"The Sphere is the final form of the 20th-century American city"

Few recent buildings have caused as much of a sensation as the MSG Sphere Las Vegas. Now that the initial hype has died down, Matt Shaw reflects on its significance.

Arriving in Las Vegas around dusk is like reaching an electric oasis. It recalls the days of Route 66, which of course in turn recalls the old west of train hoppers and cowboys. Norman Mailer called it a "jeweled city" with "neon spires".

The latest electronic jewel is the MSG Sphere, the 112-metre-tall entertainment...