Are There Museums In Vegas?
Why Do People Love Them?
Why do we walk into a museum? Many of us do it, and for different reasons.
We may want to step away from the usual way for things to happen in our life. At a museum, you will see unexpected things that may transport you to different times and places.
Time spent at a museum can be really unwinding and present. These days, with the internet and our devices taking over each part of our lives, just living the present moment can be considered a luxury.
Many museums offer guided tours, either with a museum interpreter or through an audio device. A guide will be able to highlight important features of the items on display. This often turns a visit to a museum much more interesting.
Even when traveling for leisure, like most people in Vegas, we often find ourselves hooked to our phones. We get on the internet to book a tour, to buy a ticket, or just to find our way around on a map.
When we go to a museum we can really allow ourselves to live that experience. We have the opportunity to live in the moment for a few hours.
Also, people may choose to go to a museum to move away from the action a little bit, especially in a bustling place like Vegas.
Read on to find out what some of the great Las Vegas museums have to offer.
Natural History Museum Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a great option for a family outing. It is a great option to bring young kids since it is small so a fully interactive tour lasts no more than 2 hours.
The museum charges a reasonable price ($13 per person). It is near downtown Las Vegas and the staff is nice and willing to help.
Most visitors talk about the museum staff being very nice and helpful. Still, according to some visitors, parts of the museum look a bit old and would benefit from some maintenance.
A highlight at the Natural History Museum is an Egyptian section with a replica of King Tut’s tomb. Additionally, visitors underscore the taxidermy and dinosaur exhibits.
This museum might just not be ideal for those who love to see authentic artifacts, as it has mostly reproductions.
NEON Museum
Founded in 1996, this museum is dedicated to telling the story of Las Vegas through a display of its iconic neon signs.
It is a non-profit organization that survives through the kind donations of the Las Vegas community and from the entrance fees ($30 per person, discounts for seniors and military).
The Las Vegas NEON Museum was recently voted No. 1 in the 2022 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Pop Culture Museum.
Visitors to the NEON Museum usually highlight the outdoor area, known as Neon Boneyard. There is a myriad of vintage neon signs from various Las Vegas past and present businesses.
According to reviews from visitors, the best choice is to book a guided tour in the evening. That way, you are able to see many of the signs with their lights on, making for excellent pictures and memories. The museum guides will provide information on the history of the signs and how they connect with local history.
Some signs are not yet restored but are illuminated with lights from the ground.
There is still a third section in the museum, called Neon Boneyard North Gallery. It is available for booking weddings and photoshoots.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Madame Tussaud’s museums are famous all over the world for the unique experience they offer. This museum provides a chance to see the powerful and the famous up close–-or at least their best possible replicas impersonator.
There are no traditional museum poles or velvet ropes, so you can really get side by side with your idols for a picture. They even allow touching the wax figures.
Visitors to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas are impressed by the realism of the sculptures. All pieces feature a great level of detail.
If you want some time off the typical Las Vegas action, this museum might not be your best choice. It is located inside The Venetian Hotel and Casino, so really at the heart of the strip. Inside, music is loud as can be the crowds.
All Madame Tussauds museums display wax figures of celebrities. However, each one features special sections according to the city they are in.
In the Las Vegas museum, there is a section dedicated to The Hangover. Interesting to note is that the movie series yielded Las Vegas more than a dedicated area at Madame Tussauds. A new trend of bachelor parties in Las Vegas grew after the movie and is going strong to this day.
It is interesting to note that the movie series inspired not only a section in the wax museum but a new city tradition. Bachelor parties came to Las Vegas by the dozens and the hype is going strong to this day.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is a bit smaller than some of its counterparts in other major cities. However, it is regarded by visitors as a worthwhile visit.
The Mob Museum Las Vegas
This highly informative museum is found inside a restored 1933 courthouse and post office building. It sits just minutes from Freemont Street. Make sure to make transportation arrangements according to the specific needs of your travel party.
The museum’s mission is to expand public understanding of organized crime and its impact on the United States society.
You can buy tickets to the exhibits and to the interactive experiences available. These are Crime Lab, Firearm Training, and Distillery Tour and Tasting.
Visitors enjoy the interactive experiences and regard them as truly entertaining.
The museum is a must for any traveler who loves seeing authentic artifacts. The collection includes many items from the Prohibition era such as containers to carry liquor secretly.