The Coolest Museums in Las Vegas

Tourism to Las Vegas is bouncing back in a big way since the pandemic, with over 40.4 million tourists in March 2023. These numbers represent a 13.6% increase from March 2022.

It's no surprise since Las Vegas is known for its iconic signs, casinos, and entertainment all along the Vegas Strip. But during your visit, don't forget that the museums in Las Vegas should be an essential part of your itinerary.

In fact, Vegas has some of the coolest and most unique museums worldwide. You'll need to learn about some of the best museums in Las Vegas so you don't miss anything during your trip.

Keep reading this guide to learn about the coolest museums in Las Vegas that you can experience.

National Atomic Testing Museum

Speaking of cool museums with history, the National Atomic Testing Museum is something you don't want to miss out on.

The Nevada Test Site (NTS) is 65 miles north of Las Vegas and was a significant nuclear weapons test site in the US between 1951 and 1992. The NTS was established after World War II brought on the fear of atomic weapons.

The National Atomic Testing Museum takes you through the history of this program and its impact on popular culture. Exhibits like SPY teach you about NSA intelligence and how technology plays a part in the program.

You'll also see an actual nuclear reactor, nuclear weapons like the backpack bomb, and pop culture artifacts like comic books.

The Atomic Museum is open from 9 am to 7 pm, and you can buy tickets online for self-guided tours.

Neon Museum

When you visit Las Vegas, the iconic neon signs always stand out. However, most people are unaware of the hidden history behind these signs. The Neon Museum isn't one of those traditional art museums, but the signs there are true art.

The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1996. The museum dedicates time to collecting, preserving, and studying Las Vegas signs for educational and cultural purposes.

The main exhibit area, the boneyard, has well over 250 unrestored signs. Each sign has a history and a story about who created it and why. You'll find pieces from the 1930s to today.

There are guided tours, shows, and photo opportunities you'll enjoy. The Neon Museum is open from 4 pm to 12 am until August 31, and from September through October, the hours are from 3 pm to 11 pm.

Be sure to buy tickets in advance since the museum has frequent sell-out nights.

Mob Museum

If you're interested in mob history, you'll enjoy visiting the mob museum.

This museum takes you into the world of Bugsy, Bulger, and Baby Face Nelson. It's a non-profit organization with a mission to help the public understand the history of organized crime.

You'll find artifacts, videos, and interactive exhibits that take you on a historical journey through organized crime from the beginning until today. The different exhibits will take you through prohibition, the birth of the mob, and evidence rooms.

Artifacts include St. Valentine's Day Massacre evidence, mob movie posters, Bugsy's sunglasses, and more. Interactive experiences like the crime lab will allow you to explore scientific work like fingerprint analysis and DNA profilers.

Finally, you can visit the speakeasy in the basement for a tour and tasting.

The mob museum is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, and you can buy your tickets online.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum checks all the boxes if you're looking for educational and fun museums. It's also one of the best museums for kids in Las Vegas.

This museum inspires people of all ages to learn about the remarkable wonders of the world. It contains archeological and paleontological findings from oceans and deserts across the US and Africa.

You'll find a huge taxidermy collection and find yourself face-to-face with antelope, bears, big cats, and more.

The marine life gallery lets you get personal with different shark species. They even have a 3,000-gallon tank where you can feed sharks and stingrays.

You can book different packages, so you'll need to research before you visit. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and it's best to visit them online to book tickets in advance.

The Punk Rock Museum

Punk rock was on the rise from 1975 to 1980 and was a music genre that turned into a national movement. It spread around the world, making its own way into film, fashion, and pop culture.

The Punk Rock Museum is home to the most extensive displays of clothing, instruments, artifacts, fliers, handwritten lyrics, artwork, and much more. These artifacts make for an intimate and inclusive collection of everything that represents punk rock.

This one-of-a-kind punk museum opened on March 10, and you'll find it off the Vegas Strip between the Arts District and Interstate 15 (I-15). The museum was brought to reality by a collective of punk musicians and industry professionals like Fletcher Dragge from Pennywise.

But the Punk Rock Museum doesn't just stop at being a museum. It's a tattoo parlor, wedding chapel, car, and punk shop as well.

You'll be able to visit the museum and see unique artifacts from bands like Devo and Blondie. Beyond handwritten lyrics and concert fliers, you'll also see instruments like bass guitars that punk musicians used. Even better, you can play the actual guitars the artist played on tour.

There are guided tours you can book that include unforgettable tour guides like Death By Stereo, Sugarcult, and much more.

You can also book an appointment at the tattoo parlor in advance for a truly unique experience.

If your vacation involves a wedding, then why not get married at The Punk Rock Museum? The museum has various packages, including the ceremony, photographer, and mini reception.

As of April 1, 2023, the museum is open from 12 pm to 10 pm daily, and it's best to buy general admission tickets or book a guided tour in advance online.

Visit These Cool Museums in Las Vegas

Now that you know more about the coolest museums in Las Vegas, you'll be able to plan a trip itinerary you'll always remember.

Don't forget to buy tickets in advance for the top museums on your list, like the Punk Rock Museum. We'll take you back in time and let you experience everything punk rock while you're here. Don't forget to book a tattoo appointment and stop by the Triple Down bar for a drink.

Make sure you visit us online today to buy general admission tickets or guided tour tickets today!