For travelers itching to head to Las Vegas, they might be surprised to learn that the city's offerings span far beyond casino slot machines and the occasional shotgun wedding. Following the recent expansion of Vegas’ Neon Museum, here are a few unusual museums and attractions to suggest for your client's next trip to Sin City.
The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is a non-profit dedicated to the history of organized crime and law enforcement. From the birth of the Mob to today’s headlines, the museum provides visitors with an interactive journey through real-life crimes and true stories. This authentic view of the organized crime’s impact on the world reveals an insider’s look at events and characters of the continuing battle between law enforcement and the Mob.
In the museum, real stories are brought to life through sensory exhibits and insights from both sides of the ongoing battle. Throughout the three floors, visitors can learn everything from the FBI’s infiltration of the Mob to Hollywood’s portrayal of crime and its role in popular culture. Visitors can even test their skills in basic weapon training simulation.
For more information on tickets and tours, visit themobmuseum.org
The National Atomic Testing Museum
In association with the Smithsonian Institution, the National Atomic Testing Museum tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site. The museum uses lessons of the past and present to provide guests with a better understanding of the extent and effects of nuclear testing.
Throughout the 8,000 square feet of museum exhibits are some of the rarest artifacts relating to the nation’s atomic testing program. Visitors will learn about world events leading up to the establishment of the test site, experience a Ground Zero Theater simulation of an above-ground test, see a replica of the Control Point where the countdown was conducted before each nuclear detonation and reflect on the history of atomic testing.
The museum offers self-guided group tours and family pack tickets. For more information, visit nationalatomictestingmuseum.org
Erotic Heritage Museum
Also known as the Harry Mohney Erotic Museum, the Erotic Heritage Museum (EHM) was originally created through the unusual partnership between a preacher and a pornographer. Reverend Ted McIlvenna and Harry Mohney agreed to work together to preserve erotic artifacts, fine art and film.
The museum has more than 24,000 square feet of permanent and featured exhibits. It is dedicated to the belief that sexual activity is a natural part of the human experience and that individual sexuality belongs to everyone. Aside from self-guided tours, the EHM also offers workshops, lectures, special events and venue rental.
Adults 18+ can visit eroticmuseumvegas.com for tickets and more information.
The Pinball Hall of Fame
A popular destination among tourists and locals alike, The Pinball Hall of Fame boasts more than 200 games in a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in close proximity to the Las Vegas strip. While most games are pinball, there are a few sports-themed games all of which are from the 1940’s era to modern day. A few games cost 10 cents per play, most cost 25 cents and the newest pinball games cost 50 cents.
The Pinball Hall of Fame is an attempt by the members of the Las Vegas Collectors Club to house and display the world’s largest pinball collection. As a not-for-profit corporation, excess revenue from the museum is donated to charity.
To view a list of available games, visit pinballmuseum.org
Burlesque Hall of Fame
The Burlesque Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Burlesque as an art form. The museum houses a collection of several thousand costumes, stage props, photographs, and personal mementos documenting the lives of burlesque dancers.
Inside the Burlesque Hall of Fame is 3,000 square feet of exhibition and program space. This space provides ample room for rotating exhibitions on a variety of themes. There are more than 3,500 artifacts in the Burlesque collection, including costumes, props, photos, posters and much more. In addition, the program space provides for performances, readings, classes and events as well as offices, a gift shop and a space to preserve the Hall of Fame’s unique collection.
The Burlesque Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization. For more information visit burlesquehall.com
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