I came to Louis Vuitton to see the permanent art exhibit of James Turrell called Akhob. The art installation is on the 4th floor of the Louis Vuitton store. The exhibit is open through a reservation process described in the Las Vegas City Life article and phone number mentioned in the review by Jeremy S.
On entering the store about 15 minutes early for my appointment time, I was met by an associate who gave me a tour of the store to pass the time until my appointment. I saw two items of historical significance to the company including a steamer case made in 1911 by the company.
We then went to the second floor and I got the chance to see a gaming chest with a roulette wheel on top, cards and chips in various drawers, and a felt layout for roulette. I believe there was also a felt layout for blackjack and craps also. There are only two of these gaming chests in the world, this one in Las Vegas and one at their store in Macau.
Then we went to the floor where the Turrell exhibit is. It's not an exhibit as it's an experience. You are asked to sign a form regarding liability--a waiver if you will. The women at the installation are very pleasant and very knowledgable. After talking about the experience, they take you into the adjoining room where you take off your shoes and put on surgical type booties.
There are ten steps to get to the entrance to the first of two arched chambers. She walks you forward to the front chamber. There's a small step between the two chambers. I had been told that they would not speak to me unless I spoke to them. I remained silent but I found it hard to stop wondering how it all was being done. Suffice it to say, it's not the kind of art experience you'd be familiar with. It all involves light and tricking the eyes into seeing the colors that Turrell wants you to see.
During the approximate 20 minute cycle of colors you experience two periods that would remind you of a white out condition in a snowstorm or being in a fogged in area.
At the end, I had several questions and the lead interpreter was very capable answering. I found where the alarm was located and set it off (no Metro officers were called). I think it would have been better if I had asked questions during the process rather than at the end, and I would have enjoyed it more if I had someone else with me to bounce questions/reactions off of.
This is worth a stop. There are only three Turrell creations like this in the world all made for the Vuitton company. It's a fun experience. Make sure you ask a ton of questions and make sure you read about the Ganzfeld Effect before you go. If not, they'll explain it to you.
At the end of the experience, one of the kind ladies escorts you downstairs in the elevator and leaves you to go about your way.