10 Best Museums in Las Vegas: Explore Art, History & Interactive Exhibits

Las Vegas is famous for its nightlife and casinos, but beyond the Strip, there’s a thriving museum scene filled with history, science, art, and interactive exhibits. Whether you’re a history buff, science lover, art enthusiast, or looking for family-friendly experiences, Las Vegas has a museum for you.

This guide to the 10 best museums in Las Vegas will help you plan your visit, plus provide insider tips, hidden gems, and budget-friendly options!

1. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum – The Best Hands-On Experience for Families

📍 Location: 360 Promenade Pl, Las Vegas, NV

If you’re visiting Las Vegas with kids, DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is a must-visit. This interactive museum makes learning fun through hands-on exhibits focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

Why Visit?

• The Summit: A 70-foot climbing structure with tunnels, slides, and physics-based challenges.
• Eco City: A life-sized mini-town where kids can run businesses, shop, and learn financial literacy.
• Young at Art: A creative space where kids explore painting, sculpting, and interactive art projects.

Pro Tip: Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience and check the event calendar for seasonal exhibits.

2. The Mob Museum – Uncover the Secrets of Organized Crime

📍 Location: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV

The Mob Museum offers a fascinating deep dive into the history of organized crime and law enforcement’s role in fighting it.

Why Visit?

• Authentic Mob Artifacts: See Al Capone’s revolver, mob hit orders, and wiretap recordings.
• Forensic Crime Lab: Try hands-on activities like ballistics analysis and fingerprinting.
• The Underground Speakeasy: A hidden 1920s-style Prohibition bar located in the basement.

Pro Tip: Book the Use of Force Training Experience to test your crime-fighting instincts in real-world policing simulations.

3. The Neon Museum – A Walk Through Vegas’ Glowing History

📍 Location: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV

The Neon Museum preserves Vegas’ iconic neon signs from legendary casinos and hotels.

Why Visit?

• The Brilliant! Show: A projection mapping experience that brings old neon signs back to life.
• Guided History Tours: Learn about the art, architecture, and hidden stories behind each sign.
• Great Photo Opportunities: Capture Vegas’ past in vibrant neon colors.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunset or nighttime for a more immersive and illuminated experience.

4. National Atomic Testing Museum – An Explosive Look at the Atomic Age

📍 Location: 755 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV

For science lovers and history enthusiasts, the National Atomic Testing Museum offers a unique look at America’s nuclear testing program and its impact on global history.

Why Visit?

• Ground Zero Theater: Experience a simulated atomic bomb detonation.
• Rare Cold War Artifacts: View declassified documents, Geiger counters, and test site models.
• Hands-On Radiation Testing: Learn how radiation is detected and measured.

Pro Tip: This museum is Smithsonian-affiliated, guaranteeing high-quality exhibits.

5. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art – A Luxurious Art Escape

📍 Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV

For an elegant and sophisticated cultural experience, visit the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

Why Visit?

• Exclusive Exhibits: Features works by Picasso, Monet, Warhol, and more.
• Quiet, Intimate Setting: Unlike the bustling Strip, this gallery offers a relaxing cultural break.
• Curated Selections: Partnered with top museums like The Met and The Art Institute of Chicago.

Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

6. Pinball Hall of Fame – Playable Nostalgia

📍 Location: 4925 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a retro arcade and museum featuring over 200 fully functional vintage pinball machines dating back to the 1950s.

Why Visit?

• Playable Classic Machines: Enjoy original pinball games from the golden age of arcades.
• Largest Collection in the World: The venue houses a vast historic pinball collection.
• Supports Charity: All profits go to local nonprofit organizations.

Pro Tip: Bring quarters or small bills to play the machines.

7. ARTE Museum Las Vegas – A Futuristic Digital Wonderland

📍 Location: 3000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV

New to Vegas, ARTE Museum combines AI-generated digital art, immersive soundscapes, and interactive projections.

Why Visit?

• Multi-Sensory Installations: A mix of lights, visuals, and soundscapes create an immersive experience.
• Unique Artistic Display: Unlike traditional museums, this one merges art with technology.

Pro Tip: Perfect for Instagram-worthy content—visit on weekdays for fewer crowds.

8. Museum of Illusions – Mind-Bending Optical Tricks

📍 Location: 3785 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV

The Museum of Illusions is an interactive, mind-bending experience where reality is not what it seems. Designed to challenge your perception, this museum is perfect for families, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy optical illusions and brain-teasing exhibits.

Why Visit?

• Gravity-Defying Rooms: Walk through a tilted room where water flows uphill and your body appears to shrink or grow.
• Holograms & Optical Illusions: Get lost in interactive visual tricks that test your brain’s perception.
• Photo-Worthy Exhibits: The entire museum is designed for fun, shareable moments, making it great for Instagram.

Pro Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to avoid wait times, especially on weekends.

9. Las Vegas Natural History Museum – A Journey Through Time

📍 Location: 900 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV

For those interested in dinosaurs, marine life, and world history, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum provides a fascinating look at the natural world. This family-friendly museum is interactive and educational, making it perfect for visitors of all ages.

Why Visit?

• Dinosaur Exhibit: Stand face-to-face with animatronic dinosaurs, including a roaring T-Rex.
• Marine Life Gallery: Explore an indoor aquarium featuring exotic sea creatures.
• Treasures of Egypt: Discover replicas of King Tut’s tomb and artifacts from ancient civilizations.

Pro Tip: Kids will love the touch pool, where they can interact with live marine animals!

10. Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum – A Paranormal Experience

📍 Location: 600 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV

If you love ghost stories and the paranormal, Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum is one of the most chilling experiences in Las Vegas. Created by Ghost Adventures host Zak Bagans, this museum features haunted artifacts, cursed objects, and eerie exhibits.

Why Visit?

• Real Haunted Objects: See possessed dolls, cursed relics, and items tied to real-life paranormal activity.
• Demon House Exhibit: A room filled with artifacts from a notorious haunted house in Indiana.
• Creepy Tour Guides: Staff members share bone-chilling stories that add to the eerie atmosphere.

Pro Tip: This experience is not recommended for children or those who are easily frightened.

Frequently Asked Questions About Las Vegas Museums

Which Las Vegas museums offer guided tours?

Several Las Vegas museums offer guided tours for enhanced visitor experiences. The Neon Museum provides informative guided tours of the Neon Boneyard, sharing the stories behind iconic Vegas signs. The Mob Museum offers guided experiences through their exhibits on organized crime history. Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum exclusively operates through guided tours, including special late-night flashlight ghost tours. The National Atomic Testing Museum and DISCOVERY Children’s Museum also offer guided options for visitors seeking more in-depth information.

Are Las Vegas museums suitable for children?

Yes, many Las Vegas museums are perfect for children. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is specifically designed for young visitors with interactive STEAM exhibits and a dedicated Toddler Town for the youngest explorers. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum appeals to children with dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays. The Pinball Hall of Fame offers playable machines that children and families can enjoy together. However, some museums like Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum have age restrictions (14+) due to mature content.

What are the most budget-friendly museums in Las Vegas?

The Pinball Hall of Fame offers the best value as it has free entry with pay-per-play machines (25-50 cents per game). DISCOVERY Children’s Museum participates in the Museums for All program, offering $5 admission for families with EBT, SNAP, or WIC cards. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has relatively affordable admission at $12-14 for adults and $6 for children. Several museums also offer discounts for Nevada residents, military personnel, seniors, and students.

Which museums are closest to the Las Vegas Strip?

ARTE Museum Las Vegas and the Museum of Illusions are both located within CityCenter on the Strip. The Pinball Hall of Fame is directly on Las Vegas Boulevard across from the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is inside the Bellagio Resort & Casino on the Strip. The National Atomic Testing Museum is approximately 1.5 miles from the Strip, making it another convenient option.

What are the most unique or unusual museums in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas offers several unique museum experiences you won’t find elsewhere. The Neon Museum preserves Las Vegas’ iconic neon signs in an outdoor “boneyard.” Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum houses allegedly cursed and haunted objects in a historic mansion. The National Atomic Testing Museum provides a fascinating look at nuclear testing history with rare artifacts. The Mob Museum offers an authentic speakeasy experience in The Underground. ARTE Museum Las Vegas features cutting-edge digital immersive art that transforms spaces with light and sound.

Do Las Vegas museums offer special events or programs?

Yes! The DISCOVERY Children’s Museum hosts special events like Wizard Week during Spring Break and themed celebration days. The Mob Museum offers Use of Force Training Experiences where visitors can test their crime-fighting abilities. The Neon Museum presents “Brilliant! Jackpot,” a special light show that brings non-operational signs to life. Many museums also offer educational workshops, seasonal exhibits, and after-hours events throughout the year. Check individual museum websites for current special programs during your visit.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your Visit to the Best Museums in Las Vegas

Ready to experience hands-on learning and fun with your family? DISCOVERY Children’s Museum offers 58,000 square feet of interactive exhibits across three floors, making it the perfect destination for curious minds of all ages.

With exhibits like The Summit (a 70-foot climbing structure), Water World, and Young at Art, your children will engage with STEAM concepts through play and exploration. The museum is conveniently located in Downtown Las Vegas at 360 Promenade Place, adjacent to The Smith Center.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm, DISCOVERY Children’s Museum welcomes visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. Nevada residents enjoy discounted admission, and children under one enter free.

Book your tickets today and give your family a memorable educational experience that goes beyond the typical Las Vegas attractions!