A retired Boeing 747 that was once a Burning Man art display will be converted into a tourist attraction in Las Vegas — take a look

Taylor RainsJun 17, 2022, 02:50 IST

Taylor Rains/Insider

A Boeing 747 was converted into a lounge and nightclub for the famous Burning Man festival from 2016 to 2019.
The jet was later bought by the Fisher Brothers, which plans to convert the plane into an art exhibit in Las Vegas.

A Boeing 747 was converted into a lounge and nightclub for the famous Burning Man festival in 2016.

Reuters

The massive plane dates back to 1985 when it once flew passengers for defunct Brazilian airline Varig, which was Latin America's largest 747 operator at the time.

Big Imagination Foundation

After retirement, the "art car" was owned by the non-profit organization Big Imagination Foundation and fitted with 150,000 LED lights that synced to music. Festival-goers, known as "Burners," could walk on the wing, dance, and check their "emotional baggage."

Melanie McClenahan

After retirement, the "art car" was owned by the non-profit organization Big Imagination Foundation and fitted with 150,000 LED lights that synced to music. Festival-goers, known as "Burners," could walk on the wing, dance, and check their "emotional baggage."

While the 747 was a success during its years at Burning Man, it came under scrutiny in 2018 when it was left in the desert for weeks after the event.

Melanie McClenahan

This angered Burners because it went against the "leave no trace" mission that the festival stood for. The jumbo jet was eventually taken off the property and stored before returning to Burning Man for the last time in 2019.

Melanie McClenahan

This angered Burners because it went against the "leave no trace" mission that the festival stood for. The jumbo jet was eventually taken off the property and stored before returning to Burning Man for the last time in 2019.

After its time at Burning Man, the gutted Queen of the Skies was stored in several pieces until the Fisher Brothers, a US real estate and development company, purchased the jet in 2022.

Taylor Rains/Insider

After its time at Burning Man, the gutted Queen of the Skies was stored in several pieces until the Fisher Brothers, a US real estate and development company, purchased the jet in 2022.

The firm plans to convert the jet into a tourist attraction at AREA15 near the Las Vegas Strip, which is an immersive gaming and entertainment venue that has things like ax throwing, hands-on art, and virtual reality.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The firm plans to convert the jet into a tourist attraction at AREA15 near the Las Vegas Strip, which is an immersive gaming and entertainment venue that has things like ax throwing, hands-on art, and virtual reality.

Fisher Brothers partner and AREA15 CEO Winston Fisher told Insider that the exact plans for the jet are still undecided, but he enjoys the design process and is excited about what they can create.

This lot behind AREA15 is where the jet will most likely be placed, according to company CMO Meg Parker. The Fisher Brothers own the land.Taylor Rains/Insider

Fisher Brothers partner and AREA15 CEO Winston Fisher told Insider that the exact plans for the jet are still undecided, but he enjoys the design process and is excited about what they can create.

"The beauty is we don't know what it's going to be, which is the fun part," he said. "We're studying it, and we didn't buy it with a clear idea other than it's iconic, it's incredible, it's art, and we can work with it. We could use projection mapping on the outside, and it can be anything inside."

The 747 being converted for Burning Man.Big Imagination Foundation

"The beauty is we don't know what it's going to be, which is the fun part," he said. "We're studying it, and we didn't buy it with a clear idea other than it's iconic, it's incredible, it's art, and we can work with it. We could use projection mapping on the outside, and it can be anything inside."

While it waits for refurbishment, the 747 is sitting at the Las Vegas Speedway north of the city. Insider toured the retired plane and found it still had some of the original systems and wiring from its heydey — take a look.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While it waits for refurbishment, the 747 is sitting at the Las Vegas Speedway north of the city. Insider toured the retired plane and found it still had some of the original systems and wiring from its heydey — take a look.

AREA15 chief marketing officer Meg Parker drove me to the 747 on Thursday, where it currently sits in storage.

Taylor Rains/Insider

However, the plane is not yet it in true form. Specifically, the front and aft passenger sections have been disassembled, leaving the plane in three main pieces.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The first piece is the front of the fuselage, which is two levels and, on many carriers, seated business and first class passengers.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The upper level is also where the cockpit is located.

The state of the cockpit during the conversion for Burning Man.Big Imagination Foundation

While the opening to climb into the second floor was closed off, I was able to see inside what was likely once a business class section.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was excited to see the skeleton of the aircraft complete with many of the original wires and pulley systems.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The nose of the jet still had overhead bins installed…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and there was even an old sound system.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I felt like I was exploring a piece of history, especially considering how revolutionary the 747 was for the aviation industry.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The jumbo jet was the first widebody plane to be engineered, and it made international travel affordable for regular people. Travel was no longer a perk for just the rich and famous.

Pan Am was the first operator of the Boeing 747.Morse Collection/Gado/Getty Images

The jumbo jet was the first widebody plane to be engineered, and it made international travel affordable for regular people. Travel was no longer a perk for just the rich and famous.

During the tour, I also saw some stickers left from Burning Man.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Other remnants of the wild festival were left behind too, like metal panels that possibly acted as a ceiling…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a railing on the outside of the forward section's upper windows, which was built as a barricade from when the jet was a nightclub.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Sitting behind the front fuselage was the aft section, which is where economy passengers sat.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The metal still had some original wiring and a vintage PA system…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as old cargo instructions.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The base of the fuselage was sitting on landing gear to the right of the first two pieces. Cargo was once stored in the belly of the section.

Taylor Rains/Insider

When reconstructed, the two pieces will attach on top of the base, creating a nearly complete fuselage.

Levi Bernard/Insider

The tail and wings are not going to be on the aircraft, according to Fisher, though you can see where the wings were originally attached.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While the wings will not be part of the final attraction, there were some giant pieces in the storage area.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Also around the jet was landing gear…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…the nose…

Taylor Rains/Insider

...boarding doors...

Taylor Rains/Insider

...and other miscellaneous parts.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Walking around the 747's temporary home, I was shocked and amazed at all the original metal. Wiring and machinery in the wheel well were still visible…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as old air filters.

Taylor Rains/Insider

For aviation enthusiasts, this jet is sure to impress. It's rare to see the skeleton of old aircraft, and it's even more interesting because it is the iconic Queen of the Skies.

Taylor Rains/Insider

For aviation enthusiasts, this jet is sure to impress. It's rare to see the skeleton of old aircraft, and it's even more interesting because it is the iconic Queen of the Skies.

One day, the vintage jet will sit at AREA15 and be easily visible from the main interstate that runs through Las Vegas.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The Fisher Brothers believe the history of the 747 at Burning Man and its uniqueness makes it a perfect addition to AREA15.

Taylor Rains/Insider

"The acquisition and remodeling of this plane closely follows our mission at AREA15 of building an emotional connection for visitors through art, entertainment, and experiences," Fisher said in a press release.

Taylor Rains/Insider

"The acquisition and remodeling of this plane closely follows our mission at AREA15 of building an emotional connection for visitors through art, entertainment, and experiences," Fisher said in a press release.

The venue is full of neon lights, interesting art that use colors and sounds to connect with guests, and interactive games and experiences.

Taylor Rains/Insider

It's unclear what the 747 will be once it's complete, nor when it will officially go on display, but it's sure to fit into the vibrant ambiance of AREA15.

Taylor Rains/Insider

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A retired Boeing 747 that was once a Burning Man art display will be converted into a tourist attraction in Las Vegas &mdash; take a look

A Boeing 747 was converted into a lounge and nightclub for the famous Burning Man festival in 2016.

The massive plane dates back to 1985 when it once flew passengers for defunct Brazilian airline Varig, which was Latin America's largest 747 operator at the time.

After retirement, the "art car" was owned by the non-profit organization Big Imagination Foundation and fitted with 150,000 LED lights that synced to music. Festival-goers, known as "Burners," could walk on the wing, dance, and check their "emotional baggage."

While the 747 was a success during its years at Burning Man, it came under scrutiny in 2018 when it was left in the desert for weeks after the event.

This angered Burners because it went against the "leave no trace" mission that the festival stood for. The jumbo jet was eventually taken off the property and stored before returning to Burning Man for the last time in 2019.

After its time at Burning Man, the gutted Queen of the Skies was stored in several pieces until the Fisher Brothers, a US real estate and development company, purchased the jet in 2022.

The firm plans to convert the jet into a tourist attraction at AREA15 near the Las Vegas Strip, which is an immersive gaming and entertainment venue that has things like ax throwing, hands-on art, and virtual reality.

Fisher Brothers partner and AREA15 CEO Winston Fisher told Insider that the exact plans for the jet are still undecided, but he enjoys the design process and is excited about what they can create.

"The beauty is we don't know what it's going to be, which is the fun part," he said. "We're studying it, and we didn't buy it with a clear idea other than it's iconic, it's incredible, it's art, and we can work with it. We could use projection mapping on the outside, and it can be anything inside."

While it waits for refurbishment, the 747 is sitting at the Las Vegas Speedway north of the city. Insider toured the retired plane and found it still had some of the original systems and wiring from its heydey — take a look.

AREA15 chief marketing officer Meg Parker drove me to the 747 on Thursday, where it currently sits in storage.

However, the plane is not yet it in true form. Specifically, the front and aft passenger sections have been disassembled, leaving the plane in three main pieces.

The first piece is the front of the fuselage, which is two levels and, on many carriers, seated business and first class passengers.

The upper level is also where the cockpit is located.

While the opening to climb into the second floor was closed off, I was able to see inside what was likely once a business class section.

I was excited to see the skeleton of the aircraft complete with many of the original wires and pulley systems.

The nose of the jet still had overhead bins installed…

…and there was even an old sound system.

I felt like I was exploring a piece of history, especially considering how revolutionary the 747 was for the aviation industry.

The jumbo jet was the first widebody plane to be engineered, and it made international travel affordable for regular people. Travel was no longer a perk for just the rich and famous.

During the tour, I also saw some stickers left from Burning Man.

Other remnants of the wild festival were left behind too, like metal panels that possibly acted as a ceiling…

…and a railing on the outside of the forward section's upper windows, which was built as a barricade from when the jet was a nightclub.

Sitting behind the front fuselage was the aft section, which is where economy passengers sat.

The metal still had some original wiring and a vintage PA system…

…as well as old cargo instructions.

The base of the fuselage was sitting on landing gear to the right of the first two pieces. Cargo was once stored in the belly of the section.

When reconstructed, the two pieces will attach on top of the base, creating a nearly complete fuselage.

The tail and wings are not going to be on the aircraft, according to Fisher, though you can see where the wings were originally attached.

While the wings will not be part of the final attraction, there were some giant pieces in the storage area.

Also around the jet was landing gear…

…the nose…

...boarding doors...

...and other miscellaneous parts.

Walking around the 747's temporary home, I was shocked and amazed at all the original metal. Wiring and machinery in the wheel well were still visible…

…as well as old air filters.

For aviation enthusiasts, this jet is sure to impress. It's rare to see the skeleton of old aircraft, and it's even more interesting because it is the iconic Queen of the Skies.

One day, the vintage jet will sit at AREA15 and be easily visible from the main interstate that runs through Las Vegas.

The Fisher Brothers believe the history of the 747 at Burning Man and its uniqueness makes it a perfect addition to AREA15.

"The acquisition and remodeling of this plane closely follows our mission at AREA15 of building an emotional connection for visitors through art, entertainment, and experiences," Fisher said in a press release.

The venue is full of neon lights, interesting art that use colors and sounds to connect with guests, and interactive games and experiences.

It's unclear what the 747 will be once it's complete, nor when it will officially go on display, but it's sure to fit into the vibrant ambiance of AREA15.

A retired Boeing 747 that was once a Burning Man art display will be converted into a tourist attraction in Las Vegas — take a look