Las Vegas contemporary history is rich and storied. And what better way to learn about it than by visiting one of the area’s many museums, depicting everything from the area’s geological history, to the religious roots and even the Vegas signage legacy? Following is a list of a few of the more popular museums.
Liberace Museum
A true landmark of Las Vegas, the Liberace Museum opened in 1979 as a way for the performer to showcase his vast collection of stage and show paraphernalia and earn money for his own Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts. Today the museum still works on a non-profit basis, securing money for the charity while providing visitors with a peek at the extraordinary life of one of Las Vegas’ most famous showmen. The building’s gaudy exterior – a cartoonish architectural style mixing sheet music, piano keys, and other musical staples – is a good indication of the wonders to behold inside. Visitors exploring the museum will see all kinds of memorabilia from large pianos (uniquely decorated) and extravagant cars in warehouse-size showrooms to smaller costumes and stage props. One section even features a re-creation of one of Liberace’s own living quarters in Palm Springs.
Atomic Testing Museum
A far cry from the otherwise upbeat attractions surrounding Las Vegas, the Atomic Testing Museum teaches visitors about the history of the nearby Nevada Test Site, and America’s nuclear endeavors. The museum is operated by the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving this particular place in American history. Visitors to the museum will be presented with video presentations regarding the history and functions of the Nevada Test Site. Artifacts on display include scientific equipment, photographs and documents showing various tests and explosions. The museum is located on the Desert Research Institute campus, and is open year-round.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Unlike most of the educational exhibits around Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum has, among other things, information on the history of Las Vegas thousands of years before humankind decided to turn it into a vacation destination. The museum is divided into several exhibits, or “galleries”, which feature displays and information on various facets of area history: marine life, dinosaurs, and other wildlife are on display. The “Wild Nevada” gallery showcases wildlife from Nevada and the Las Vegas region. In addition to the displays, the museum features a collection of live animals native to the region, including reptiles such as snakes and lizards. The museum is targeted to a younger sect, particularly local families, children, and school field trips.
Neon Museum
A museum that would only fit in a city like Las Vegas, the Neon Museum, located at the Fremont Street Experience, is a collection of old, restored Las Vegas signs from decades past. The museum is easily accessible from Fremont Street, and visitors walking through the area are bound to catch more than a glimpse of these larger-than-life historical pieces, some dating back as early as 1940. However, for those truly interested in Las Vegas signage, a trip to the nearby Boneyard is a real treat. On this three-acre parcel rests old, un-restored signs. Like an automotive junkyard for signs, this impressive outdoor collection features a wide array of old Vegas memorabilia, slowly bleaching in the sun, waiting to be restored. Visitors must schedule an appointment for a tour of the Boneyard.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Though the Las Vegas Valley was inhabited for hundreds of years prior to Western influence, the first permanent native settlement in the area was constructed by Mormon missionaries in 1855. This small adobe fort was used as a rest station for those traveling through as well as a starting post to convert the native population to Christianity. It was abandoned just two years later. Today, portions of the original fort have been preserved as part of the Nevada Division of State Parks. Located near the center of Downtown Las Vegas, visitors may tour the remaining portions of the small fort, as well as learn about the history of the area.
Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park
Also known as simply the “Las Vegas Zoo”, the Southern Nevada Zoological – Botanical Park is a tiny retreat within the congestion of modern Vegas. Although only three acres in size, it has about 200 different species of plants and animals on display. Attractions are diverse and include alligators, birds, lions, and many endangered species. However, the park also offers what it calls Desert Eco-Tours – full day excursions to some of the neighboring landscape’s most famous attractions. Via bus group tour, visitors are brought to several area hotspots, including the famous Groom Lake, the ghost town of Delamar, old mining facilities, and more. Excursions may last eight hours or more. Reservations are required for the tours, which may cost upwards of several hundred dollars for the day.
Las Vegas Art Museum
Las Vegas is no stranger to exhibits of fine art. The Las Vegas Art Museum, first established in 1950, was the first of its kind in Southern Nevada. Today it is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, and offers a rotation of art exhibits, primarily from the local artistic community. It also plays host to numerous educational programs and occasionally displays art projects from local students. Visit their website for more information on current exhibits.
Lied Discovery Children's Museum
The Lied Discovery Children’s Museum first opened in 1990, and has since become a staple of local education for Las Vegas area youth. It features science, technology, and humanities exhibits designed for a mix of school-aged children and their teachers or families. Much of the museum specializes in helping children discover aspects of the adult world, such as daily routines and different careers. Some of the highly interactive exhibits include the Discovery Market, where children can learn to shop and value merchandise. They can also learn about music, tornados, electricity, plants, animals, and even space travel. The museum is highly geared towards younger children and their families, with a special area for people under 5 years old. Packages and rentals may be available for special events, such as birthday parties.
