Las Vegas, Things To Do in Las Vegas

9 Weird & Wonderful Las Vegas Museums [Updated in 2023]

9 weird wonderful las vegas museums

Last Updated: March 28, 2023. 

When you think of Las Vegas, the first things that often come to mind are usually casinos, showgirls, and extravagant meals. But “Sin City” isn’t just about glitz and glamor—Vegas is also home to a number of other exciting attractions, including many unique museums.

Every Vegas visitor should take a break from the bustle of the Strip to venture deep into the history of Las Vegas and the Southwest. So next time you’re in Las Vegas, trade your poker chips for your walking shoes and check out these weird and wonderful museums:

1. Atomic Testing Museum

atomic testing museum las vegas
Image Source: gocardusa via Flickr.

Las Vegas’ one-of-a-kind Atomic Testing Museum tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program. Explore the United States’ principal nuclear weapons testing facility, learn how nuclear power works, view rare artifacts, and see what it was like to witness the tests carried out at the Nevada Test Site, including a replica of the Control Point where the countdown was conducted before each detonation. You can even view a simulation of a nuclear test at the Ground Zero Theater!

The Atomic Testing Museum is open daily from 9AM-5PM. Learn more about visiting the Atomic Testing Museum.

2. The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum is full of engaging, multi-sensory exhibits that will take you on a journey deep into the historic underbelly of Las Vegas. Travel back in time for an insider’s look at the continuing battle between organized crime and law enforcement on an interactive journey through true stories of organized crime, from the Mob’s origins all the way to today’s headlines.

Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more. Single tickets can also be purchased for smaller groups and self-guided tours, and audio tours are available in a number of languages.

The Mob Museum is open daily from 9AM-9PM. Learn more about the Mob Museum.

3. Neon Museum

Image Source: korymatthew via Flickr.

Ever wonder what happens to all of Sin City’s flashy neon signs after they’ve been decommissioned? Chances are, they end up at the Neon Museum. The Neon Museum collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits Las Vegas’s iconic signage through a number of indoor galleries, as well as their renowned outdoor “Neon Graveyard”.

Guided tours are available seven days a week. Tour times vary by season. Learn more about visiting the Neon Museum.

4. Bodies: The Exhibition

The Luxor’s illuminating exhibit has been experienced by more than 15 million people. Bodies: The Exhibition showcases 13 real human bodies that have been carefully preserved so you can peek under your skin for a rare three-dimensional view of the human body.

Learn more about Bodies: The Exhibition.

5. Madame Tussauds

No visit to Las Vegas is complete without a stop at Madame Tussauds’ first American location! Since opening their first location in London 200 years ago, millions of people have explored this iconic museum. Don’t forget to bring your camera—what better place to hobnob with (wax) celebrities than in Las Vegas?

Ticket packages vary. Some packages include beverages and snacks, and you can even create your own wax souvenirs to take home. Learn more about visiting Madame Tussauds.

6. Discovery Children's Museum

Discovery Childrens Museum Las Vegas

This interactive museum is the perfect destination for your family vacation. Adjacent to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Discovery Children’s Museum offers 26,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits and play-based learning experiences. With exhibits in science, art, and culture, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Water World exhibit, where you can interact with models of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.

After visiting the museum, check out these iconic landmarks on one of our Hoover Dam tours:

Learn more about visiting Discovery Children’s Museum.

7. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

This multi-million dollar world-class collection of exciting and interactive learning experiences is a must-visit destination for any family exploring Las Vegas. With a variety of wildlife and prehistoric exhibits, including permanent exhibits like the “Treasures of Egypt”, the Young Scientist Center, and a 35-foot tall T-Rex, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum showcases everything from desert to ocean. There’s even a hands-on gallery where kids can dig for fossils and observe animal tracks.

The Museum is open daily from 9AM till 4PM. Get more information about visiting the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

8. Zak Bagan's The Haunted Museum

Bagan is a pioneer in the paranormal field, and he is giving everyone the chance to experience the spine-chilling energy of the spirit world at his museum in the heart of Las Vegas. Paranormal enthusiasts who visit will wander through creepy hallways and secret passages of the 11,000 square foot property rumoured to be home to many spirits from years past. This spooky museum is open Wednesday-Monday from 10AM till 8PM and closed Tuesdays.

Learn more about The Haunted Museum here.

9. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Also located at the Luxor, this exhibition features a collection of artifacts salvaged from the famous ship’s wreckage. Walk through recreations of first- and third-class rooms, or even have your picture taken on a recreation of the Grand Staircase and Promenade Deck.

Get more information about Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

A Day at the Museum

Las Vegas is home to more than just raucous parties and poker tables! There are many educational and entertaining museums for every Vegas visitor to enjoy.

Get our tips for making the most of your Las Vegas vacation:

author-avatar

About Ria Borja

Ria is a Customer Experience Manager at Canyon Tours and an avid lover of the outdoors. When she isn't helping other travelers check destinations and dream vacations off their bucket lists, she's busy exploring the Southwest. Her favorite place to visit is (unsurprisingly!) the Grand Canyon.