accessories. Many of the clay bead necklaces and turquoise inset pendants little differ from those produced in Mexico today, but the exquisite handiwork is certainly worth a look. Finally, take in a few of the stunning photographs arranged throughout the museum – many of which follow the life and work of the exhibition house's namesake, from the 1950's to present day. An avid lecturer, historian and philanthropist, the museum is a fitting tribute to the late Marjorie Barrick and an educational experience for all who visit.

Artwork accredited to the Hopi Indians makes for an interesting display. Rows of Katsina dolls shaped from cottonwood adorn the near wall, resemblant of the spiritual Gods revered by the Hopi and celebrated ancestors. Other interesting curios include an array of stone tools thought to be over 1,000 years old, along with Hopi animal furs and leather-wear. By far the highlight of your visit will be the UNLV Xeric Garden, designed to promote environmental awareness with exotic “drought-proof” cacti and a self-sufficient rainwater irrigation system. It's also a conservation area, teeming with gorgeous desert reptiles like the Western Whiptail and endangered Gila Monster. Kids can even go on a museum safari, guided by curators to discover the melange of species that now call this lush green paradise home!