Reno Embraces Burning Man Art, Becoming Cultural Destination

Nevada Museum of Art purchases first Burning Man sculpture, inspiring public art parks across the state.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:00am

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Reno, Nevada is embracing its artistic side, with the city installing Burning Man sculptures in public spaces and the Nevada Museum of Art purchasing its first Burning Man piece for its permanent collection. Local art consultant Maria Partridge has been the driving force behind these efforts, working to bring the creativity and community spirit of Burning Man to Reno's streets and museums.

Why it matters

Reno has long been overshadowed by the glitz of Las Vegas, but the city is now carving out its own identity as an arts and culture destination. By embracing the unconventional art of Burning Man, Reno is positioning itself as a hub for creativity and innovation, attracting new residents and visitors to experience its unique vibe.

The details

Maria Partridge approached the Nevada Museum of Art about displaying a Burning Man sculpture called the Guardian of Eden. The museum installed the piece and eventually purchased it for their permanent collection, making it the first Burning Man sculpture acquired by a museum. Partridge then convinced the Reno City Council to allow her to install five Burning Man sculptures in an empty downtown lot, creating the city's first 'playa art park'. The project was so well-received that the city allowed her to expand the park the following year, and the concept has now spread to other Nevada towns like Davis.

  • In 2022, Maria Partridge approached the Nevada Museum of Art about displaying a Burning Man sculpture.
  • The Nevada Museum of Art purchased the Guardian of Eden sculpture in 2023, making it the first Burning Man piece in their permanent collection.
  • In 2024, Partridge installed five Burning Man sculptures in a downtown Reno lot, creating the city's first 'playa art park'.
  • In 2025, the Reno City Council allowed Partridge to expand the 'playa art park' with additional Burning Man sculptures.

The players

Maria Partridge

An art consultant who has been the driving force behind bringing Burning Man art to Reno's streets and museums.

David Walker

The director of the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno.

Guardian of Eden

A Burning Man sculpture that was the first piece purchased by the Nevada Museum of Art for their permanent collection.

Jeff Jacobs

The owner of J Resorts, who brought Partridge on to help transform the old Sands Casino into an art-focused destination, purchasing five Burning Man sculptures for the property.

The City of Davis

A town that approached Partridge to create a 'playa art park' modeled after the one in Reno.

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What they’re saying

“I thought, 'Why don't we have this level of art in Reno? We've got this happening out there. You know, why don't we have that here?'”

— Maria Partridge, Art Consultant

“Art in Reno is a big deal.”

— David Walker, Director, Nevada Museum of Art

What’s next

The Reno City Council is expected to consider allowing Partridge to install additional Burning Man sculptures in other public spaces around the city.

The takeaway

Reno's embrace of Burning Man art has transformed the city into an unexpected arts and culture destination, challenging perceptions and attracting new residents and visitors. This grassroots effort to bring unconventional public art to the streets has sparked a broader cultural renaissance in the city.