I'm bummed out that LVAM is getting bad reviews just because of its location. The location is great for me, because I live in Summerlin. I'll actually be pissed when they move. Anyways. Onwards.
I really like this place. Maybe not one of the best museums in the nation, but certainly one of the best things about Vegas. Vegas is so culturally deprived and crappy as it is. LVAM kind of floats to the top for me.
I like their exhibitions. They pull in a lot of reputable big wigs (like Gehry and Lichtenstein) and modern out of town artists, but are also really welcoming to local (established!) artists. They draw in a good variety of style and school.
The high ceilings are inviting to a variety of exhibitions. I once saw an installation piece by Paul Morrison. They just let him paint the biggest uninterrupted wall in there. The partitioned rooms allow for several exhibits to be going on at once.
Yeah, security follows you around, but I've gotten that at almost every museum I've been to. One time I got molested at a museum and I WISHed security was around for that.
The gift shop is great. Overpriced. But good.
* off the strip, non-casino