6 of the Best Museums in Vegas

Las Vegas is an iconic city. The casinos, food, and fun on the Strip attract over 29 million tourists annually.

Many people typically aren’t thinking about visiting museums when they plan a vacation to the city of neon signs, but there is far more to Vegas than what you see at first glance. It’s full of culture, art, history, and especially museums. Las Vegas museums are one of the best ways to immerse yourself in exploration and understanding.

Are you ready to learn more about the six museums in Vegas you don’t want to miss out on? Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know!

1. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

When traveling to Las Vegas, there is an educational experience that you simply cannot miss. The museum is perfect for children and adults, offering a family-friendly environment that is entertaining and informative.

The museum opened its doors in 1991 and has a range of activities to enjoy. Firstly, this experience will allow you to expand your knowledge of microorganisms and their significant impact on our world. Additionally, you will have the unique chance to observe and feed sharks, gaining a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures. Lastly, you will delve into the world of prehistoric wildlife, exploring the ice age and the era of dinosaurs. This immersive experience promises to be both educational and thrilling, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and explore. It is an educational experience that appeals to both the young and the old, taking visitors on an exciting learning adventure around the globe.

2. Madame Tussauds Museum

Don’t forget to put Madame Tussauds Museum on your list when you’re going to Vegas. This museum has been a popular destination for tourists and locals since it opened in 1999 and was the first Madame Tussauds venue to open in the United States.

There are numerous reasons for the continued success of this attraction, but at its core lies a timeless trait: curiosity. Today’s visitors embark on a one-of-a-kind, emotionally-charged journey through the lives of the powerful and famous. The traditional museum-style ropes and poles have been removed, allowing guests to intimately engage with A-list celebrities, sporting legends, political heavyweights, and historical icons. This museum offers the ability to relive the times, events, and moments that captivated the world’s attention.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas also has a new Marvel Universe 4D movie and a gondola ride you can check out.

3. Titanic: The Artifact Museum

This is your chance if you’ve always wanted to see the Titanic up close. Millions of people worldwide have visited this exhibition, and it’s the closest you can get to experiencing the ship’s history and tragedy in person.

There are over 350 artifacts on display at this museum, many of which were personal belongings of the passengers on board. Artifacts you’ll see include:

• Fine china
• Pots and pans
• Floor tiles
• Window frames
• Chef hats
• Chandeliers
• Tools
• Champagne bottles
• Luggage

You’ll also see more extensive exhibitions, like a 15-ton piece of the ship’s hull. You’ll learn the history of the Titanic and receive a replica boarding pass that allows you to tour the exhibition. The Artifact Exhibition is an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.

4. Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum

When it comes to things to do in Vegas, visiting the Hoover Dam Museum is a trip you won’t soon forget. This is a fantastic yet often-overlooked museum that gives you great insight into the construction of the Hoover Dam.

The Hoover Dam is approximately 30 miles from Las Vegas and was built between 1931 and 1936.

At the museum, you’ll learn exciting facts about the Hoover Dam, such as it was once the tallest dam on earth, measuring 726.4 feet. There are interactive exhibits that take you through the stages of the building process, and you’ll hear stories about the men who worked on the project.

Prepare to fully immerse yourself in a captivating experience as you explore a vast collection of photographs, artifacts, and oral histories. This unique collection provides a vivid depiction of the construction project’s complexity, danger, and immense scale, as well as a glimpse into the daily lives of those who lived in this extraordinary time and place. Get ready to be transported back in time and gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable period in history.

If you’re interested in American history, you’ll definitely want to add this museum to your list. The best part is that it’s only 30 minutes from the Vegas Strip, making it perfect for your weekend itinerary.

5. Hollywood Car Museum

If you love cars, specifically from classic movies, you’ll love the impressive collection of cars at the Hollywood Car Museum. You’ll see legendary movie cars like the Batmobile, Knight Rider, and Herbie the Love Bug here. You’ll also get to check out the famous Delorean from “Back to the Future” and the General Lee stunt car.

In fact, well over 100 different vehicles are at this museum, along with other movie props and collections.

The Hollywood Cars Museum features some of the most recognizable and unique cars used in the entertainment industry.

6. Atomic Museum

No trip to Vegas is complete without a visit to the Atomic Museum. This nonprofit museum dedicates itself to educating people on the atomic age and the significant role the Nevada Test Site (NTS) played in the nation’s nuclear weapons testing program.

The NTS is 65 miles north of Vegas, where nuclear weapons testing was conducted between 1951 and 1992. The mushroom clouds and lights from the testing increased tourism in the area since people would come to watch. Atomic parties with themed cocktails were popular events during the 1950s and 1960s.

At the Atomic Museum, you can take a look at various artifacts from the testing program. You’ll see an actual nuclear reactor, an air rocket, and a diagnostic rack that holds nuclear weapons. Different exhibits like the “Beyond the Manhattan Project” show how the Department of Energy’s environmental team cleans sites affected by nuclear weapons. For a truly immersive experience, the Museum offers a ground-zero theatre simulation of an above-ground test.

This Museum is an exceptional way to delve into American and international history, offering a unique perspective on the events that shaped our world. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the past, the Museum is a must-visit destination. With its fascinating exhibits and interactive displays, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.

Visit These Museums in Vegas During Your Next Trip

Having this list of the best museums in Vegas will take your trip itinerary to the next level.  Start planning your visit to the National Atomic Testing Museum today.