The 13 Best Museums In Las Vegas
Both cities may have an Eiffel Tower, but Las Vegas is not Paris. This desert city is not generally thought of as a city of culture. Partly, that's because the history of Las Vegas is quite short. Founded in 1905, the city remained little more than a village until the 1930s and the construction of the Hoover dam. Therefore, Las Vegas doesn't have the rich history to draw on that other cities around the world do.
What Las Vegas does have plenty of, though, is tourists. And if you don't want to spend all day in a casino, there are lots of Las Vegas museums that can keep you entertained and maybe even teach you something new while you explore this unique city. In keeping with the quirky atmosphere of Las Vegas, many of these museums tend toward esoteric subjects, but you'll also find some classic museums that will explore the history and culture of Nevada and of the West.
Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in downtown Las Vegas, and you'll be ready to explore some of the interesting museums the city has to offer.
Nevada State Museum
The Nevada State Museum is one of the classic museums in Las Vegas. It's been around for nearly 60 years and tells the story of Nevada from the time of the dinosaurs through the present day. The museum has an excellent permanent exhibition on the history of the state, as well as changing exhibitions that focus on specific topics.
If you want to learn about the natural history of Nevada, this is the place to go. The museum has a generous collection of fossils from throughout the state, as well as a gallery devoted to Native American artifacts. You can also see a full-scale replica of an old mining town and learn about how mining has shaped Nevada's history.
The museum is located in The Springs Preserve, a 180-acre park that's also worth exploring. The park has hiking and biking trails, as well as a botanical garden.
The Mob Museum
For a slightly different take on Las Vegas history, check out The Mob Museum. This museum tells the story of organized crime in America, with a focus on its connection to Las Vegas.
The museum does an excellent job of explaining how the mob was involved in the development of Las Vegas, both in terms of the city's illegal gambling scene and in terms of its more legitimate businesses. You'll learn about some of the most famous mobsters in history, as well as some of the notorious crimes they committed.
The Mob Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas, in a building that was once the city's courthouse. The building is itself an important piece of history, and the museum does a good job of using the space to tell its story.
The Neon Museum
For a truly unique Las Vegas experience, visit the Neon Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving the city's rich history of neon signage.
The museum has an extensive collection of signs, some of which date back to the 1930s. You can see how the signs have changed over time and learn about the businesses that once used them. It's the perfect place to see iconic Las Vegas signs and get a glimpse into how the city used to look. In fact, you may recognize many of the signs from movies and TV sets in Las Vegas.
The Neon Museum also offers tours of the Neon Boneyard, where you can see signs that are no longer in use. These tours are popular, so be sure to book in advance.
The National Atomic Testing Museum
Las Vegas is home to the National Atomic Testing Museum, which tells the story of the United States' nuclear testing program.
The museum covers the history of the program, from its beginnings in the 1940s through its end in the 1990s. It includes exhibits on the science of nuclear testing, as well as on the political and social aspects of the program.
The museum is located in a former atomic test site, and it includes a number of outdoor exhibits. You can also take a tour of one of the tunnels used for underground testing.
The Neon Museum, The Mob Museum, and The National Atomic Testing Museum are all located in downtown Las Vegas. You can easily visit all three in one day, and they're all within walking distance of each other. That means you'll also be ideally placed to try some of the best street food in Las Vegas after visiting these Las Vegas museums.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is another great option for those interested in the natural history of Nevada.
This museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including a dinosaur gallery, an insect zoo, and a marine aquarium with live animal exhibits. You can also learn about the geology of the state, see a variety of live animals, and even take a walk through a replica of an Old West town.
This interesting Las Vegas Museum offers tons of theme areas including a Prehistoric Life gallery and Egyptian gallery, so whatever you're interested in, chances are good you'll find something worth seeing here. Interactive exhibits make this a fascinating place to explore, and the perfect addition to your Las Vegas trip.
Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas
No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a visit to Hoover Dam. This dam is one of the most impressive engineering feats in American history.
You can learn about the dam's construction at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center, which is located at the dam itself. The center has exhibits on the dam's history and its role in the development of Las Vegas.
You can also take a tour of the dam, which includes a visit to the top of the dam and a look inside one of the power plants. The tour takes about two hours, and it's an excellent way to learn more about this American icon.
Discovery Children's Museum
One of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids, the Discovery Children's Museum is a great place to spend a few hours.
This museum has a variety of interactive exhibits, designed to teach children about science, technology, engineering, and math. There are also arts and crafts activities, as well as a planetarium. Kids can burn off some energy in the massive indoor playground, or experience the power of nature safely in the hurricane tunnel. Spread over three floors, the Discovery Children's Museum is a great place to keep the kids engaged on a Las Vegas holiday and even give you some time to relax while they explore.
Zak Bagans' Haunted Museum
For something a little different, Zak Bagans' Haunted Museum is one of the most unique museums in Las Vegas.
This museum is dedicated to the paranormal, and it includes a variety of exhibits on ghosts, hauntings, and other supernatural phenomena. You can see items that are said to be haunted, such as dolls and furniture, and you can even take a tour of the museum's basement, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in Las Vegas.
If you're interested in the paranormal, or if you're just looking for a spooky experience, Zak Bagans' Haunted Museum is worth a visit. Although older kids may get a kick out of the spooky exhibits here, kids under 16 aren't allowed inside. But it is one of the most unusual Las Vegas museums, and if you're interested in ghost adventures, it's a place you shouldn't miss.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is one of the best art museums in Las Vegas. This museum features rotating exhibitions of both contemporary and classic art. You can see works by world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, and Salvador Dali.
The gallery also hosts a variety of educational events, such as lectures, films, and workshops. Even if you're not an art aficionado, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is worth a visit. It's one of the most beautiful museums in Las Vegas, and it's a great place to spend an afternoon on your Las Vegas vacation.
Pinball Hall of Fame
For something a little different, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a must-see. This museum is devoted to pinball machines, and it has over 200 machines on display.
You can play all of the machines in the museum for just a quarter, making this a great place to spend an afternoon if you're looking for some cheap entertainment. The Pinball Hall of Fame is also a great place to take kids, as they'll love playing all of the games. And even if you're not a fan of pinball, it's still worth checking out this one-of-a-kind museum.
Erotic Heritage Museum
The Erotic Heritage Museum is one of the most unique museums in Las Vegas. This museum is devoted to the history and evolution of human sexuality.
You can see artifacts, artwork, and films that explore different aspects of sexuality. The provocative museum also hosts a variety of events, such as educational seminars, screenings, and live performances.
The Erotic Heritage Museum is definitely not suitable for children, but it's an interesting place to visit if you're curious about human sexuality. It's one of the most thought-provoking museums in Las Vegas, and it's definitely worth a visit if you're looking for something different to do on your vacation.
Origen Museum
The Origen Museum is one of the best museums in Las Vegas for history buffs. This museum is devoted to the history of the city, and it features a variety of exhibits on the early days of Las Vegas.
You can see artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of how Las Vegas became the city it is today. The Origen Museum is a great place to learn about the rich history of Las Vegas, and it's definitely worth a visit if you're interested in learning more about this fascinating city.
Tom Devlin's Monster Museum
Tom Devlin's Monster Museum is one of the coolest museums in Las Vegas. This museum is devoted to movie monsters, and it features a variety of exhibits on creatures from film and television.
You can see props, costumes, and memorabilia from classic monster movies, as well as more recent films. The museum also hosts a variety of events, such as screenings and lectures. If you're a fan of monsters, or if you're just looking for a unique museum experience, Tom Devlin's Monster Museum is definitely worth a visit.
What are the best free museums in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas isn't known as a bargain holiday destination, that's for sure. However, if you look around, you can find a couple of bargains. The Neon Museum charges for admission, but there is one gallery that you can visit free. Also, Bank of America customers get free admission on the first weekend of the month to the Natural History Museum and the Discovery Children's Museum. There are lots of other great free things to do in Las Vegas if your wallet needs a break.
Which are the best museums in downtown Las Vegas?
Many of the best Las Vegas museums are located in the downtown area. The Mob Museum, the Neon Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Discovery Children's Museum, and the Haunted Museum are all within a short distance of each other and the Las Vegas Strip.
Are there any cheap museums in Las Vegas?
Admission to the Natural History Museum is only $12 for adults and $6 for children, making it a pretty decent bargain in this often expensive city. Likewise, the Nevada State Museum is $9.95 for adult admission and only $4.95 for children aged 3 to 17.
