The 60,000 SF building designed by Will Bruder Architects was inspired by the black rock dessert located 110 miles northeast of Reno. The building features a slate facade; a ventilated cavity is used to minimize heat transfer between the slate facade and the building interior. The new museum contains not only exhibition spaces but an auditorium, cafe, library, and a sculpture garden and is a notable addition to the City of Reno's architectural and cultural landscape. IBE Consulting Engineers designed both mechanical and plumbing systems for the project.
The Nevada Museum of Art opened to the public in May 2003.
