When you think of Las Vegas, the first things that often come to mind are usually casinos, showgirls, and extravagant meals. But “Sin City” isn’t just about glitz and glamor – Vegas is also home to a number of other exciting attractions, including many unique museums.
Every Vegas visitor should take a break from the bustle of the Strip to venture deep into the history of Las Vegas and the Southwest. So next time you’re in Las Vegas, trade your poker chips for your walking shoes and check out these weird and wonderful museums:
1. Atomic Testing Museum
Las Vegas’ one-of-a-kind Atomic Testing Museum tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program. Explore the United States’ principal nuclear weapons testing facility, learn how nuclear power works, view rare artifacts, and see what it was like to witness the tests carried out at the Nevada Test Site, including a replica of the Control Point where the countdown was conducted before each detonation. You can even view a simulation of a nuclear test at the Ground Zero Theater!
The Atomic Testing Museum is open from 10AM-5PM Monday to Saturday, and 12PM-5PM on Sundays.
2. The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is full of engaging, multi-sensory exhibits that will take you on a journey deep into the historic underbelly of Las Vegas. Travel back in time for an insider’s look at the continuing battle between organized crime and law enforcement on an interactive journey through true stories of organized crime, from the Mob’s origins all the way to today’s headlines.
Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more. Single tickets can also be purchased for smaller groups and self-guided tours, and audio tours are available in a number of languages.
The Mob Museum is open daily from 9AM-9PM.
3. Neon Museum
Ever wonder what happens to all of Sin City’s flashy neon signs after they’ve been decommissioned? Chances are, they end up at the Neon Museum. The Neon Museum collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits Las Vegas’s iconic signage through a number of indoor galleries, as well as their renowned outdoor “Neon Graveyard”.
4. Bodies: The Exhibition
The Luxor’s illuminating exhibit has been experienced by more than 15 million people. Bodies: The Exhibition showcases 13 real human bodies that have been carefully preserved so you can peek under your skin for a rare three-dimensional view of the human body.
5. Madame Tussauds
No visit to Las Vegas is complete without a stop at Madame Tussauds’ first American location! Since opening their first location in London 200 years ago, millions of people have explored this iconic museum. Don’t forget to bring your camera – what better place to hobnob with (wax) celebrities than in Las Vegas?
Ticket packages vary. Some packages include beverages and snacks, and you can even create your own wax souvenirs to take home.
6. Discovery Children’s Museum
This interactive museum is the perfect destination or your family vacation. Adjacent to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Discovery Children’s Museum offers 26,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits and play-based learning experiences. With exhibits in science, art, and culture, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Water World exhibit, where you can interact with models of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.
7. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
This multi-million dollar world-class collection of exciting and interactive learning experiences is a must-visit destination for any family exploring Las Vegas. With a variety of wildlife and prehistoric exhibits, including permanent exhibits like the “Treasures of Egypt”, the Young Scientist Center, and a 35-foot tall T-Rex, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum showcases everything from desert to ocean. There’s even a hands-on gallery where kids can dig for fossils and observe animal tracks.
The Museum is open daily from 9AM till 4PM.
8. The Auto Collections
Located on the 5th floor of The Quad’s parking garage, the Autos Collection features a plethora of antique, classic, and muscle cars – plus more than $100 million worth of inventory for sale. Car buffs can enjoy an hour-long recording of facts about some of the most notable vehicles in the collection, including one of JFK’s limousines and Johnny Carson’s Chrysler Royal.
9. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Also located at the Luxor, this exhibition features a collection of artefacts salvaged from the famous ship’s wreckage. Walk through recreations of first- and third-class rooms, or even have your picture taken on a recreation of the Grand Staircase and Promenade Deck.
