7 Proven Must-See Las Vegas Museums This Year

1. The Neon Museum

If you’re looking for a truly unique Las Vegas experience, you’ve got to check out The Neon Museum. It’s not your typical museum, that’s for sure. This place is all about preserving and showing off the history of Las Vegas through its iconic signs. Think of it as a graveyard for old neon signs, but in a really cool, artistic way. It’s a fantastic spot to get some amazing photos and learn about the city’s past.

The museum is divided into a few main areas, and each one tells a different part of the Vegas story. You’ve got the main outdoor exhibition space, which is called the Neon Boneyard. This is where most of the big, famous signs are displayed. Then there’s the North Gallery, which hosts an immersive audiovisual show called ‘Brilliant!’ and a cool mural. They also have guided tours that really dig into the history.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

• Neon Boneyard: This is the heart of the museum. You’ll see signs from casinos, motels, and businesses that have long since closed down. It’s like walking through a timeline of Vegas’s visual history.
• North Gallery: This indoor space features the ‘Brilliant!’ show, which uses projection mapping to bring old signs to life. It’s a really neat way to see how these signs used to look and function.
• Guided Tours: They offer different tours, like the ‘History Tour’ and the ‘Viva Las Vegas Movies Tour.’ These are great for getting the inside scoop on the stories behind the signs and the people who made Vegas what it is.

They also have educational programs and events, so it’s not just for tourists. It’s a place that really captures the spirit of old Vegas. You can even rent it out for events, which sounds pretty wild.

Visiting The Neon Museum is like stepping back in time. You see these massive, colorful signs that used to light up the Strip and downtown, and you can almost feel the energy of the city from decades past. It’s a tangible connection to the history that shaped Las Vegas into the entertainment capital it is today. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in design, history, or just the sheer spectacle of it all.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s a good idea to check their website for hours and ticket information. They also have a gift shop, which is always a plus. And hey, if you’re into photography, this place is a dream. Just remember to book your tickets in advance, especially if you want to do a guided tour, as they can fill up.

2. Brilliant! Jackpot

If you’re looking for something a little different, check out Brilliant! Jackpot. It’s an immersive audiovisual show that uses light and sound to tell the story of Las Vegas. Think of it as a modern take on the city’s history, projected onto the iconic signs themselves. It’s created by an artist named Craig Winslow, and it’s definitely a unique way to experience the city’s past.

This experience is an add-on to your evening admission and lasts about 45 minutes.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A dazzling display of light and sound.
• A fresh perspective on Las Vegas history.
• An artistic interpretation of the city’s evolution.

This show is a great way to see the famous neon signs in a whole new light, literally. It’s not just about looking at old signs; it’s about feeling the energy and the story behind them. It’s a pretty cool way to connect with the city’s vibrant past.

It’s a good idea to check the schedule beforehand, as showtimes can vary. It’s a nice way to break up your evening and see something memorable. You might even find yourself humming a tune or two afterwards. It’s a fun, engaging experience that adds another layer to your visit, especially if you’re interested in the Atomic Museum and its connection to the city’s development.

3. North Gallery

The North Gallery is a pretty cool spot within The Neon Museum. It’s where you’ll find the “Brilliant! Jackpot” show, which is this really neat audiovisual experience. Artist Craig Winslow put it together, and it totally changes how you see the story of Las Vegas. It’s an add-on to your evening ticket, and it runs for about 45 minutes.

Beyond the show, this area also features the Las Vegas Luminaries mural. It’s a nice place to take photos, capturing some of the museum’s huge collection of signs.

This gallery is a great place to get a different perspective on the history and artistry of Las Vegas signage. It blends technology with the past in a unique way.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Immersive Audiovisual Show: “Brilliant! Jackpot” brings the signs to life with light and sound.
• Las Vegas Luminaries Mural: A visually striking piece that complements the signs.
• Photo Opportunities: Plenty of chances to get some memorable shots.
• Event Space: It can even be booked for special occasions like weddings.

4. Neon Boneyard

Okay, so you’ve seen the shiny new stuff, but now it’s time to get real with the Neon Boneyard. This is where the old signs go to retire, and honestly, it’s pretty cool. Think of it as a graveyard for Vegas history, but way more colorful. It’s the main outdoor exhibition space, packed with iconic signs from days gone by. You can wander through rows and rows of these giants, some still flickering, others just standing there, telling stories without a single word.

It’s not just a bunch of old signs; it’s a visual timeline of Las Vegas. You can see how the style and the messages changed over the decades. It really makes you think about how much this city has transformed.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Iconic Signage: See famous signs from casinos, motels, and businesses that are no longer around.
• Historical Context: Each sign has a story, and the museum does a good job of giving you some background.
• Photo Opportunities: It’s a photographer’s dream, especially during the day when you can really appreciate the details.

The sheer scale of some of these signs is impressive. You can’t help but feel a sense of awe looking up at them, imagining the crowds they once drew and the energy they represented. It’s a tangible connection to the past.

If you’re interested in the history of Las Vegas, especially the visual history, this is the place to be. It’s a bit different from the glitz and glamour you see on the Strip today, but it’s just as important. It’s a reminder of where it all came from. You might even recognize some from old movies or photos. It’s a really unique spot, and definitely worth checking out if you want to see the real soul of old Vegas.

5. History Tour

If you’re looking to really get into the nitty-gritty of how Las Vegas became the city it is today, the History Tour is a solid choice. It’s an add-on to your daytime ticket, so you’ll need to plan for that. The whole thing runs about 45 minutes, which feels about right to cover the basics without getting too bogged down.

This tour focuses on the evolution of the city, using the iconic neon signs as a jumping-off point. You’ll hear stories about the people who built Vegas, the booms and busts, and how the entertainment landscape changed over the decades. It’s not just about the glitz; it’s about the grit too.

Here’s a little of what you can expect:

• Key figures and their impact on Vegas development.
• The rise and fall of different eras in Las Vegas’ history.
• How the city’s identity shifted over time.

The tour does a good job of connecting the dots between the physical signs and the broader historical narrative. It’s a nice way to get a more complete picture of the Atomic Museum’s collection and the city it represents.

It’s a great way to add some context to your visit, especially if you’re a history buff or just curious about what made Vegas tick. You get to see some of the famous signs, but with a guide explaining their significance and the stories behind them. Definitely worth considering if you want to go beyond just looking at the pretty lights.

6. Viva Las Vegas Movies Tour

If you’re a fan of classic Hollywood and how Las Vegas has been portrayed on the big screen, this tour is for you. It’s a really neat way to see how movies have shaped the city’s image over the years. You’ll get to see iconic signs that have appeared in famous films. It’s a different kind of experience compared to the other tours, focusing more on the entertainment industry’s connection to the city’s visual identity.

This tour is usually an add-on to your evening admission, so plan accordingly. It lasts about 45 minutes, which is just enough time to get a good overview without feeling rushed. It’s a fun option for those looking for unique things to do in Las Vegas with kids who might enjoy seeing movie locations, or for adults who appreciate film history.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A look at signs featured in well-known movies.
• Stories about how filmmakers have used Las Vegas as a backdrop.
• Insights into the city’s role in cinematic history.

This tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s history, blending the glitz of Hollywood with the tangible history of the signs themselves. It’s a reminder of how movies have both reflected and influenced the Las Vegas experience.

It’s a great addition to your visit to one of the most interesting Las Vegas museums, offering a different angle on the city’s storied past.

7. Stories From Las Vegas Tour

If you’re looking to get a real feel for how Las Vegas came to be, beyond just the glitz and the casinos, the ‘Stories From Las Vegas Tour’ is a good pick. It’s an add-on experience, usually available with evening admission, and it runs for about 45 minutes.

This tour focuses on the human side of Vegas history. You’ll hear about the people who built the city, the challenges they faced, and the quirky tales that don’t always make it into the history books. It’s less about the big-name celebrities and more about the everyday folks and the events that shaped the city’s unique character.

It’s a great way to connect with the city’s past on a more personal level.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Behind-the-scenes anecdotes: Learn about the lesser-known figures and moments.
• Evolution of the city: Understand how Las Vegas transformed over the decades.
• Local legends and lore: Hear stories that have been passed down through generations.

This tour offers a different perspective, moving away from the typical tourist attractions to explore the foundations and the spirit of Las Vegas. It’s a chance to see the city through the eyes of those who lived and worked there during its formative years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Neon Museum about?

The Neon Museum is a super cool place where they keep old Las Vegas signs. It’s like a museum for all the bright, flashy signs that used to light up the city. You can see signs from famous casinos and businesses that are no longer around.

What is Brilliant! Jackpot?

Brilliant! Jackpot is a special show inside the Neon Museum. It uses lights and sounds to tell the story of Las Vegas in a really engaging way. It’s like stepping into a digital art piece that brings the city’s history to life.

What’s the difference between the North Gallery and the Neon Boneyard?

The Neon Boneyard is the main outdoor area where you can walk around and see tons of old signs. The North Gallery is another part of the museum that often has the Brilliant! show and cool murals.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, there are! You can take different tours like the History Tour, the Viva Las Vegas Movies Tour, and the Stories from Las Vegas Tour. These tours give you more details and fun facts about the signs and the city’s past.

Can I take pictures at the Neon Museum?

Absolutely! The Neon Museum is a fantastic spot for photos. The old signs are really beautiful and make for amazing pictures, especially when they’re lit up at night.

How long do the tours usually last?

Most of the special tours, like the History Tour or the Viva Las Vegas Movies Tour, are about 45 minutes long. It’s a good amount of time to learn interesting things without getting too tired.