14 of the best museums in Las Vegas to add to your trip

Dive into the rich history that made Las Vegas a world-class destination by adding cool museums to your itinerary. Among the best places to visit in Vegas are museums that tell the story of its most famous elements, like the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum. Other museums are hidden gems by appointment only that feel like you’re discovering one of Sin City’s secrets. You can also visit some places while participating in other fun activities in the city, like trips to the Grand Canyon. Here are 14 of the best museums in Las Vegas to explore during your trip.

Best history museums in Las Vegas

1. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

With such a wealth of natural history in the desert surrounding Las Vegas, it makes sense that a museum would be dedicated to it. There’s a focus on the Las Vegas Natural History Museum’s free-roaming neighbors in the Wild Nevada Gallery, and you can also find galleries dedicated to geology, African wildlife,  prehistoric mammals, and marine life.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the lifelike, roaring T-rex at the entrance — a great family-friendly activity in Las Vegas.

Address and opening hours:

3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Open daily 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

2. Discovering King Tut’s Tomb exhibit

Travel back in history to the times of the Egyptian civilization and learn about one of its most famous rulers, King Tutankhamun. The accurate replicas at the Discovering King Tut’s Tomb exhibit at the Luxor Hotel portray a personal account of the pharaoh’s historical legacy.

Highlights:

Get the audio guide and hear Howard Carter’s personal account of his discovery.

Address and opening hours:

3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Open daily 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

3. Kolb Studio

A historical venue near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Kolb Studio was the workshop of two successful early 20th-century photographers and adventurers, the brothers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb. Discover the lesser-known areas of the Grand Canyon through their photos.

Highlights:

This attraction can be visited during a Grand Canyon South Rim tour.

Address and opening hours:

Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023. Open daily 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.

4. Historic Electric Vehicle Museum

If you consider EVs a recent invention, take a walk through the history of electric vehicles in the United States at the Historic Electric Vehicle Museum, and you’ll be forced to think again. Learn more about their connection to the iconic Route 66.

Highlights:

Make your visit a complete back-to-the-past experience, visiting antique shops and old mining towns with a Route 66 tour.

Address and opening hours:

Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401. Open daily, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

5. Mob Museum

Go on a fascinating journey through the rise and fall of the American Mafia and explore the darker side of old Vegas. You’ll uncover intriguing details about infamous mobsters and law enforcers through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.

Highlights:

Explore exhibits on organized crime, including authentic artifacts from notorious gangsters and a recreated Prohibition-era speakeasy.

Address and opening hours:

300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Open Wednesday-Monday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Tuesdays 9:00 AM-6:30 PM.

6. Zion Human History Museum

American history is full of examples of determination and bravery. In the Western States, these qualities meant humans had to shape an inhospitable environment. Learn about the interaction between people and nature in the American West at Zion Human History Museum.

Highlights:

The museum and the surrounding natural landmarks are best explored with a Zion and Bryce Canyon Guided day tour from Las Vegas.

Address and opening hours:

Zion National Park Rd, Springdale, UT 84767. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

7. Rhyolite

One of Nevada’s most famous ghost towns, Rhyolite is so beautifully preserved that arriving feels like walking into a history museum immersed in an eerie atmosphere. You can now explore it during a day trip.

Highlights:

Combine a visit to Rhyolite with a tour of the Harmony Borax Works, which are also of historical interest, with a day trip from Las Vegas.

Address and opening hours:

Rhyolite, Nevada 89003.

Best art and design museums in Las Vegas

8. Neon Museum

Fascinated by Las Vegas’ bright neon lights? Be dazzled with a Neon Museum tour. Visit the home of hundreds of eye-catching signs, including a collection of retro-restored signs.

Highlights:

Free exhibitions by resident artists are on show on the first Friday of the month.

Address and opening hours:

770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Open 3:00-11:00 PM daily.

9. Rita Deanin Abbey Museum

The Rita Deanin Abbey Museum celebrates the life of its namesake, a talented abstract artist who found inspiration in the landscapes surrounding Las Vegas. Visit the venue to see the Nevada through her eyes.

Highlights:

Book online before you drive to the venue, as the Rita Deanin Abbey Museum is open by appointment only. While making your reservation, check the museum’s calendar to see if classes are available.

Address and opening hours:

5850 North Park St, Las Vegas, NV 89149. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Thursday to Saturday, opens later on Sundays.

10. Goldwell Open Air Museum

Located in the heart of the Nevada desert, the Goldwell Open Air Museum is known for its thought-provoking integration of art and nature. Take a walk around this art garden and be ready to be constantly surprised by the originality of the sculptures on display.

Highlights:

Make a full day out of your visit to Goldwell on a day tour.

Address and opening hours:

1 Golden St, Beatty, NV 89003. Open 24/7.

11. Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art

Located on the University of Nevada campus, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art contains many thought-provoking works from talented photographers, painters, sculptors, filmmakers, and other creatives — a must-visit for lovers of the arts.

Highlights:

The Cultural Collection features an eye-catching display of Latin American and Native American artifacts, from textiles to jewelry, including tribal dance masks and woven items.

Address and opening hours:

4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Tuesday to Saturday.

Alternative museums in Las Vegas

12. Office of Collecting and Design

With a collection of old mementos curated by the local artist and filmmaker Jessica Oreck, the Office of Collecting and Design has an eye for magic in everyday things. Part library, part studio, part exhibition space, to visit is to enter a dreamy world where your imagination can run wild.

Highlights:

Call ahead to book an appointment. The collector-curator will be there to guide you and show you how to create your piece of art.

Address and opening hours:

900 E Karen Ave Suite B-105, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Open Wednesdays 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

13. Fantasy Lab

This one-of-a-kind venue combines stunning visuals and an immersive atmosphere complete with soundscapes and light. The Fantasy Lab will transport you to an artsy and dreamlike world of fantasy.

Highlights:

Blending art, technology, and storytelling, walk through surreal, dream-like environments designed to explore the boundaries of imagination and reality.

Address and opening hours:

3200 S Las Vegas Blvd Suite 1115, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Open daily, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.

14. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Showcasing the art of wax sculpture, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Las Vegas explores the fascinating medium that captures historical figures with exceptional realism.

Highlights:

Meet your idols, whether they’re real people like Elvis or the famous Marvel superheroes. Upgrade your experience and get to Madame Tussauds by Venetian gondola to soak in the surreal sights of the Venetian resort.

Address and opening hours:

3377 S Las Vegas Blvd Ste. 2001, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Open daily 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

FAQs

What are the must-visit museums in Las Vegas?

The top museums in Las Vegas include the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Las Vegas, and the Natural History Museum.

Are there any free museums in Las Vegas?

There’s no charge to visit the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art. Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit and debit cardholders benefit from free entry to some Las Vegas museums once a month. Get more details online by searching for Museums in the Us program.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Las Vegas?

The Office of Collecting and Design gets excellent reviews for its originality. Other unique museums include Zak Bagans' Haunted Museum, the Museum of Selfies, and Meow Wolf Omega Mart.

Are there any museums in Las Vegas that are suitable for children and families?

Yes, Discovery Children’s Museum helps kids become familiar with science through interactive and hands-on experiences. Children will also love traveling to the ancient world of Pangea with a Las Vegas: Dino Safari.

For which museums in Las Vegas are guided tours recommended?

For a better experience, you can get group guided tours and self-guided audio tours at the Mob Museum. You can also take guided tours of the Main Boneyard at the Neon Museum. Contact the venue in advance to find out tour dates.

Are there any museum passes or discount cards available to visit multiple museums in Las Vegas?

The Las Vegas Go City Explorer Pass gives you access to several Vegas museums, including Madame Tussauds, the Mob Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the REAL BODIES exhibition, among many others.