Best Las Vegas Museums to Visit

las vegas museums

A little-known fact is that Las Vegas is home to several great museums. Offering an alternative to the typical world-famous casinos, shows and entertainment options found in the city, these Las Vegas museums are amazing places to spend time relaxing and learning a thing or two about history.

These museums make for a fun, educational afternoon and are the perfect activity for tourists or when friends or family come visit you.

In fact, if you have grandkids, touring one (or more!) of these museums in Las Vegas can be the perfect way to spend the day and beat the desert heat.

Here are some of the best museums in Las Vegas we’re going to explore in detail:

  • Neon Museum
  • Mob Museum
  • National Atomic Testing Museum
  • Hollywood Cars Museum
  • Nevada State Railroad Museum

Best Museums in Las Vegas

las vegas neon museum

Neon Museum​

Las Vegas is a world-famous oasis of flashing neon lights, but what happens to those iconic signs once they’ve served their purpose?

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, founded in 1996, documents Las Vegas’ colorful neon history.

The main attraction is the 2-acre Neon Boneyard where signs are on display.

There is also a show titled Brilliant! created by artist Craig Winslow that wows visitors through sight and sound.

Through its collection and preservation of the city’s eye-catching artifacts, the museum aims for educational, historic and cultural enrichment.

Learn more here: NeonMuseum.org | Photo: North Gallery at the Neon Museum

las vegas mob museum

Mob Museum

It’s common knowledge that back in the day, Vegas was a mob town.

This unique museum documents the history of organized crime in America.

Its mission is to: “advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society”.

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas has three floors of singular artifacts, exhibits, presentations, and interactive displays.

You’ll discover the real-life story behind good fella’s Al Capone, Tony Spilotro and Whitey Bulger.

If you’re going to Las Vegas, make sure you visit the Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas!

Learn more here: MobMuseum.org | Photo: Made Men – Mob Museum

best museums in las vegas

National Atomic Testing Museum​

If you’re a history or science enthusiast, then the National Atomic Testing Museum is definitely for you.

This unique museum is associated with the Smithsonian and interprets the history of atomic weapons testing during the 1950s at the Nevada Test Site.

The museum also highlights the Cold War and Global War on Terror.

Teaching lessons from the past and present, the museum showcases collection-based exhibits over 8,000 square feet, complete with rare artifacts such as a large nuclear reactor, Backpack Nuke and the Davy Crockett Weapon System.

Learn more here: NationalAtomicTestingMuseum.org | Image by Richard Cummins / Getty Images

las vegas museum

Hollywood Cars Museum

If you’re a car enthusiast, then you’re definitely going to enjoy the Hollywood Cars Museum.

Here you will find some of the most famous cars, including those that have appeared in famous Hollywood movies!

Major attractions include: James Bond’s Lotus Submarine Car; the Liberace Garage; Grand Torino from Starsky and Hutch; the Batmobile; the Delorean from Back to the Future; General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard; and many more.

And not only will you see the cars that revved our engines on the silver screen, but you will learn about the industry’s history and evolution throughout the years.

Overall, it’s a great museum where you can go back in time to Hollywood’s heyday of autos.

Learn more here: HollywoodCarsMuseum.com | Photo: Liberace’s Classic Red White and Blue Bicentennial Rolls Royce

las vegas spring preserve

Springs Preserve

Often referred to as the “birthplace of Las Vegas”, the 180-acre Springs Preserve details the origins of Las Vegas in true historic fashion.

Legend has it this spring was the original source of water for Native Americans who lived here thousands of years ago.

Archaeologically significant artifacts from as early as 5000 BCE found on site are interpreted by expert guides.

There are museums, walking trails, outdoor events, galleries and a colorful botanical garden.

Learn more here: SpringsPreserve.org | Photo: Botanical Garden – Springs Preserve

Las Vegas Museums Explored

People often overlook the museums in Las Vegas because there’s so many other things to do.

But these places often have relaxing, quiet atmospheres that make for great changes of pace and an unparalleled educational experience.

Try a different kind of fun by visiting these museums in Las Vegas!

Post a Comment