There are lots of famous museums in Las Vegas. It is often referred to as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, extravagant resorts, and world-class entertainment. However, beyond the glitz and glamour of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the city boasts an impressive collection of some famous museums in las vegas that offer a glimpse into art, history, culture, and natural wonders.
These museums are not only educational but also provide a respite from the bustling energy of the city. From iconic art galleries to unique exhibits, Las Vegas has a diverse range of museums that cater to every interest and curiosity.
Below here are some of the Best Museums In Las Vegas:
1. The Mob Museums In Las Vegas
The Mob Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society. The Mob Museum offers a bold and authentic view of organized crime from vintage Las Vegas to the back alleys of American cities and—increasingly—across the borders and networks of the entire world. Explore the real stories and actual events of Mob history through interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind Mob and law enforcement artifacts found inside our restored 1933 former courthouse and post office building located just minutes from Fremont Street.
2. Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Arts
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is Las Vegas’ premier exhibition space–where great art goes on vacation. BGFA is committed to presenting intimate exhibitions featuring works by some of the world’s most compelling artists.
Organized in partnership with museums and foundations from around the world, past exhibitions have included “Picasso: Creatures and Creativity,” “Fabergé Revealed,” “Painting Women: Works from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston,” “Warhol Out West,” “Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form” and “Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol and Friends.” Last admission is at 5:30 p.m.
3. Discovery Children’s Museum
Las Vegas’ only non-profit children’s museum. The mission of DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is to provide a vibrant and engaging experience, through exhibits and programs, where children from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds actively participate in playful learning experiences that ignite a love of lifelong learning.
4. Neon Museum In Las Vegas
Las Vegas is likewise home to the Neon Museum, a unique outside museum that can pay homage to the town’s iconic neon signs. Located in the ancient downtown area, the Neon Museum functions as a sizeable collection of restored neon signs that once embellished the city’s famous lodges, casinos, and organizations.
Strolling via the Neon Boneyard, traffic can immerse themselves within the colorful records of Las Vegas and advantage a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of those luminous works of artwork.
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment.
The Neon Museum campus includes the outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard, a visitors’ center housed inside the former La Concha Motel lobby and the Neon Boneyard North Gallery which houses additional rescued signs and is available for weddings, special events, photo shoots, and educational programs.
Dedicated individuals from the private sector, as well as corporate and government entities, worked collaboratively to promote the preservation of these national treasures as significant pieces of artistic and historical importance. Each sign in The Neon Museum’s collection offers a unique story about the personalities who created it, what inspired it, where and when it was made, and the role it played in Las Vegas’ distinctive history.
In addition, The Neon Museum collection chronicles changes and trends in sign design and technology through pieces ranging from the 1930s to the present day.
5. Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural institution designed to commemorate Las Vegas’ dynamic history and to provide a vision for a sustainable future.
The Preserve features museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, colorful botanical gardens and an interpretive trail system that meanders through a scenic wetland habitat.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978, the Preserve is located approximately 3 miles west of downtown Las Vegas. The Preserve is known as the birthplace of Las Vegas and represents one of the richest and most unique cultural and biological resources in Southern Nevada.
6. The Burlesque Hall of Fame
The Burlesque Hall of Fame is the world’s premier organization dedicated to preserving the living legacy of burlesque as an art form and cultural phenomenon.
With a collection of several thousand costumes, stage props, photographs, and personal effects documenting the careers and lives of burlesque dancers, comics, and producers over a century, the museum is a growing testament to the power and social impact of the art of the tease.
7. Atomic Museum
The National Atomic Testing Museum (Atomic Museum), is a national science, history and educational institution that tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site.
The Museum uses past and present lessons to better understand the extent and effect of nuclear testing on worldwide nuclear deterrence and geo-political history. It provides collection-based exhibits and learning activities for greater public understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live. Its collections and activities are inseparably linked to serve a diverse public of varied ages, backgrounds, and knowledge.
The Atomic Museum is one of a handful of private national museums and showcases some of the rarest artifacts relating to the nation’s atomic testing program.
Nowhere else can you see a large nuclear reactor that was used in the development of the nuclear rocket and the first air-to-air missile, Genie? Personal atomic weapons that were developed to use in place of conventional weapons such as the Backpack Nuke and the Davy Crockett Weapon System (recoilless gun) are placed throughout the 8,000 square feet of museum exhibits.
8. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Millions and millions of people have flocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they first opened over 200 years ago and it remains just as popular as it ever was. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good, old-fashioned curiosity.
Today’s visitors are sent on a unique, emotionally-charged journey through the realms of the powerful and famous. The museum-style ropes and poles have gone so guests can truly get up, close and personal with A-list celebrities, sporting legends, political heavyweights and historical icons, reliving the times, events and moments that made the world talk about them….
9. Nevada State Museum
The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas preserves, shares, and promotes the understanding, and celebration of Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage for the enrichment of all generations. Located on the beautiful Springs Preserve, the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas features 20,000 square feet of permanent exhibit space and brings the history of Las Vegas to life in all its glory.
Here, visitors will discover how geology shaped the Great Basin, and learn the prehistoric flora and fauna that inhabited the great sea that once covered the state of Nevada. Additionally, at the Nevada State Museum, you can learn about Hoover Dam, the atomic-testing era, and the rise of Las Vegas as an international resort destination.
10. Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum
Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum is Las Vegas’ award-winning, “Best Attraction,” (Las Vegas Weekly) and 2-time winning, “Best Museum,” (LV Review-Journal) as seen on Travel Channel’s #1-rated series, Ghost Adventures!
Zak has personally curated and designed a bone-chilling experience that blends his cursed collection of curiosities with the true accounts of decade’s old malevolent hauntings and rituals that once took place inside the historic 1938 Wengert Mansion.
This tour-guided journey navigates through creepy winding hallways, secret passageways and over 30 themed-rooms that rival scenes from Hollywood horror films containing objects like Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s “Death Van,” Charles Manson’s bone fragments, The Conjuring 3 movie’s real-life, “Devil’s Rocking Chair,” Peggy the Doll and come face-to-face with the “World’s Most-Haunted Object”…the Dybbuk Box.
This isn’t your average haunted house; this is an authentic experience. The Haunted Museum is the go-to destination for paranormal thrill-seekers, ghost-hunters, and museum aficionados with a taste that runs…dark.
11. Titanic The Artifact Exhibition
Experience the wonder and tragedy of the world’s most famous ocean liner, Titanic. Viewed by more than 25 million people worldwide, the Exhibition is one of the highest attended in history.
Over 250 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic, as well as extensive recreations of some of the most famous rooms from the Ship, make this an educational and entertaining experience perfect for all ages.
12. International Scouting Museum
LVISM houses the largest collection of Boy Scout, Girl Scout, and Girl Guide memorabilia in the world–Representing 215 countries and territories. We also are the home of the World Scout Bureau’s (in Malaysia) memorabilia collection. If you or a family member has been in Scouting anywhere in the world you will reminisce and learn about the world’s greatest peace movement.
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13. Lost City Museum
Lost City Museum is currently experiencing a little upgrade to a portion of the building. We do not expect this construction to interfere with our daily operations. However, we did move some of our annual programs to the fall because of the possible impact of the remodel. This includes our Native American Day and Archaeology Day. Please check our events page and our social media in the future for when we expect these programs to return.
14. Clark County Museum
The Clark County Museum is a function of Clark County Parks and Recreation, which is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. The museum is a 30-acre site that features a modern exhibit hall with a timeline exhibit about southern Nevada from pre-historic to modern times and a collection of restored historic buildings that depict daily life from different decades in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, and Goldfield.
15. Erotic Heritage Museum
The Erotic Heritage Museum promotes the exploration of human sexuality, done through a variety of art and multimedia exhibitions. Popular exhibits include the Kissing Couple statue, the immersive Sex in Space showcase and the Bettina Hubby: The Sexual Bronze Installation. Don’t miss the Wall of Shame, which calls out the scandals of politicians, celebrities and religious personalities. Adult films are played on screens throughout the museum, together with an eclectic collection of pleasure toys. The ‘Puppetry of the Penis’ show is at an additional charge; otherwise, visit the museum for free with the Go City: Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass.
16. Origen Museum
17. Honor Society Museum
The Honor Society Museum is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the illustrious 200+ year history of honor societies. Learn more about the cultural phenomenon which helped shape academia over the past three centuries.
History: The Honor Society Museum’s goal is to preserve the rich history of what honor societies of the past represented. The museum showcases artifacts from the early days of honor societies including watch keys, invitations, pocket watches, diplomas and personal photos of honor society members in history.
Education: The Honor Society Museum is focused on educating people on what it meant to be part of historical honor societies as well as what current honor societies do for members. It takes visitors on a journey from the 1700’s through to the present day of what honor societies stand for today.
Exhibits: The Honor Society Museum has exhibits of items dating back to the 1700’s. The artifacts represent the various ways members show affiliation with their society. From keys of the past to honor stoles of today, the displays pay tribute to the pride people held and continue to hold for being a part of their honor society.
18. Conclusion
In addition to these superb museums, Las Vegas boasts several other cultural and historical institutions that cater to a huge variety of interests.
From the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, which showcases captivating reveals on dinosaurs and prehistoric existence, to the Nevada State Museum, which delves into the nation’s rich historical past, there may be something for all of us to discover and find out in Las Vegas.
Whether you’re a fan of artwork, records, technology, or without a doubt revel in exploring new views, Las Vegas gives a great array of museums that might be certain to captivate and encourage visitors.
These cultural gemstones provide a welcome escape from the city’s lively surroundings, permitting site visitors to delve into the depths of human creativity, expertise, and creativeness.
So, next time you find yourself in Las Vegas, take a break from the dazzling lights and delve into the enriching world of its famous museums.
