15 Best Museums in Las Vegas + Local Tips

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

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