If you are taking a vacation to Las Vegas, there are many fine treats to enjoy. From the amazing restaurants, the relaxing spas, over-the-edge nightclubs, to the excellent casinos. Yet it would be hard to talk about the joys of Las Vegas without mentioning the weirdly intriguing museums.
While it could be almost impossible to explore all the deep cultural institutions in just one visit, almost every Vegas local has a preference. They will gladly share some of the best secrets of the city. Check out our list of some of the best museums in Las Vegas.
The Neon Museum
This museum is the final resting place of many of the old hotel and casino signs usually abandoned after the building collapsed. Right now, over 20 years later, the Neon Museum is home to the most incredible collection of neon signs in the entire country. Stroll across the Neon Boneyard and immerse yourself in the symbolic and iconic signs of retro Vegas. The museum has gone through the trouble of restoring these relics to their original magnificence.
The Mob Museum
Las Vegas has its roots in organized crime and at the Mob Museum that history is replicated. Prepare to experience the infamous tales of the mafia and law enforcement in this three-story former city courthouse and post office. Herein lies an era in criminal history. The exhibits and artifacts will give you what it feels like to be a gangster.
Pinball Hall of Fame – The World’s Biggest Pinball Collection
This 10,000 square-foot building houses up to 2000 pinball machines dating back to the 1950s. The Pinball Hall of Fame lets you play all day, enjoying the array of lost arcade art. Further, if you are get tired of playing rounds of pinball, you can try the classic video games in their collection.
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
Located on UNLV’s campus, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art houses works of art and cultural artifacts. It is not uncommon to find visiting artists giving lectures or showings of experimental visual art. Here, you can experience the culture of some of the area’s indigenous peoples and their identity. It’s definitely a great place to spend an afternoon.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
The gallery is an extension of the Bellagio hotel, and tagged, “Where great art goes on vacation.” Within the gallery are some of the greatest artworks from museums around the world. This amazing place has exhibited works of art like “Faberge Revealed” and “Picasso: Creatures and Creativity.”
National Atomic Testing Museum
Back in the 50s, the deserts surrounding the Las Vegas valley were used as testing grounds for atomic bombs. This museum highlights the history of atomic testing in Nevada. The National Atomic Testing Museum treats patrons to a simulated bomb test and teaches them the process of bomb creating and surviving an atomic explosion.
Burlesque Hall of Fame
The Burlesque Hall of Fame is located in the Arts District of Las Vegas and highlights the stimulating world of burlesque from its beginning in the mid-1900s to the restoration of the 90s until today. The museum houses about 3,500 artifacts and performance rooms for those interested in enjoying the art of tease and seduction.
Las Vegas Art Museum
Lastly, if you’re considering going on weekend tours, school tours, family or even adult group tours, the Las Vegas Art Museum is one excellent choice to consider. Located in the Sahara West Library/Fine Art Museum, and covering about 8,000 square feet of exhibition space. You are sure to enjoy some intriguing moments of fun and education for both adult and children alike. LVAM creatively engages visitors and tourists in the international culture of contemporary and up-to-date art. It also offers exhibitions that meet international standards of excellence.
