Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas – also known as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World.’
For a city that saw more than 40 million visitors in 2023 – amounting to more than 100,000 visitors per day – it’s no surprise that Vegas has plenty of options to consider when looking for entertainment.
Casinos, celebrity chef restaurants, shows, concerts, hiking, people-watching, and… museums?
Yes, you read that right – museums.
With most people traveling to Las Vegas for the nightlife, gambling, and food, it’s easy to overlook the many unique museums this city has to offer – some of which you’ve probably never even heard of before.
10. Pinball Hall of Fame
Location: 4925 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (by the airport)
Tickets: Free admission, but pay for games
The Pinball Hall of Fame is located right across from the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign – nothing quite like killing two birds with one stone. It’s a registered 501c3 non-profit, so profits go to a great cause.
The PHoF is run by Tim Arnold, and is ‘an attempt by the members of the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club to house and display the world’s largest pinball collection’ with more than 700 playable machines.
9. Las Vegas Natural History Museum (LVNHM)
Location: 900 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (Downtown Las Vegas)
Tickets: $14 for adult / $12 for seniors, youth, and military / $7 for child
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the Fremont Street Experience.
The museum has a wide range of galleries, from dinosaurs to marine life, wildlife, and even ancient Egypt. It has been open since 1991 and is suitable for all ages – meaning the whole family can join!
8. Neon Museum
Location: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (down the street from the LVNHM)
Tickets: $20 for adult / $15 for military / $10 for youth (7-17)
The Neon Museum is a sign-lover’s paradise. According to its website, it’s ‘a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs.’
You’ll get to see signs dating as far back as the 1930s – each with unique stories, and each playing a role in Las Vegas’ distinctive history. Believe it or not, you can even have your wedding here!
7. Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum
Location: 600 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104 (by the Pawn Stars shop)
Tickets: $54 for general admission / $86 for RIP All Access
Zak Bagans, perhaps best known for his series Ghost Adventures on the Discovery Channel and MAX, has put together one of the creepiest and scariest haunted museums in the world – so be prepared!
The museum is located inside an actual haunted house (built in 1938) and is even home to the Dybbuk Box – considered to be one of the most haunted objects in the world. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth the visit!
6. Mob Museum
Location: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (near Fremont Street)
Tickets: $34.95 general admission / $49.95 deluxe pass / $54.95 premier pass
The Mob Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. It aims to advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society.
There are four floors to discover, but the highly-recommended deluxe and premier passes give you access to three interactive experiences – including the Crime Lab, Distillery Tour and Tasting, and Firearm Training Simulator.
5. Discovery Children’s Museum
Location: 360 Promenade Pl, Las Vegas, NV 89106 (near Fremont Street)
Tickets: $17 for general admission
If you’re looking for a fun-filled experience for the kids, you’ve found it at the Discovery Children’s Museum. It’s the perfect museum for a night out with the family, birthday party, or school field trip.
The 58,000-square-foot, three-story building sees roughly 250,000 visitors every year and is home to a wide variety of educational exhibits – including The Summit, Discovery Lab, Ego City, Patents Pending, and more.
4. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Location: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (inside the Luxor Hotel & Casino)
Tickets: $34 general admission / $32 seniors / $27 military / $26 youth
The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition has been viewed by more than 25 million people – all of whom were mesmerized by the 250+ artifacts that help you explore the tragic story of the world’s most famous ocean-liner.
Located inside the Luxor Hotel & Casino (right on the Las Vegas Strip), the Exhibition is a must-see for any fan of the Titanic – giving you a crystal clear look at what it was like inside the 52,000-ton ship.
3. Museum of Illusions
Location: 3716 S Las Vegas Blvd #1.02, Las Vegas, NV 89158 (in between the Cosmopolitan and The Shops at Crystals)
Tickets: $45 for adults / $38 for children
The Museum of Illusions (MOI) features a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images that are sure to blow your mind and make you question life.
It’s not just a Las Vegas thing, either – they have 40 locations across 25 countries and 4 continents, with several more locations currently in the works. Their international presence goes to show how popular it is.
2. BODIES… The Exhibition
Location: 3645 Las Vegas Blvd S Suite A1-A3, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (inside the Luxor)
Tickets: $34 for adults / $26 for children
If you plan on going to the Titanic museum, then why not make it a true adventure and stop by the BODIES… The Exhibition museum – both of which are located inside the Luxor Hotel & Casino.
The exhibit has been visited by more than 15 million people, and features 13 whole-body specimens and more than 260 organs and partial body specimens – for those who want to learn more about the body.
1. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Location: 3600 Las Vegas Fwy, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (inside the Bellagio Hotel & Casino)
Tickets: $18 general admission
Alright, I know this is more of an art gallery than a museum, but it features work from some of the world’s most famous and inspiring artists. It originally opened in 1998 and is located inside the Bellagio resort.
Some of the featured artists include Cang Xin, Cui Xiuwen, Hai Bo, Hong Hao, Hong Lei, Huang Yan, Qiu Zhijie, RongRong, Tong Dazhuang, Wang Qingsong, Weng Fen, Xing Danwen, and Zhang Huan.
Take a Break From the History at Il Toro
Many people would be surprised to learn that there’s much more to Las Vegas than gambling, nightlife, pool parties, and Raiders games. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, museums always hit the spot!
But at a certain point, you’re going to need to fuel up on some food.
Don’t worry – that’s what Il Toro E La Capra is here for!
Il Toro E La Capra is an infusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine created by Javier Barajas. We’re a stone’s throw away from the Pinball Hall of Fame, and down the street from the Bodies and Titanic exhibits.
When you need a food break, we’ll be here waiting for you! You can book a reservation here.
