The Las Vegas branch of the Nevada State Museum offers visitors an interactive way to explore Nevada's history from its earliest days millions of years ago through today. The museum was founded in 1982 and has a mission to educate and inspire the public about the state's cultural and natural history.
When it was built, it was the largest structure of its kind in the state designed expressly as a museum, and it began with 3 major galleries. Today, the museum has grown by leaps and bounds and offers 70,000 square feet of space dedicated to libraries, exhibits, public areas, and storage.
Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas - one of the highlights of 10 Unique Museums near Las Vegas (Read all about Las Vegas here)
Highlights of the Nevada State Museum
Besides its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts highlighted rotating exhibits that are constantly changing. These include a 2020 exhibit that celebrated the ratification of the 19th Amendment and past exhibits celebrating everything from motorcycles and maps to coyotes, derby cars, and creatures that have evolved to survive in the desert.
The Permanent Galleries are designed to be interactive and take you on a journey through Nevada's natural and cultural history. You'll learn about the geologic activity that formed the Great Basin, the plants and animals that inhabit the state, the Nevada state dinosaur, Native Americans, pioneers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, Hoover Dam, and the rise of Las Vegas.
Good to know about the Nevada State Museum
If you're moving to Las Vegas or plan to be in the area for an extended time, annual passes are available. Prices are higher for visitors than residents but are still quite affordable, and parking is available. The gift store offers history books, trinkets, souvenirs, and locally made arts and crafts.
The Las Vegas Museum is not to be confused with the Carson Springs location, which is a sister museum and offers different exhibits. Walking through the various exhibits will require several hours, and getting the full experience requires interacting with touchscreens, holograms, and audio stations, but the museum is handicap accessible.
Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas
Adress: 309 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107, USA
Telefonnummer: +1 702-486-5205