An Inside Look at Las Vegas’ Play Playground and ARTE Museum

Pushing the envelope in Las Vegas has always been part of this city’s DNA, but combining culture and pure hedonistic fun is a combination that could only happen here. 

So while the immersive nature of ARTE Museum allows clients to lose themselves in a simulated natural environment, the sheer joy in behaving like a kid (with cocktails) at Play Playground is a throwback escape.  These two new, seemingly dissimilar attractions don’t have to be experienced back-to-back, but their juxtaposition defines how a Las Vegas afternoon – or evening – can be different than in any other resort destination.

Play Playground

Reveling in an environment somewhere between an immersive playground and a high-energy social bar scene on Luxor’s second level, Play Playground’s patrons – who must be 21+ – are coaxed to leave their phones in their pockets while they delve into an array of large-format, multiplayer games spread out over 15,000 square feet.  The brightly lit, color-splashed venue almost looks like something out of a grown-up kid’s dream, with nostalgic-leaning games beckoning players to test their skill, dexterity, and yes, even their brain power. 

Play Social, the company behind this first-of-its-kind concept likens the experience to being dropped into a game show.  “Doctor Doctor” is a race against time to heal the “patient,” while guests try to fit all the shapes into the appropriate spaces on the wall at “Perfect Popper.” 

We liked “Biggle Ball,” where up to 8 players navigate a giant maze using body language; “Ramp Up’s” a game of skill and dexterity; and “Poker Parkour,” a test of balance that forces guests to scramble through the giant, moving poker chips while deftly walking across the beam. 

But only the bravest souls attempt “Bullseye Bounce,” where guests suit up, then propel themselves off a trampoline onto the target like a human dart – with Velcro attachments, of course.

For super-competitive types, a giant leaderboard display keeps track of players’ point totals, and a DJ provides accompanying beats on weekends. 

And this wouldn’t be an adult playground without cocktails – featuring throwback references to our youth, of course – like the Frozen Orange Creamsicle, made with orange-flavored vodka.  Entry starts at $37, but a VIP package that includes unlimited games and a drink goes for $95.  And the venue’s tagline:  “Play Like No One is Watching,” couldn’t be a more perfect fit for Vegas.  

ARTE Museum

Immersive museums in Las Vegas are nothing new – in fact, the previous tenant in the nearby Crystals space was the beautiful Immersive Van Gogh exhibit –  but their format appeals to curious visitors seeking a stimulating cultural experience that evokes a sensory reaction.  And that’s exactly why ARTE Museum’s “Eternal Nature” theme is the right fit for a Las Vegas crowd, not to mention that it takes about 90 minutes to thoroughly experience the exhibits, which conveniently is roughly the same duration as a Strip production show. 

Located in the new 63 CityCenter retail, attraction and hospitality complex in the heart of the Vegas Strip – just steps from The Cosmopolitan – the $25-million, two-story, 30,000-sq. foot exhibition space houses multiple exhibits that cleverly play on all the senses. 

The Waterfall room surrounds visitors with thundering flows, and the floral display creates a gorgeous, dreamlike milieu.  But The Beach is perhaps the most realistic immersion yet, with waves breaking on the shoreline right below visitors’ feet as a gentle breeze blows in.

The experience also works as a family-friendly activity that’s perfect for short attention spans:  an easily digestible 90 minutes of visual stimulation that could hold a child’s attention while simultaneously appealing to parents with a nonstop flood of gorgeous imagery and ethereal music. 

But the experience here – designed and delivered by the talented South Korean art/tech group, D’strict – goes beyond other similar exhibits that only offer visual stimulation.  Instead, at ARTE Museum, all five senses are engaged via audio, scents, flavors, and tactile sensations to complete the immersion. 

Taste is incorporated at the ARTE TEA BAR, which offers guests sweet, tea-based mocktails to complement their visit.  The content rotates about every 6 months in order to keep things fresh, but while the exhibits may change, the “nature” theme will remain central to the experience.