Colors of Mexico: A Whimsical Hidden Gem in Las Vegas
In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, I’m a huge fan of vivid colors and whimsical, dreamlike worlds. I love fully immersive experiences that let you suspend disbelief and lose yourself in the moment. But I also have a soft spot for places that bring the world to you.
When my mom came to visit earlier this year, we checked out the Colors of Mexico exhibit at Fantasy Lab. Tucked inside the Fashion Show Mall, this immersive art experience offers a stunning, sensory-rich celebration of Mexican culture. Think: a fusion of physical and digital art, vivid projections, mirrors, and glowing LED light installations. We spent about an hour wandering through the space, taking it all in.
When we went, admission was free. It’s now $15 per person—but that ticket doubles as a credit you can use toward food, drinks, or art. So in essence, it’s still a “free” experience.
Right past the entrance, we came across an Árbol de la Vida—or Tree of Life. Traditionally, these Mexican folk art sculptures represent religious or cultural themes. This one was a more modern take, adorned with Lucha Libre masks, lotería cards, piñatas, and other playful nods to Mexican pop and folk culture. Standing in front of it, I was instantly transported—flooded with memories of time spent in Mexico, surrounded by color, warmth, and rhythm.
The exhibit continues through seven uniquely themed rooms, each telling its own story.
My favorite was the Alebrije dream space. Alebrijes are fantastical creatures from Mexican folklore—brightly colored, intricately detailed, and pieced together from the wings, tails, and claws of various animals. They’re considered spirit guides and protectors. As a kid, I imagined a world where they roamed the skies like guardians of the unseen. This room brought that vision to life in a way that was both nostalgic and electric.
I also loved the Día de los Muertos room. This holiday honors the lives of loved ones who’ve passed, with families building ofrendas—altars filled with their favorite foods, photos, candles, and mementos. The room captured the spirit beautifully, with life-sized skeletons, vibrant ofrendas honoring cultural icons, and even a digital pet altar. Visitors could scan a QR code and upload a tribute to their furry companions who’ve crossed over. Seeing those tributes displayed on-screen added such a touching, personal layer.
The final room offered a moment to pause and reflect. We sat and watched a video montage showcasing Mexico’s landscapes, traditions, and celebrations—Independence Day parades, folklórico dancers, beaches, cityscapes, and sun-drenched countryside. Watching my mom and son take it all in was incredibly moving.
My mom is originally from Mexico City. She moved to the U.S. for more opportunities, leaving behind the place that shaped so much of who she is. I think when you leave home like that—especially a place so steeped in culture—it’s hard not to feel the distance. This exhibit felt like a small way to close that gap. It brought Mexico to us.
As a parent, I often think about how to pass on our family’s heritage. I was born in the U.S., and although Spanish was my first language, I’ve become more Americanized over time. I don’t want my connection to my Mexican culture to fade. Exhibits like this make it easier to keep the thread alive—by turning history and tradition into something you can see, hear, and touch.
My son may still be too young to understand the deeper meaning behind everything, but I know he felt the joy in the colors and the music. We’d watched Coco before, so he lit up when he recognized the ofrendas and skeletons. It was a sweet, full-circle moment.
If you’re looking for something fun, meaningful, and a little magical to do in Las Vegas, Colors of Mexico is definitely worth a visit.
