The Best Museums & Exhibits In Las Vegas (Including Free & Family Friendly Options)

Las Vegas may be known as a land of indulgence that caters to any whim no matter how weird or wild, but it also offers activities from the more moderate end of the spectrum. Enter museums—the perfect way to spend a hot day in Vegas leisurely learning about the past, the arts, and local culture in the comfort of a temperature-controlled space.

Las Vegas boasts a number of odd and interesting museum options, including the Haunted Museum, Hollywood Cars Museum, and the Erotic Heritage Museum. It also offers some less racy and outlandish museums for those looking for some non-weird, family-friendly options.

Here are our favorite museums, including history and science museums in Las Vegas, as well as art museums in Las Vegas.

As a city and state located in a desert, Las Vegas and Nevada both have a fascinating history and some of the most unique flora and fauna in the country—after all, the people, animals, and plants that call this place home have had to adapt to some seriously harsh conditions. Learn more about the past, culture, and environment of the area at these museums:

Location: 900 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV

Who doesn’t love a trip to a Natural History Museum? The LVNHM features the classic exhibits you expect (and enjoy!) at most Natural History Museums, as well as some Nevada-specific features. Spend an exciting and educational day strolling around the:

Learn more about what the Las Vegas Natural History Museum has to offer.

Location: 360 Promenade Place, Las Vegas, NV

For those with children, you can spend some time exploring and learning at the many levels and exhibits of the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum.

Exhibits include:

Learn more about events & activities to enjoy at DISCOVERY Children’s Museum.

Location: 333 S Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV

Springs Preserve is not a museum itself, but it is home to the Nevada State Museum, which offers exhibits such as:

The Nevada State Museum is also home to other changing exhibits. Check out what’s on now.

It also houses the Origen Museum, a portmanteau of “original” and “generations”. This museum has more than 75 permanent exhibits, including:

While you’re there, be sure to check out the rest of what Springs Preserve has to offer, such as:

And more! Visit Springs Preserve to see a full list of what they have available.

Location: 1830 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV

Located in nearby Henderson, the Clark County Museum is full of interesting historical exhibits, offering a unique experience as you stroll around a recreation of historic Clark County. Be sure to check out:

Some exhibits, such as the fun and fascinating “Obsolete Objects”, regularly change. Check out what’s on now.

Location:601 Yucca St., Boulder City,, NV

All aboard! Next stop is the Nevada Southern Railway Museum in Boulder City, just 10 minutes away from the Clark County Museum. Trains played a big role in North American history, and there is nothing more wholesome than a museum dedicated to trains and their tracks. At the Nevada Southern Railway Museum you can ride the rails in a genuine steam engine, view model railroads, or even be an engineer for an hour.

Check out what other activities NSRM has to offer.

There are many small galleries and exhibits located in Casino & Hotels or among stores along the Strip, such as:

And more! But for a full art museum experience, there is one place to see:

Location: 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, UNLV, Las Vegas, NV

While history and historical art in particular can be fun and awe-inspiring, sometimes it’s important (and beneficial) to check out the artwork that is being created today.

In Vegas, you can find artwork from contemporary and up-and-coming artists, as well as some from the recent past, at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art (AKA The Barrick) at the University of Las Vegas. It is home to several galleries hosting different collections and exhibits and boasts free admission (voluntary contribution recommended at $5 for adults, $2 for kids & seniors).

Exhibits change regularly. Check out what’s on now.

Museums are a great way to spend time getting to know the area you are visiting during your vacation. Enjoy a perfectly normal day pursuing some of Las Vegas’ most impressive historical, cultural, and artistic offerings at non-weird museums such as:

For more museums to visit, check out 9 Weird & Wonderful Las Vegas Museums.

Featured Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash.