Utah’s Powder Mountain, long celebrated for its skiing, is now carving out a space in the art world. The resort, recently acquired by former Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, is set to unveil an open-air sculpture and art park, adding an artistic dimension to its outdoor offerings. This new venture is part of a broader transformation of the mountain, which Hastings has been spearheading since he took over last year. While select artworks will be on display during the upcoming ski season, the grand opening of the outdoor museum is planned for 2026.
Hastings’ vision for Powder Mountain goes beyond just skiing. He envisions a destination where recreation, art, and community converge in a thoughtful and intentional way. “At Powder, we want every experience—from the ski resort to the residential community to the outdoor art museum—to be intentional,” Hastings explained. “The integration of art into the mountain is a manifestation of that consideration, as we aim to create a multi-season destination that fosters meaningful connections.”
The outdoor museum is being designed by renowned landscape architect Reed Hilderbrand, known for his work on New York’s Storm King Art Center. The visitor center will be crafted by Johnston Marklee, the firm behind the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Matthew Thompson, the curator leading Powder Mountain’s arts program, has collaborated with a team to develop the inaugural plan for the museum.
Initially, the park will feature a limited number of installations, including a site-specific piece by artist EJ Hill. Over the next few years, the collection will expand to include works by prominent artists such as James Turrell, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Holt, and Paul McCarthy. McCarthy, who draws inspiration from the mythology of the American West, expressed his excitement about contributing to this unique project. “Growing up in Utah, the mountains have always been a significant influence on my work,” McCarthy noted. “I’m thrilled to have the chance to create something special in that landscape at Powder Mountain.”
Hastings’ takeover of the mountain has brought significant changes, including the creation of a members-only ski club with lots starting at $2 million and higher prices for public ski passes. However, the resort remains committed to accessibility, with free access to the mountain and museum during the summer and fall seasons. Powder Mountain is now poised to offer visitors not just world-class skiing, but a world-class cultural experience as well.
