Discover the quirky side of Las Vegas with one-of-a-kind museums showcasing everything from punk rock treasures to vintage arcade games. If you’re looking for things to do beyond the casinos, add these offbeat spots to your Sin City bucket list.
The Punk Rock Museum
The Punk Rock Museum is one of the newest additions to Las Vegas’ wacky museum scene and a love letter to the rebel within us all. Immerse yourself in punk history by exploring more than 1,000 artifacts from legendary punk bands, including instruments, photos, and clothing. Play guitars and basses used by bands like Rise Against and NOFX in the Guitar Room. Keep an eye out for guest appearances from actual punk rock singers who occasionally lead guided museum tours.
Pinball Hall of Fame
Gaming enthusiasts and nostalgia lovers won’t want to miss a trip to the Pinball Hall of Fame. The sprawling museum houses vintage pinball machines from the 1950s to the 1990s, and the best part? You can play them all. Bring quarters (or cash for the change machine) and experience classic pinball themes like Godzilla, Jaws, and Super Mario Brothers. With every variation you can imagine, this museum is a Pinball paradise.
The Neon Museum
Known as the “Neon Boneyard,” The Neon Museum honors Las Vegas history by showcasing hundreds of neon signs dating back to the 1930s. Walk through the outdoor exhibition space, then find even more signs inside the North Gallery. Embark on a movie tour that takes you on a cinematic journey through time, or choose a history-focused tour through eras like the Civil Rights Movement. For the full effect, visit at night, when the flashy signs light up the desert sky.
The Haunted Museum
Curated by Ghost Adventures host and paranormal investigator Zak Bagans, this award-winning museum is home to thousands of oddities. If you dare, venture through winding hallways, secret passages, and themed rooms filled with cursed artifacts and items that belonged to serial killers. Set inside the historic Wengert Mansion, The Haunted Museum experience combines Bagans’ personal collection and true accounts of hauntings that once took place there. Keep in mind it’s only for ages 14 and up!
Hollywood Cars Museum
Rev up your inner car enthusiast at the Hollywood Cars Museum, where you can check out famous vehicles from hundreds of movies and TV shows. Walk the massive space to see classics like the Back to the Future DeLorean, the Batmobile, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. You’ll also find crazy rides like a piano car and a pink convertible limo with a built-in hot tub. Come prepared to fuel your love for Hollywood nostalgia—and bring cash.
Burlesque Hall of Fame
As the world’s only museum dedicated to burlesque, the Burlesque Hall of Fame celebrates the artistry and history behind this dramatic form of expression. Discover sparkly costumes, photographs, and memorabilia in exhibitions like Becoming Burlesque and Dancing the Revolution: Feminism in Burlesque History. Maximize your visit with a 30-minute guided tour, which is included in your ticket price. It’s a small museum, but well worth a stop for history buffs and showbiz fans.
Museum of Selfies
Located at the LINQ Promenade in the Las Vegas Strip, the Museum of Selfies brilliantly combines art with social media culture. Walk through interactive exhibits designed to capture the coolest and most creative shots. Snap quirky photos in the Emoji Pool, create an optical illusion in the Upside Down Room and live out your luxe fantasy in a private jet. Bring your loved ones and get ready for the photoshoot of a lifetime with a backdrop for every occasion.
The Mob Museum
Dive into the history of organized crime in America at The Mob Museum, located inside a historic federal courthouse. Walk through four stories of interactive exhibits filled with artifacts that explore the mob’s impact on Las Vegas and beyond. Step into the life of a forensic analyst in the Crime Lab, or test your sharp-shooter skills in the firearm training simulator. End your tour in the Underground Speakeasy for a moonshine flight and an inside look at Prohibition history.
Erotic Heritage Museum
The Erotic Heritage Museum offers an eye-opening look into human sexuality and its influence on art and media. Wander through fascinating exhibits like the World Erotic Collection and Forbidden Gallery to see thousands of artifacts, from antique toys and ancient sculptures to modern art and photography. It might be located next to a few gentlemen’s clubs, but this offbeat attraction is more of an educational experience. Don’t miss the gift shop for quirky NSFW souvenirs.
National Atomic Testing Museum
Embark on a journey through the history of nuclear testing in the Nevada desert at this Smithsonian-affiliated museum. Check out unique artifacts, full-scale models, and interactive displays. Experience a Ground Zero Theater simulation of an above-ground test and marvel at a real nuclear reactor. Learn about the atomic era’s impact on pop culture, from comic books to TV shows. If you’re curious about this pivotal era, the National Atomic Testing Museum is a must-visit.
