“The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is not just a space to view art — it is a venue where visitors can truly connect with the creative spirit of a remarkable artist.” ~ Laura Sanders, executive director.
Abbey dedicated her life to exploring and expressing the beauty of the Southwest through her art, a passion that defined the New Jersey native from when she studied at the University of New Mexico. Her diverse work, which she displayed at shows around the world, spans painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, porcelain, and stained glass, often drawing inspiration from the desert landscapes she loved.
Abbey moved to Las Vegas in 1965 to teach at UNLV, where she was among the first art professors. She remained there for 22 years, and the university honored her in spring 2024 by inducting her into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
Visit by appointment only. Pick a date from the calendar to reserve your time to visit. Typical visits are one to two hours.
We were not familiar with this site before our visit and were pleasantly surprised. The scope and quality of the work from this artist was amazing and the facilities where modern and very functional. Definitely worth a visit and return trips.
Beautiful experience. The art work, her sculpture, her story simply awe inspiring!
We spent a beautiful Sunday morning enjoying the exhibits inside and out. Would encourage all to explore the artistic spaces at the museum.
Stunning museum, I was amazed at the variety of art using different materials but all in RDA’s distinctive style. I was very moved by this museum and plan to return.
Easy to reserve ticket online.
Amazing, astounding, gorgeous, well-designed museum. I hope you can rotate her breadth of work. My only issue was lack of parking spaces.
This was a very captivating discovery!
Wonderful!
This space is an art-filled wonder! RDA was a prolific, gifted & hard-working artist whose creative expressions spanned a remarkable number of mediums & decades. ‘Such beauty & peace are not found in many such places. I stayed & enjoyed for 2+ hours. Since the artworks are rotated regularly & excellent events are held there, I’m sure to return.
Amazing experience. We enjoyed the art as well as the informative staff. Garden outside and sculptures a must see. Have already recommended to friends and plan to return. What a inspirational place.
Amazing works in an absolutely gorgeous setting.