Las Vegas is often thought about only for it’s amazing casinos, hotels, and shows. But did you know that it’s also home to some fantastic museums? And, in true Las Vegas style, they aren’t the traditional museums you’ll see in other cities around the world. They are a variety of fun, interactive, and wildly entertaining spots that you’ll be talking about long after your trip to Sin City. In this video, we’re taking a look at our top picks for the best museums to check out while you’re there, and you’ll still have time to eat, drink, gamble, and be merry while you’re in town. So join Viewcation as we check out the Best Museums in Las Vegas, Nevada!
Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum
Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum is a recent addition to the Vegas museum scene, and it’s probably the creepiest and most scary of the bunch. It’s set in a mansion built in 1938, but not just any mansion. This Tudor style home was reportedly where some evil and demonic things happened in the mid 1970’s. So there’s already a history of spookiness. Zak Bagans, who some people might know from the show “Ghost Adventurers” is the curator of this museum, which features some ghoulish and spooky treasures. You’ll be led through 30 odd rooms the by guides dressed in black, who show you things like staircase from Demon House (a documentary Bagans produced) and the Dybbuk box, which is a wine cabinet that he claims is the most haunted thing on the planet. And if going during the day is a little too tame for you, there’s also a Flashlight Ghost Tour that runs at night, and ups the scary factor exponentially. The Haunted Museum is a great way to explore the spooky side of Vegas in a fun and entertaining way.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
While this museum isn’t one of a kind, as there are other Madame Tussauds in several American cities, but it’s a fun place to pop through while you’re in Vegas. This is especially true if you’re a fan of celebrities and pop culture. Located inside the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, in the Grand Canal Shoppes, Madame Tussauds has more than 100 full body wax likenesses of famous people of all stripes. But there’s a focus on the stars who have a connection with Vegas, whether it’s DJ Steve Aoki, who has spun there for years, or people like Miley Cyrus and Lizzo, who have performed in Vegas as well. Plus there is a wing that is centered around stars of older eras who helped put Las Vegas on the map, like The Rat Pack, and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. You’ll be able to marvel at the artistic wonder of creating some incredibly close lookalikes out of wax. Plus there’s a Marvel 4D movie you can watch, to get an even more immersive experience.
The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the iconic neon signs that once lit up the famous streets of Vegas. Founded in 1996, the museum boasts more than 200 restored and illuminated signs, some of which date back to the 1930s. You’ll be able to check out signs from legendary landmarks like the Stardust, Sahara, and Flamingo hotels. Plus there are a slew of signs from restaurants, bars, and other businesses from the area. While there, you can take a guided tour that will teach you about the history of each sign, as well as any cultural significance it had. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into the fascinating world of neon design and neon sign fabrication. The collection is spread out into two locations: The Neon Boneyard, and the North Gallery. The Neon Boneyard is an outdoor exhibit that features signs arranged in a park-like setting. What’s great about the outdoor portion is that you’ll be able to really get up close to the signs and take in their intricate design and details. The North Gallery is an indoor space with some of the museum’s restored signs. It’s a slightly more curated setting, so you can’t get quite as up close and personal with them, but it’s really cool nonetheless. The Neon Museum also hosts special events, such as photo shoots (and even weddings), so if you’re in town and want some one of a kind shots, or to hold your nuptials, you can book that as well.
The Pinball Hall Of Fame
Founded in 2006 by Tim Arnold, a pinball enthusiast and collector, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a fascinating museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of pinball machines. It houses more tha 250 classic pinball machines, including some of the earliest models that date as far back as the 1930s. And yes, if you’re looking to actually play while you’re there, you’ll be in luck. The museum has a big collection of vintage arcade games, all of which are available to play. The Hall of Fame is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for older generations who grew up playing pinball. But it’s also a fun, interactive experience for younger folks as well. The machines have been meticulously restored to their original condition. So that means you’ll be able to see and play them as there were in their heyday. The museum is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of pinball and arcade games, which was the precursor to the immense popularity of gaming in today’s world. The Hall of Fame is also a non-profit organization, with profits going towards the maintenance and restoration of the machines and the preservation of pinball history.
The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is a spot dedicated to the history of organized crime in America. It’s housed in a historic building that once served as a federal courthouse. Not only that, the building was the site of some of the most notorious organized crime trials in Las Vegas. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. For example, you can listen to wiretapped conversations, try to crack a safe, and sit in an electric chair,. And there are a ton of authentic artifacts that showcase the world of the American mafia. The museum’s exhibits cover everything from the Prohibition era to now, and they offer displays on famous gangsters. You’ll see info and memorabilia on famous gangsters like John Gotti, Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and more. You can wander around the museum’s three floors of exhibits, which includes a replica of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, a crime lab, and more. And the museum’s staff is not your ordinary set of tour guides. They are comprised of experts in the field of organized crime, including former law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and journalists. And they’ll offer inside info and deep insight into the history and culture of the American mafia. Check the museum’s website to find out about events held there like lectures, book signings, and film screenings.
Area15
Area15 is a cutting-edge entertainment complex that offer immersive experiences, interactive exhibits, and art installations. It also hosts live events, from concerts and DJ sets to comedy shows and theater shows. The complex includes a variety of attractions, like a 360-degree projection room, and a virtual reality arena. Plus, there’s a museum of modern and contemporary art inside. One of the coolest attractions at Area15 is Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. It’s a bizarre and fantastical supermarket that has secret passageways and surreal art installations. As you wander the various rooms, you can find hidden clues and puzzles, making it a thoroughly engaging experience. Area15’s immersive experiences will make you feel as if you’re in a totally different world, and the use of advanced technology and imaginative design is an incredible feat that will have you telling everyone about it after you leave. There’s also a wide range of food and beverage options, including a craft beer hall and a rooftop bar with really great views of the city. Area15 is a great way to explore your artistic and creative side while enjoying an immersive experience that is visually stimulating!
Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural and historical attraction, dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural history of the area. The Preserve has a range of educational exhibits, interactive experiences, as well as outdoor activities. From the museums, galleries, and botanical gardens, to the walking trails that showcase the diverse wildlife, geology, and heritage of the area, you’ll be able to spend all day in this lovely setting. You’ll be able to check out exhibits on the area’s Native American history, as well as the history of the pioneers who settled there. Plus there are exhibits that showcase the importance of water conservation. Plus, you’ll see the unique flora and fauna of the local desert ecosystem. On the grounds is the Nevada State Museum, which hosts exhibits on the state’s natural and cultural history. It even has a replica of a ghost town you can walk around it, and a collection of minerals and fossils to see. The preserve’s outdoor areas offer great opportunities for recreation and relaxation, with hiking trails, bike paths, and picnic areas available. In addition to a wide variety of plant species, including many native to the desert Southwest, the botanical gardens has a butterfly habitat and a desert tortoise habitat, which are both excellent. Springs Preserve is a great destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in the history and culture of the American Southwest.
Now it’s time to hear from. Have you ever visited any of these museums in Las Vegas? If not, do you think you’ll ever go to any of them? Which ones seems like the most fun? Let us know in the comments section below!