Looking for the best museums in Las Vegas? Here’s a complete guide filled with local tips.
When you hear Las Vegas, you aren’t thinking museums, but Sin City has changed since the Hangover days. Our uber driver even complained to us about the changes and how he’s seeing tons of family travel now. It’s true. As the city continues to grow, so does the diversity of attractions. Museums are among them.
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Last Updated: September 2, 2022
15 Best Museums & Exhibits in Las Vegas
We’ll be the first to admit that we’re not museum people. Sure, we visited the Met in NYC because, well… it’s the Met. But, generally, history and art don’t move us like natural landscapes. Every so often, though, there are exhibits that even intrigue, us, uncultured folk.
If we only had time for one museum in Las Vegas, we would highly recommend the Mob Museum, but our top 3 include the Mob Museum, Meow Wolf, and National Atomic Testing Museum.
If you’re an IGer looking for pretty photo ops, MODs is your best option. People also love the Neon Museum, but they have strict photography rules.
1. Mob Museum
300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, map
The Mob Museum is our favorite museum in Las Vegas. It is located in what used to be a federal courthouse and post office, and they include fun interactive exhibits. The museum takes you through the fascinating history of organized crime from the beginning to the present day. It has a nice flow and tells you stories from both sides, law enforcement vs the Mob.
To top it off, there is a speakeasy in the basement where you can enjoy creative drinks and taste liquor distilled right there.
Local Tip: There is a secret door to the speakeasy on the backside of the building near the parking lot. Find the password on their Instagram stories.
See Related – What You Need to Know Before Going to the Mob Museum in Las Vegas
2. National Atomic Testing Museum
755 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, map
We never knew Nevada played a huge role in atomic bombs. You can learn all about it at the National Atomic Testing Museum. This museum is an affiliate partner of the Smithsonian Institution, one of only 27 national museums in the nation.
The museum is 8,000 square feet and has some of the rarest artifacts related to the US atomic testing program. Some of the highlights include an original bombshell built for the Trinity gadget, the largest collection of survey meters, and a piece of the Berlin Wall.
Local Tip: Don’t miss the Ground Zero Theater. It simulates an above-ground test. Pretty eerie.
See Related – What’ It’s Like Visiting the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas
3. The Neon Museum
770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101, map
You’ve probably seen photos of the Neon Museum on Instagram. It is home to old vintage neon signs, so it’s also known as the Neon Boneyard, where neon signs go to die OR have a second life. The museum focuses on collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs, and it’s cool to see all of them in one spot. It is a dying art, after all.
There are different types of tours depending on what you want to do. Just be sure you read all the rules to see what you’re allowed to do!
Local Tip: Photography rules are very strict here. You can shoot with your phone, but if you want to shoot with anything beyond that, you need a special ticket.
See Related – Las Vegas Neon Museum – First Timer’s Guide
4. Springs Preserve
333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107, map
Springs Preserve covers 180 acres filled with nature walks, exhibits, and attractions for the whole family. We love exploring the botanical gardens and wildlife exhibits. You can also check out the art gallery, educational exhibits about Vegas’ rich history, theater, bike rentals, and more.
Local Tip: Since the majority is outdoors, avoid visiting in the summer when it’s blistering hot out.
See Related – Your Guide to Springs Preserve
5. Meow Wolf: Omega Mart
3215 S Rancho Dr #100, Las Vegas, NV 89102, map
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is hard to explain, but imagine a trippy supermarket that leads you to an even trippier immersive world behind the big corporation. Through the use of art, this fully immersive experience is nothing like we’ve ever seen before. I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you want to get more tips on how to make the most of your visit, check out our blog post and IG reel.
Local Tip: When you arrive, find an employee to get a Boop card to follow the storyline.
See Related – Meow Wolf Las Vegas – What You Need to Know Before You Go
6. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
3600 Las Vegas Fwy, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map
The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art rotates exhibits each year, and they are currently showing Caldonia: Concert and Film Posters from the Ralph DeLuca Collection.
See Related – 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas Bucket List
7. Bellagio Conservatory
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map
Of all the places on this list, we go to the Bellagio Conservatory the most since they change their entire exhibit each season. The Bellagio has 120 gardeners that work in this space, not to mention the additional designers, engineers, electricians, and more. Plus, certain exhibits look different during the day and at night, so sometimes it’s worth visiting twice.
Local Tip: Between seasons, there are 5-6 dark days when the conservatory is shut down for the changeover.
See Related – Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – What You Need to Know
8. Illuminarium
3246 W Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102, map
The Illuminarium is one of the newest attractions in AREA15. It is an immersive experience that brings tech, music, and visuals together. There are a few different shows currently running, including Space: An Experience Beyond Earth, Wild: A Safari Experience, and O’Keeffe’s One Hundred Flowers.
For an extra special experience, check out the after-dark exhibits where you can sip on cocktails during your time there.
Local Tip: They also have a cafe on site, and they have good food. Not many attractions put their energy and focus on food, but this one does.
See Related – 7 Things You Can’t Miss at AREA15 Las Vegas
9. Pinball Hall of Fame
36.0306029,-113.8290033, map
If regular museums are too boring for you, visit the Pinball Hall of Fame, which is basically a giant arcade filled with pinball machines from the 50s to the 90s. They moved to a new location closer to the Strip recently with a massive sign that you can’t miss. Plus, all the proceeds go to charity!
Local Tip: Bring cash or use their ATM, but you’ll have an extra charge.
See Related – Pinball Hall of Fame – Las Vegas Pinball Museum
10. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
900 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101, map
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has nine galleries covering everything from prehistoric life to wildlife from all over the world. They have rotating exhibits on loan from other museums and even do shark feedings (check their site for the latest shark feeding schedule).
Local Tip: The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park is next door.
11. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, map
Near. Far. Wherever You Are. Recreate some of your favorite Titanic moments and learn more about the most famous ship/shipwreck of all time at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. There are 350-400 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site, recreations of some of the ship, and so many stories to read about the guests aboard. They also have one of the largest artifacts with an entire panel of the ship.
Local Tip: If you want to bring home a piece of the Titanic, there are souvenirs in the shop with a small piece of coal recovered from the shipwreck.
12. Arcadia Earth
3785 S Las Vegas Blvd Suite #102, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map
Arcadia Earth is an immersive experience that engages all your senses to inform, inspire, and activate you to positively make change for our planet. When arriving, you download their app, which uses augmented reality elements you can interact with. The photo below was in a cave made out of salvaged plastic bags. By the time you go through the room, that’s how many plastic bags become trash. What a powerful visual.
The environments are beautifully created by artists, and they have a lot of practical calls to action.
Local Tip: Locals can save money by parking at Park MGM and walking over. You receive 3 hrs free with a local ID.
13. Madame Tussauds
3377 S Las Vegas Blvd Ste. 2001, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map
Meet some of your favorite celebrities, or at least their wax counterparts, at Madame Tussauds. I’m curious if face ID would work on their phones. Some figures were more realistic than others.
Local Tip: Check local discount books for discounts before going.
See Related – Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Las Vegas
14. Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum
600 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104, map
We haven’t visited Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum yet since I’m a baby when it comes to the paranormal. I’ll have nightmares for months. The museum is located on a property that is rumored to be haunted. When inside, you explore winding hallways and secret passages that take you to the 30+ rooms that house paranormal pieces, including the Dybbuk Box, the world’s most haunted object. I may have to send Jacob and another friend to this one.
See Related – 25 Fun Indoor Activities in Las Vegas
15. Real Bodies at Bally’s
3645 Las Vegas Blvd S Suite A1-A3 Ste A1-A3, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map
Learn more about the human body through these unique and dramatic displays of the human anatomy. There are over 20 real, perfectly preserved human bodies and 200+ anatomical specimens. It’s part science, part art, and definitely will get you appreciating how everything in our bodies works together.
Local Tip: There are also art installations from local Las Vegas artists inside.
16. Museum of Dream Space
8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, map
The Museum of Dream Space, or MODS for short, is the first of its kind in the US. It primarily features digital art, which makes it partly an immersive art experience and partly a place to get fun photo opps.
There are five different rooms, including one done by Pretty Done, whose art is all over Las Vegas.
Local Tip: Cameras are allowed, but no professional equipment like a tripods and lighting.
See Related – Sneak Peek of the Museum of Dream Space Las Vegas
Map of the Best Museums in Las Vegas
Free Museums in Las Vegas
Akhob By James Turrell, Crystals ShopsBellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, BellagioCounts KustomsMarjorie Barrick Museum of Art, UNLVPinball Hall of Fame, Strip – free to enter but pay to playShelby Heritage Center, Southwest
Current Exhibits in Las Vegas
Akhob By James Turrell, Crystals ShopsArcadia Earth, StripBarbie Exhibition, The Shops at Crystals CSI: The Experience at MGM GrandHunger Games The ExhibitImmersive Van Gogh, AREA15Marvel Avengers Station, Treasure IslandNational Geographic Rarely Seen Exhibition, Paris/Bally’s Station
Immersive Museums in Las Vegas
Arcadia Earth, StripIlluminarium, AREA15Immersive Van Gogh, AREA15Museum Fiasco, AREA15Museum of Dream Space, VenetianOmega Mart, AREA15Perception, Resorts WorldWink World: Portals to the Infinite, AREA15
Complete List of Exhibits & Museums in Las Vegas
Akhob By James Turrell, Crystals ShopsThe Aquarium, MirageArcadia Earth, StripAria Fine Art Collection, AriaArt of Richard MacdonaldBarbie Exhibition, The Shops at Crystals Burlesque Hall of Fame, Downtown Clark County Museum, Henderson Counts KustomsCSI: The Experience at MGM GrandDiscovery Children, Downtown Erotic Heritage MuseumEthel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden, Henderson Hacienda Palomino aka Thriller Villa, WestsideHollywood CarsHonor Society Museum, WestsideHoward W. Cannon Aviation Museum, SoutheastHunger Games The ExhibitImmersive Van GoghInternational Scout Museum, WestsideLas Vegas Art Museum // Metropolitan Gallery and Art Museum Las Vegas, DowntownLiberace Museum, Southeast – only Liberace Garage is open.Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, UNLVMarvel Avengers Station, Treasure IslandMuseum Fiasco, AREA15Museum of Selfies Las Vegas, LINQ PromenadeNational Geographic Rarely Seen Exhibition, Paris/Bally’s StationNevada State MuseumNevada State Railroad MuseumNostalgia Street RodsOld Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, DowntownThe Planetarium, North Las Vega – currently closedSeaQuest Las Vegas, Boulevard MallShark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay BayShelby American Inc / Shelby Heritage Center, SoutheastSkye Art Gallery, Forum Shops at CaesarsSouthern Nevada Museum of Fine Art
Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below.
Other Nearby Museums
Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum Lost City Museum, Overton – previously Boulder Dam Park Museum Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum, Boulder City
Essential Tips for First Timers
If you plan on doing some museums and exhibits plus other Vegas attractions, check out the Las Vegas Go City Card to save yourself some money.Las Vegas locals get up to 3 hours of free parking at MGM and Caesars properties with a local ID.Most museums and exhibits are least busy when they open and/or early in the day. That’s usually when we go to have the space to ourselves.Some museums and attractions have add-on experiences, so check what’s included with your ticket.
FAQs
What exhibitions are on in Las Vegas?
There are a handful of exhibitions currently in Las Vegas that you can check out here.
What is the craziest thing to do in Vegas?
The craziest thing… would be getting married on a whim. But if we’re talking about museums, Omega Mart is unreal.
Which bodies exhibit is better in Vegas?
We’ve only been to Real Bodies at Bally’s, but from what we hear, it is the better one with more specimens, info, and art than Bodies the Exhibition. Plus, it cost less.
Do you have to pay to go to Omega Mart?
Yes! Find all the details and how to make the most of your trip here.
How many museums are in Nevada?
There are seven state museums in Nevada and over 90 museums covering a wide range of topics.
Why doesn’t Las Vegas have a zoo?
When many of the major and accredited zoos were opening all over the US, Las Vegas wasn’t considered a major city. Since then, the city has changed, attracting more families. The Las Vegas Zoological Society is in the early stages of developing a legitimate zoo, but we shall see.
When should you not go to Las Vegas? What is the best month to visit Vegas?
Avoid the summer. It’s hot. Our favorite months are March-April and October-November. If you can only visit during summer break, June is your best bet, but be prepared for over 100-degree days.
Can you carry a backpack in Las Vegas?
Yes, although some museums/exhibits do not allow bags (as well as some shows). Be sure to check the fine print.
What is the #1 museum in the world?
The Met, according to Tripadvisor.
Most prestigious museum?
The Louvre, Paris.
Which city has the best museums in the US?
DC tops the list, with NYC second and Chicago third.
Where is the biggest museum? Where is the biggest art museum?
Le Louvre.
What’s the biggest museum in the USA?
The Met in NYC.
What museum has the most expensive collection?
The Getty Center in Malibu.
Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas
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