Nestled across from Cashman Field, the towering concrete structure that once housed the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and Las Vegas Library holds a special place in the hearts of Las Vegas locals who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s. Designed by acclaimed architect Antoine Predock, the $14 million, 104,000-square-foot building was a hub of creativity and learning for children and families.
Stepping inside the museum, visitors embarked on a journey of discovery, ascending the grand staircase to the near-top of the science tower. The museum’s interactive exhibits sparked curiosity and ignited imaginations, featuring a miniature supermarket, garage, airport, and more. The cone-shaped room near the entrance served as a whimsical backdrop for birthday celebrations.
Adjacent to the museum, the 56,800-square-foot library opened its doors in June 1990, housing a vast collection of 100,000 books with a capacity for up to 300,000 items. It quickly became a beloved gathering space for bookworms and knowledge seekers alike.
After 22 years at its original location, the museum relocated in March 2013 to a new, larger space next to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The new museum boasts 26,000 more square feet and focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum.
While the old building remains largely unoccupied today, it occasionally hosts special events and exhibitions. The city’s Department of Public Safety and Human Resources Department are its only current occupants.
As time passes, the concrete tower stands as a testament to Las Vegas’s ever-evolving landscape. It evokes fond memories of laughter, exploration, and the boundless joy of childhood discovery.
