Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Museums Las Vegas
These can’t-miss museums offer an array of attractions designed to mesmerize art addicts and curious gallery-goers alike. Distinguished by their modern art masterpieces, architectural triumphs, oddball collections, or undeniable cool factor, these are the best-in-class museums in the world’s hottest cities.
Best Museums in....
Best “So Vegas” Museums
Las Vegas
Liberace Museum 1775 E. Tropicana Ave., North Las Vegas, 702-798-5595 liberace.org
The Draw: Check out the flashy legacy of “Mr. Showmanship,” a true icon. The Scene: The collections of pianos, cars, costumes, and jewelry span two buildings. See a re-creation of Liberace’s Palm Springs bedroom; his red, white, and blue Rolls-Royce; and a cape designed after King George V’s coronation robes. Though the guides take things very seriously, it’s the kitsch factor that makes it fun. Mon–Sat 10am–5pm. $ Hot Tip: Some say Liberace’s ghost has been seen at Carluccio’s Tivoli Gardens, a restaurant that he used to own just off the Strip.
Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Center Strip, 702-862-7800 mtvegas.com
The Draw: The tenth in the family of Tussaud wax museums, this outpost features some decidedly Las Vegas personalities. The Scene: The two-story museum features 100 freestanding wax statues, each of which took six months and up to $40,000 to create. Along with popular entertainment and sports figures (Brad Pitt, Tiger Woods) dozens of Vegas celebrities are on display, from gangster and hotelier Bugsy Siegel to Frank Sinatra, Wayne Newton, and Criss Angel. Feel free wander up and pose for a picture. Daily 10am–10pm $$ Hot Tip: Cozy up with the Hugh Heffner figure and “Hef will flirt right back at you via pre-recorded come-ons.
The Atomic Testing Museum 755 E. Flamingo Rd., East Flamingo, 702-794-5161 atomictestingmuseum.org
The Draw: Engrossing displays and interactive exhibits focus on the controversial Nevada Test Site and the broader impact of the nuclear age. The Scene: Just off the Strip, this small Smithsonian Institute affiliate features pop culture artifacts (toys, movies, food, furniture), vintage footage from underground tests, first-person narratives, and interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the simulated nuclear blast in the Ground Zero Theater, or the interactive Geiger counter exhibit, where you can scan Fiesta dinnerware. Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm. $ Hot Tip: Check out the store for nuclear-inspired candy (Atomic Ooze, Atomic Fireballs), propaganda posters, Einstein dolls, and more.
