While Sin City is known for casinos, restaurants, and nightlife, there are also lots of great museums in Las Vegas. If you’re going to be in the city for a few days or the weather in Las Vegas is bad during your trip, going to see an exhibit in Vegas is a good idea.
Here, you can find a museum to suit any interest, be it science, art, history, or culture. Moreover, Las Vegas has exhibits dedicated to unique subjects, like burlesque, mobsters, and atomic bombs! So, whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or with friends, there’s a museum for you.
Some Las Vegas museums are free, while others are included in the Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass. I have a complete guide to attraction passes in Las Vegas, which I recommend reading if you want to save money on multiple museums and attractions.
1. Mob Museum, one of the most popular museums in Las Vegas
First, one of the most unique museums in Vegas is the Mob Museum. Here, you can learn all about the city’s history of gangsters, organized crime, and famous mobsters.
This Las Vegas museum has four floors of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive experiences that will transport you back to the Prohibition era. Check out forensic evidence in the Crime Lab, learn how quick-witted mobsters got away with their deeds, and grab a drink or two at the distillery.
1. Mob Museum, one of the most popular museums in Las Vegas
The Mob Museum has three ticket tiers, although you can get general admission here or with the All-Inclusive Pass. The museum is suitable for all ages, and it’s a fun thing to do in Las Vegas during the day.
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas
- Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily
- Admission fees: $29.95-$44.95
2. Neon Museum, an interesting Las Vegas museum you must visit
Another cool place to see in downtown Las Vegas is the Neon Museum. This is one of the best museums in Las Vegas because it combines history, art, and education, so it’s perfect for kids and adults. That said, children must be at least ten years old to take a tour.
The Neon Museum is just minutes away from the Strip and Fremont Street and holds a collection of neon signs from the city’s past. You can take a tour through the museum’s gallery of public art and its Neon Boneyard while learning about the visual trends that made the Strip the dazzling wonderland it is today.
2. Neon Museum, an interesting Las Vegas museum you must visit
The museum also does nighttime tours through the collection, which can be an awesome photo op as long as you watch your step!
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas
- Hours: 3 pm – 11 pm daily
- Admission fees: $20-$50
3. Natural History Museum, another museum in Las Vegas to visit
If you’re traveling to Vegas with kids, you should definitely check out the Natural History Museum.
This museum has lots to explore, including Egyptian artifacts, a fluorescent mineral collection, and the coolest dinosaur exhibit in Las Vegas. You could easily spend a few hours here with the kids during the day or when the weather’s bad.
3. Natural History Museum, another museum in Las Vegas to visit
If your kids love animals, they will adore the exhibits here, which will teach them about marine life, rainforest habitats, and creatures from the Ice Age. This Las Vegas museum is an affordable place to visit, and it’s included in the All-Inclusive Pass, too.
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas
- Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily
- Admission fees: $6-$12
4. Zak Bagan’s The Haunted Museum, one of the creepiest Las Vegas museums
If you’re a lover of horror and the paranormal, you should check out Zak Bagan’s The Haunted Museum. This creepy monster museum in Las Vegas will send shivers down your spine, so be prepared to be scared!
This haunted museum in Las Vegas has over 30 gallery rooms with hundreds of spooky items and cursed artifacts. As long as you’re not frightened by dismembered heads, scary-looking dolls, and tight spaces, you should be fine…
4. Zak Bagan’s The Haunted Museum, one of the creepiest Las Vegas museums
Tickets are a bit pricey, but the museum is well-known and was even featured on TV. Admission includes a guided tour through the museum’s secret passages and hidden corridors, and ghost tours are available, too.
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas
- Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Thursday-Monday
- Admission fees: $48-$73
5. National Atomic Testing Museum, one of the most unique Las Vegas museums
The National Atomic Testing Museum is another place you can only find in Vegas. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum belongs to a program by the Nevada Test Site, which oversaw hundreds of nuclear explosions. Don’t worry, you’ll be safe from radioactive contaminants during your visit!
Las Vegas’ atomic museum contains artifacts that detail the U.S.’s atomic testing program and seven decades of scientific and technological advancements. Check out nuclear reactors, missiles, and memorabilia from the Atomic Age of the 1950s. You’ll also learn about underground weapons testing, how to survive an atomic blast and the atmosphere of the Cold War.
5. National Atomic Testing Museum, one of the most unique Las Vegas museums
With some of the most unique exhibits in Vegas, the National Atomic Testing Museum offers a closer look at a part of the nation’s history you might not know about. Tickets are reasonably priced, although the museum is included in this All-Inclusive Pass.
- Location: Paradise, NV
- Hours: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Thursday-Tuesday
- Admission fees: $16-$22 (children under 6 free)
6. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, a fun museum in Las Vegas for families
One of the best museums in Vegas is right on the Strip and will delight visitors of all ages. Madame Tussauds is a must-see if you’ve never been to a wax museum or run into bad weather during your trip.
The museum employs expert wax crafters to create look-a-like figures that will make you do a double-take. The collection has over 100 wax creations depicting your favorite celebs, athletes, musicians, and superheroes. Kids will love posing with the Marvel Avengers, while teens can snap convincing selfies with Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, and other famous stars.
6. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, a fun museum in Las Vegas for families
Madame Tussauds is also one of the best interactive museums in Las Vegas. You can book premium experiences like the virtual reality room or 4D theater, and since the museum is at The Venetian, you can find combo tickets for the museum and a gondola ride.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas, and general admission is included in the All-Inclusive Pass. That said, it’s a popular attraction, so consider purchasing a ticket in advance.
- Location: The Venetian
- Hours: 11 am – 7 pm daily
- Admission fees: $36.99-$84.99
7. Pinball Hall of Fame, a cheap exhibit in Vegas to check out
The Pinball Hall of Fame is a fun, free museum in Las Vegas that all ages will enjoy. Even if you pop in for just a few minutes, this museum is a great distraction from the busy Strip.
Here, you can find one of the largest pinball collections in the world. Spanning 25,000ft², this Las Vegas museum has pinball machines from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. There are also some novelty arcade games from decades past.
7. Pinball Hall of Fame, a cheap exhibit in Vegas to check out
Try your hand at any of the pinball machines or find an old favorite and relive the memories of your glory days. Even kids will appreciate the good, old-fashioned fun of a pinball machine’s flashing colors and animated sound effects.
As I said, admission is free, and you can play the games for 25₵-50₵, so bring your quarters!
- Location: South Strip (across from Mandalay Bay)
- Hours: 11 am – 9 pm daily (open until 10 pm Friday & Saturday)
- Admission fees: Free
8. Origen Museum at Springs Preserve, another great history museum in Las Vegas
Visiting the Springs Preserve is a great thing to do off the Las Vegas Strip, and it can remind you that the city has more to offer than casinos and gambling. For example, the Origen Museum offers interpretive exhibits about the Las Vegas desert, flora, fauna, and history.
This museum has over 75 exhibitions in Las Vegas, including one about the Hoover Dam. Younger visitors will love the interactive aspect of the museum, while older guests will appreciate learning about the changing desert landscape.
8. Origen Museum at Springs Preserve, another great history museum in Las Vegas
After exploring the Origen Museum, enjoy a nature walk at Springs Preserve or visit the butterfly habitat. This cheap Las Vegas museum is a great way to keep children occupied during the day, and it’s enjoyable for adults, too. Plus, admission is included in the All-Inclusive Pass, or you can find a skip-the-line ticket here.
- Location: Springs Preserve
- Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Friday-Monday
- Admission fees: $4.95 – $14.99
9. BODIES: The Exhibition, another unique exhibition in Las Vegas
If you’re not squeamish, then BODIES: The Exhibition at The Luxor will pique your interest. This anatomy museum in Las Vegas offers an intimate look at the human body through informative displays and yes, real bodies.
The bodies and organs at this museum underwent a careful preservation process, allowing them to be on full display at The Luxor. As you walk through the exhibition, you’ll be amazed at the detailed work that went into crafting these displays. Even if you know nothing about science or medicine, it’s impossible not to be impressed by these informative exhibits.
9. BODIES: The Exhibition, another unique exhibition in Las Vegas
BODIES is a great way to learn more about your muscles, bones, circulatory system, and more. It’s one of the most popular exhibits on the Strip, so I suggest getting a skip-the-line ticket. You could also check out a similar body museum in Las Vegas, REAL BODIES at Bally’s, which is included in the All-Inclusive Pass.
- Location: The Luxor
- Hours: 11 am – 6 pm daily
- Admission fees: $24-$45
10. Titanic Artifacts Exhibit, one of the most interesting museums in Vegas
The Luxor is also home to the Titanic Artifacts Exhibit, one of the most-visited exhibitions in Las Vegas. It includes items that were actually aboard the Titanic, transporting you back to April 1912. Artifacts include luggage, unopened champagne bottles, furniture, and much more.
The Titanic experience in Las Vegas is an entertaining way to dive deeper into this historical event from over 100 years ago. As you explore the exhibit, see recreations of the first-class smoking room, third-class quarters, and the famous Grand Staircase.
10. Titanic Artifacts Exhibit, one of the most interesting museums in Vegas
It’s also an interactive experience, as you can walk across the ship’s Promenade Deck and feel the freezing temperatures of that ill-fated night. If you want to visit this exhibit, I recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket or the Sightseeing Flex Pass.
- Location: The Luxor
- Hours: 11 am – 6 pm daily
- Admission fees: $24 – $45
11. Discovery Children’s Museum, the best Las Vegas museum for kids
A visit to the Discovery Children’s Museum is one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids, and it won’t break the bank. With three floors of exhibits and interactive galleries, you can keep them busy for hours.
That said, this is a fun Las Vegas museum for parents, too, since you can interact with your child and engage your senses. The museum’s exhibits will unleash their artistic side and encourage critical thinking while keeping them entertained. Plus, they’ll be able to get some energy out, as they can climb, dig, and create DIY projects at the Discovery Lab.
11. Discovery Children’s Museum, the best Las Vegas museum for kids
Another cool thing about this Las Vegas museum is that it incorporates local history and geology, like the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. It’s also right off the Strip, so you won’t have to go far.
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday-Sunday (opens at 12 pm on Sundays)
- Admission fees: $3.00-$14.50
12. Nevada State Museum, another top museum in Las Vegas to visit
The Nevada State Museum is another cool place to see while visiting Springs Preserve. This history museum in Las Vegas is good for all ages, and it’s an affordable way to do something that’s not gambling.
Here, you can find permanent galleries exploring the geology of the Great Basin, Nevada’s Native American history, and the state fossil of the ichthyosaur. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits and special events, so there is always something new to see.
12. Nevada State Museum, another top museum in Las Vegas to visit
What’s great about this place is you can learn about the history of the Las Vegas Valley, like the desert flora and fauna, then go outside and see real-life examples. The museum also teaches visitors about current events in Nevada and historical things like the Hoover Dam, atomic testing, and the development of the Vegas Strip. So, if you’re looking for a museum in Las Vegas, NV, with a bit of everything, check this one out.
- Location: Springs Preserve
- Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Friday-Monday
- Admission fees: $4.95-$9.95
13. Erotic Heritage Museum, a fun museum in Las Vegas for adults
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Las Vegas as a couple, you must check out the Erotic Heritage Museum. Interestingly, this provocative museum was founded by a pornographer and a preacher!
The museum’s mission is to educate the public about sex and erotica in a safe, appropriate environment. It goes without saying that you’ll find the most unique exhibits in Vegas here, including erotic artifacts, film, and art.
13. Erotic Heritage Museum, a fun museum in Las Vegas for adults
At the same time, the museum is educational and can teach you more about the sex-positive movement, erotica and nudity in art, and the evolutionary biology behind sex.
If you want to visit this Las Vegas museum, you must be at least 18 years old. General admission is included in the All-Inclusive Pass, or you can buy a ticket in advance here.
- Location: Las Vegas Strip (across from The Wynn)
- Hours: 11 am – 7 pm daily
- Admission fees: $10-$38
14. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, a lovely art museum in Las Vegas to visit
If you must cleanse your palate after all that erotica, check out the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. You might not imagine visiting an art gallery on Las Vegas Strip, but BGFA will surprise you.
The museum houses work by world-renown artists and local creators and it has displayed creations by Picasso, Warhol, and other famous artists. The gallery partners with other museums to bring new collections to the Strip, so depending on when you go, you can catch a temporary exhibit or art installation.
14. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, a lovely art museum in Las Vegas to visit
Moreover, BGFA is in one of the best hotels in Las Vegas, so you won’t be far from other attractions, shows, and delicious restaurants. Stopping by this Las Vegas art museum is a nice thing to do if you have some spare time or the weather’s bad. Admission isn’t too expensive, and it’s included in the All-Inclusive Pass.
- Location: Bellagio Resort
- Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Thursday-Monday
- Admission fees: $12-$14 (children under 12 free)
15. Burlesque Hall of Fame, a top downtown Las Vegas museum
Finally, it wouldn’t be a trip to Vegas without seeing a showgirl, would it? Sin City is famous for its burlesque performers, and if you want to learn more about this art form, check out the Burlesque Hall of Fame.
This is one of the coolest museums in Las Vegas, and it’ll shed more light on this unique sub-culture. As you peruse the galleries, you’ll explore the history of burlesque and how it has evolved over the years. Learn about its roots in ancient Greece and its introduction to the American zeitgeist in the 1860s.
15. Burlesque Hall of Fame, a top downtown Las Vegas museum
There are thousands of items inside, including costumes, photos, props, and accessories. The BHOF has some of the most titillating exhibits in Vegas, but if that’s not enough, you can take a workshop or class.
In any case, the Burlesque Hall of Fame is the only museum like it in the world, so your only chance to see it is in Vegas!
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas
- Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
- Admission fees: $10-$15
Las Vegas museums map
There are all the coolest museums in Las Vegas you can check out! I’m sure there is at least one that you can save for a rainy day. Here is a downloadable map to help you locate all the museums on Las Vegas Strip and downtown.
If you’ve seen any of these exhibitions in Las Vegas, let me know what you thought! Also, feel free to leave any questions for me in the comments. Have a safe trip!
