When you think about Vegas, going to a museum probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. No, we’re far from D.C., New York, Chicago, and L.A. when it comes to traditional art and science museums. It’s not really our vibe. However, Las Vegas definitely has a storied history to tell as well as some artistic experiences to share. If you’re looking to take a break from the casino floor to go explore, here are my top three must-see places to check out.
The Neon Museum
Located downtown just north of Fremont Street (cab or Lyft highly encouraged), The Neon Museum hosts an incredible collection of iconic Las Vegas signs that tell the rich history of Sin City. After checking in at the visitor’s center (housed in the former La Concha hotel lobby!) you’ll walk outside (dress appropriately, folks) into the Neon Boneyard where you’ll be greeted by restored marquee signs from hotels, casinos, and clubs dating all the way back to the 1930s! For this experience, I can’t recommend the Guided Tours enough, as the museum interpreters have such a wealth of knowledge to share. It’s truly fascinating to learn about popular trends in sign design from the different Vegas eras as well as what the signs represent from a historical point of view. Whether you’re visiting during the day or at nighttime where many signs are lit up, don’t forget to bring your camera!
The Mob Museum
Also located downtown (but within walking distance of the Fremont Street Experience), The Mob Museum pays homage to the history (and conflict) of organized crime and law enforcement in American society, with a special spotlight on the city of Las Vegas. Housed in a restored former U.S. Post Office and Courthouse (that hosted the Kefauver hearings in the 1950s), you’ll explore the rise and fall of mobsters’ influence on the city as well as the nation. I’ve visited a few times with friends and family, having done self-guided tours and a scavenger hunt. How ever you choose to experience the museum, you’ll definitely want to carve out 3-4 hours to really take it all in and enjoy the interactive exhibits. Also, it’s worth mentioning that there’s a speakeasy in the basement with a stellar cocktail menu.
AREA15
While the last two museums look to the past, AREA15 looks to the future as an immersive art and entertainment experience designed to bombard the senses upon entry (at least it did for me) and transport you to other worlds. Located off The Strip (cab or Lyft is very necessary), this place truly is a departure from your typical Vegas vacation! I had the pleasure of exploring everything with Lance and his wife, Rebecca, when they came to visit over Labor Day weekend. We found plenty of places to hang out and drink while playing virtual golf, throwing axes, or racking up points on old school pinball machines and arcade games. We saw several people enjoying an augmented reality scavenger hunt, while we opted for a taste of virtual reality and went to space! We also explored the fantastical infinity rooms from Wink World. Maybe the neon color scheme spoke to our 90s upbringing, or maybe we just wanted the cool 3D glasses. Next time, I’m going back to check out Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart and maybe take a full aerial tour on the zipline. AREA15 is definitely not your parents’ art museum!
Happy exploring, y’all!