As I was driving through the tiny town of Beatty, Nevada (population 600) on my way to Death Valley, I couldn't help but notice this building at the main intersection in town. I've never seen anything quite like it! The attention to detail and the bizarre nature of the decor caught my attention.
It's the historic Exchange Club Casino and Motel. It's now being transformed with a "steampunk theme." Steampunk is a retro-futuristic aesthetic and subgenre of science fiction. There's a focus on steam-powered machinery, clockwork and various mechanical gadgets. It combines Victorian fashion (like corsets, top hats and goggles) with industrial design.
I can't describe how out of place this appears to be in this setting. But, this is one of the major advantages of road trips. This wasn't on my itinerary...but ended up being a very worthy photo shoot destination in my opinion.
Great set images of a very cool and out of place building. I’ve driven through Beatty dozens of times over the years traveling from Las Vegas to Reno. Is it finally open? It has been under construction for several years. I was begging to think it was just an art project and may never actual open for business.
chad hites wrote:
Great set images of a very cool and out of place building. I’ve driven through Beatty dozens of times over the years traveling from Las Vegas to Reno. Is it finally open? It has been under construction for several years. I was begging to think it was just an art project and may never actual open for business.
Thanks! It wasn't open while I was there. The website said opening soon.
Interesting! The desert does seem to attract a different breed. Near Beatty, there's the Goldwell Open Air Museum--bizarre sculptures out in the desert. I also remember visiting Cadillac Ranch near Armarillo...many cars buried hood first into the landscape.
Casinos or the cities that host them have never been on my radar....but I could make an exception for Beatty! Great find and wonderful images! Thanks for point this out to us.
