The 13 Best Museums in Las Vegas [2024]

Las Vegas is notorious for its shows and casinos, but Sin City has recently earned a reputation for its museums as well. Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with family, there’s a Las Vegas museum of interest. Here’s a list of the best Las Vegas museums worth considering.

The 13 Best Museums in Las Vegas

1. Atomic Museum

The Atomic Museum opened in 2005 to showcase the state’s history as a nuclear testing site. The museum has nearly 20,000 pieces in its collection, most of which are photos previously unavailable to the public.

This space doesn’t just look at the governmental history of nuclear atomic testing but also pop culture history. Media, toys, clothing, and other items are displayed to show how ingrained it was in the day-to-day life of Americans around the country, especially in the 1950s.

One of the most important pieces in the museum is the Diagnostic Rack, which was once buried thousands of feet below ground and was designed to hold nuclear weapons safely.

Admission is free for members and children under 6, $25 for youths 7 to 17 and Nevada residents, $27 for military personnel, first responders, and seniors 65+, and $29 for adults. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is EB Flamingo after Palos Verdes.

• Address: 755 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119

“When guests visit the Atomic Museum, they expect to see a variety of artifacts related to nuclear testing, such as the Mark III “Fat Man” bomb and the B-53 thermonuclear bomb. What they are surprised to see, however, are objects connected to atomic pop culture of the 1950s and lesser-known experiments conducted at the Nevada Test Site. Perhaps the most popular examples of these among our guests are the Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab and Phoebus-2A, the most powerful nuclear propulsion reactor designed for Project Rover.”

Joseph Kent, director of curation and exhibits, Atomic Museum

2. Burlesque Hall of Fame

The Burlesque Hall of Fame, sometimes called the BHOF, is the only museum of its kind in the world. It opened in 1990 and initially displayed the private collection of Jennie Lee, a renowned Las Vegas showgirl.

Over the years, this collection has grown to include vintage and new pieces, including photographs, costumes, posters, and other pieces that showcase how burlesque has evolved. Most of this collection is displayed, but a selection is also preserved in the archives.

In addition to the museum’s permanent exhibits, the space routinely hosts temporary galleries. They cover various topics like the history of the art, how feminism and burlesque have become interwoven, and the history of some of the industry’s most famous performers. Though it is a burlesque museum, it’s generally considered a family-friendly attraction. However, feel free to call ahead if you have any concerns.

Admission to the museum is free for Hoofer members and active military personnel during the Blue Star Museum summer program, $12 for students, seniors, or all military personnel, $15 for Nevada residents, and $18 for everyone else.

The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is NB Main after Charleston.

• Address: 1027 South Main St. #110, Las Vegas, NV 89101

3. Discovery Children’s Museum

Discovery Children’s Museum is a favorite spot for Las Vegas and out-of-town families. First opened in 1984, the museum’s mission is to encourage learning and creativity in young children.

Currently, the museum has 9 permanent exhibits. One of the most popular is the Discovery Lab, which features multiple interactive displays that allow kids to use 3D printers, kilns, and coding technology to foster an interest in STEM topics.

Other beloved spaces are Fantasy Festival, Eco City, and Toddler Town. Most of these exhibits are suitable for children of all ages, but kids between 2 and 10 are the most likely to stay engaged and entertained with the hands-on activities.

In addition to the regular exhibits, the facility hosts several family events throughout the year. It’s also available to rent as an event venue for children’s birthday parties and school trips. 

Admission is free for members, $11 for military personnel, $13.50 for Nevada residents, and $16 for the general public. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Symphony Parkway.

• Address: 360 Promenade Place, Las Vegas, NV 89106

4. Hollywood Cars Museum

Opened in association with the Miami Auto Museum, the Hollywood Cars Museum is a continuously growing museum entirely dedicated to famous and historic vehicles. As the space’s name would suggest, cars, bikes, and other forms of transportation that have appeared in films and television shows are particularly highlighted.

A few of the most notable pieces in the collection are a real-life version of “Hudson Hornet” from the film “Cars,” Batman’s “Batmobile,” and the race car from “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Other types of vehicles on display in the collection are a motorcycle from 1965’s “Thunderball” and even the lifeboat used in the film “Captain Phillips.”

Today, the museum has over 100 vehicles in its collection. However, the space acquires new pieces each year. Alongside the cars and bikes on display are photos, informational displays, and even some costumes to create a more enriched viewing experience.

Admission is free for kids under 16 and $15 for adults. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is EB Tropicana after Polaris.

• Address: 5115 Dean Martin Drive, Unit 905, Las Vegas, NV 89118

“At the Hollywood Cars Museum & Liberace Garage here in Las Vegas we have over 100 vehicles of film and TV fame. Many were actually used in Hollywood productions, some are recreations of cars that no longer exist or are not available at any price, some are wild custom cars and vintage motorbikes, and, of course, the multi-million dollars cars owned by Liberace, the legendary Las Vegas entertainer!”

Steve Levesque, manager, Hollywood Cars Museum & Liberace Garage

5. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Since 1991, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum aims to educate children and adults about the wonders of the sciences. This facility is divided into 8 gallery spaces covering topics ranging from geology to national and international wildlife.

One of the most popular areas is the Young Scientist Center, which gives kids a chance to have a hands-on experience in the sciences through a number of educational interactive displays. Some beloved pieces in the museum are found in the Treasures of Egypt space, including replicas of Tutankhamun’s Golden Shrine, outer sarcophagus, and multiple chariots.

In addition to the main exhibits, the museum presents a number of temporary exhibitions during the year. Yearly fundraising events, including the annual Dinosaur Ball, are also popular among museum visitors. Its building is also available as an event venue and is a great choice for children’s birthdays.

Admission is free for children under 3, $6 for Nevada children residents 3 to 11, $7 for out-of-state children 3 to 11, $11 for Nevada youth 12 to 18 and Nevada resident military personnel, $12 for out-of-state youth 12 to 18, military personnel, and seniors 55+, $13 for adult Nevada residents, and $14 for out-of-state adults.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is NB Las Vegas at Cashman Field.

• Address: 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas, NV 89101

6. Las Vegas Showgirl Museum

The Las Vegas Showgirl Museum is one of the largest facilities dedicated to showgirl memorabilia. Since it first opened, the facility’s collection has grown to over 40,000 items, ranging from costumes to posters.

In addition to showcasing important pieces of showgirl history, the museum also acts as a time capsule for Las Vegas shows by keeping them alive through props and photos. Unlike many exhibit spaces, the museum showcases virtually its entire collection, only archiving pieces that need to be restored or preserved with particular care.

The museum can only be seen with a guide who can answer any questions about the displays and artifact history. This tour typically lasts about 2 hours, but that time can be extended depending on how many questions you ask your guide. Despite its subject matter, the space is considered family-friendly, but be sure to contact the facility if you have any concerns.

Tickets are $33 per person. The museum hosts 2 tours daily at noon and 6 p.m. The nearest bus stop is WB Desert Inn after Burnham.

• Address: 3217 Gaucho Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89169

7. The Mob Museum

Spread out over 4 floors, The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas looks at the city’s history of organized crime and law enforcement. This space primarily acts as an educational center, aiming to teach visitors how much organized crime impacted the development of Las Vegas and society in general.

It’s housed in what used to be a courthouse and showcases documents, videos, artifacts, and models of courtrooms to create an immersive and hands-on visit experience. There’s even an on-site replica of a speakeasy and distillery located in the museum to delve into the mob’s role in society during America’s prohibition.

One of the space’s most popular displays is its Wall of Mobsters, which shows photos and short biographies of some of Vegas’ most notable criminals. The museum also displays casino artifacts, like antique slot machines and other gambling items.

General admission to the museum costs between $16.95 and $21.95 for Nevada residents and between $24.95 and $34.95 for out-of-state visitors. Ticket costs vary depending on the day and time of your visit. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Mob Museum.

• Address: 300 Stewart Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101

8. Neon Museum Las Vegas

Neon Museum Las Vegas covers over 2 acres of land, both indoors and outdoors, and displays historic signs that Las Vegas hotels, casinos, and other businesses once used.

This facility is divided into 4 different exhibits. Its first isn’t located on the premises but consists of numerous signs that have been restored and are currently on display in the city. The Boneyard galleries showcase neon signs that have been retired from use. They include pieces from the Stardust, Riviera, and Caesars Palace hotels.

Its final exhibit is the newest addition to the space and consists of a 30-minute art projection that animates retired vintage signs.

The Neon Museum Las Vegas also presents special galleries that look at neon signs and lights as an art medium. Other exhibits spotlight popular antique and vintage signs that are typically archived.

Admission is free for members, $16 for in-state residents, and $20 for out-of-state visitors. The museum is open daily from 2 to 10 p.m. The nearest bus stop is SB Las Vegas before Cashman.

• Address: 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas, NV 89101

9. Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, is one of 7 similar museums spread out across the state, showing the area’s history and development. These exhibits go as far back as Nevada’s prehistory by displaying models of what this part of the country would have looked like thousands of years ago. One of the highlights of this part of the museum is its wooly mammoth skeleton.

In addition to the natural history of Nevada, the space houses maps that provide a timeline of the area’s journey to statehood, as well as costumes and other artifacts that represent Las Vegas’ more recent history as well.

Numerous events and specialty exhibitions are hosted on-site throughout the year for people of all ages. One of the most popular for families is Discovery Saturday, which gives kids a chance to learn in a hands-on way.

Admission is free for members and children under 3, $4.95 for Nevada resident children 3 to 17, $9.95 for Nevada resident adults, $10.95 for out-of-state children 3 to 17, and $18.95 for out-of-state adults. The museum is open Thursday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is NB Valley View before U.S. 95.

• Address: 309 South Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107

10. Omega Mart

Since its opening in 2021, Omega Mart has been regarded as one of the most immersive museum experiences in Las Vegas. This facility was created by the Meow Wolf art company, which is famous for building hands-on and unique exhibit experiences.

As the museum’s centerpiece, there’s the Supermarket set, which allows guests access to other smaller galleries where they can uncover clues to unravel stories in the Omega Mart multiverse. You don’t have to try to solve the museum’s mystery to enjoy exploring the space, though. You can spend hours looking at all the little details that have been incorporated into the space.

A beloved feature is just how interactive the museum is. Nearly everything in the museum is available to purchase, so you can take a piece of the exhibit home with you from the gift shop after your visit. While guests of all ages are welcome, it may be overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities.

Admission starts at $39 for in-state residents and $49 for out-of-state visitors. Specific ticket costs vary depending on the date and time of your visit. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. The nearest bus stop is NB Valley View before Desert Inn.

• Address: 3215 South Rancho Drive #100, Las Vegas, NV 89102

Hot Tip:

Learn more about what to expect at Omega Mart in our review of Meow Wolf Grapevine in Texas.

11. The Punk Rock Museum

The Punk Rock Museum opened in 2023, making it one of the newest exhibit spaces in the city. A punk rock musician opened it to showcase and preserve the history of the music genre for fans around the world.

Currently, over 1,000 items are on display at the museum, creating a timeline of the first punk bands to the present day. These pieces range from simple photos and documents to larger items like instruments, clothing, and props used in music videos.

This museum can be visited independently, but guided tours are also offered, some of which are even conducted by punk band members, offering a more in-depth visit experience. Its facility also has an on-site chapel (which can be used as a wedding venue), a room where visitors can play music, and a space dedicated to virtually unknown punk artists.

Admission starts at $20 for Nevada residents, $35 for military personnel, and $39 for adults. The museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 to 8 p.m. The nearest bus stop is SB Commerce before Wyoming.

• Address: 1422 Western Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89102

“The Punk Rock Museum strives to create an environment that celebrates the vibrant history of punk rock. As historians, we approach our mission with a deep respect for the past, recognizing that history is a mixture of triumphs, challenges, and, at times, controversy. We hope that by navigating our shared past, we can foster a deeper understanding of the punk movement and its enduring impact on music, culture, and society.”

Melanie Kaye, director of publicity and promotions, The Punk Rock Museum

12. Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum

The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum doesn’t focus on any particular art medium. Instead, it houses sculptures, drawings, and porcelain pieces. Tying the museum together is the common thread that the entire collection on display was made by the artist Rita Deanin Abbey. In particular, Abbey specializes in Abstract and Expressionism, and landscapes and architecture often inspire her work.

Its museum collection currently consists of about 4,000 pieces that have been chosen as exemplary examples of the artist’s portfolio. Only a portion of these works are displayed at any given time, but displays are rotated occasionally to highlight different pieces.

Some of the highlighted pieces in the exhibits are “Northern Route Cascades,” “The Architectural Experience,” and “Taos Mountain.” Rita Deanin Abbey’s foundation also occasionally hosts events during the year. The space can also be used as a venue for private bookings.

Admission is free for members and children under 12, $15 for seniors, and $20 for adults. The museum is open Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is WB Deer Springs after Tee Pee, which is 2 miles away.

• Address: 5850 North Park St., Las Vegas, NV 89149

“The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is one of the finest hidden gems in Las Vegas, and we welcome visitors to explore the astonishing variety of art Rita created throughout her remarkable career. From art aficionados to those who are simply curious to learn and experience art, we want the museum to be a place that brings joy to everyone as we celebrate the life’s work of a passionate and brilliant artist.”

Laura Sanders, executive director, Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum

13. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor has been a favorite attraction among locals and tourists since it first opened.

This exhibit houses over 300 authentic artifacts recovered from the Titanic shipwreck to help create an experience that’s equal parts educational and immersive. Its large exhibit space is divided into numerous sets that recreate areas of the boat in great detail, including cabins, the grand staircase, and even the engines.

It offers an immersive experience that is further enriched by the personalized boarding pass each visitor receives before entering the museum. A number of events and special exhibitions are also presented on-site, and you can even book the space for private weddings and other events.

Though there are no time limits for visits, expect to spend about 2 hours in the museum. It even has the largest recovered piece of the ship’s hull in its care.

Admission is free for children under 4, $24 for children 4 to 12, $25 for Nevada residents and military personnel, $30 for seniors 65+, and $32 for adults. The museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest bus stop is SB Las Vegas at Luxor.

• Address: 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Las Vegas Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. Several other programs offer similar concessions.

The Museums for All program offers free or reduced admission to museums through the U.S. for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Participating attractions in the greater Las Vegas area are the Burlesque Hall of Fame, DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, National Atomic Testing Museum, Neon Museum, and Nevada State Museum | Las Vegas.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers cardholders free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and Springs Preserve.

Participation is subject to change; please verify participating museums and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Las Vegas might be known as Sin City, but it’s also grown to be a great place for museum lovers. From music history to art, there are dozens of galleries and exhibits worth visiting for people of all ages. We hope this list has helped you determine which Las Vegas museums to add to your travel itinerary.