Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

The Nevada State Museum is a unique space where the history and nature of one of the most vibrant regions in the USA come to life. Located near the city of North Las Vegas, this museum serves as a primary gateway to the state's past, covering periods from prehistoric times to the golden age of the entertainment industry.

Founded in 1982, the museum has grown from a small exhibition hall to a modern 70,000-square-foot complex within the Springs Preserve. Here, natural history, archaeology, and cultural heritage coexist harmoniously under one roof, turning a standard tour into an engaging intellectual adventure.

The museum's mission is to inspire visitors by preserving and showcasing Nevada's artifacts. Among its chief treasures are paleontological fossils, telling the stories of ancient desert inhabitants, and the famous Folies Bergère costume archive, which features thousands of unique items that have become icons of Las Vegas.

To inquire about special exhibitions or plan a group visit, you can use the official contact details for the Nevada State Museum. Museum staff are always ready to help visitors navigate the current programs.

Inside the museum, you will find yourself immersed in several thematic worlds. In the biological sciences halls, you can see representatives of Nevada's flora and fauna, while the geology section will impress with its collection of rare minerals and ancient fossils. Visitors can literally touch history by examining artifacts found during archaeological excavations in the Southwest.

One of the most spectacular displays is the extensive Folies Bergère show costume collection—a true celebration of glitz and feathers, numbering around 8,000 items. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions dedicated to the development of local industry, atomic testing history, or the lives of early settlers, making every visit unique.

For those who want to learn more, the research library doors are open, and interactive displays make the museum a great place for a family outing. Children and adults can participate in educational programs that tell the story of how a barren desert transformed into a world-renowned, thriving region in an engaging way.

Getting to the museum is quite simple, as it is located on the well-known Springs Preserve campus, not far from the city center. If you are traveling by car, follow Valley View Blvd—free and convenient parking is provided for visitors directly on the complex grounds.

For those preferring public transport, the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) urban bus network operates nearby, with stops just a few minutes' walk from the entrance. From Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), it is most convenient to take a taxi or use Uber and Lyft—the trip usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

While there are scenic trails for pedestrians and cyclists around the Springs Preserve area, the region's specific desert climate means most tourists prefer motorized transport for a comfortable arrival at the museum's doors.

The history of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas began in 1982. It was the first building in the state designed and built specifically for museum purposes. Originally located in Lorenzi Park, it quickly gained status as a vital cultural center, housing biology, geology, and anthropology halls under one roof.

A significant stage of development occurred in 2000, when state residents voted to allocate funds for a new, more modern building. After meticulous planning and construction, the museum officially opened its doors at the Springs Preserve in October 2011. The move allowed for a significant expansion of exhibition space—now spanning an impressive 70,000 square feet.

The new space not only doubled the size of the old building but also allowed for the display of unique artifacts that had been kept in storage for decades. Today, the museum is a key link in the Nevada Department of Museums and History system, carefully preserving the region's cultural heritage for future generations of researchers and travelers.

To leisurely explore all the main galleries, discover the paleontological finds, and study the costume collection, we recommend setting aside at least 2–3 hours for your visit. This is usually enough time to walk through all the thematic halls and check out the temporary exhibitions.

If you plan to delve into materials in the research library or combine your visit with a stroll through the Springs Preserve grounds, your visit could easily last half a day. The museum is organized very logically, so even in a couple of hours, you can get a comprehensive overview of the area's history.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the museum welcomes guests five days a week. Doors are open from 09:00 to 16:00 on Monday, as well as from Thursday through Sunday inclusive.

Please note that Tuesday and Wednesday are the museum's off-days when it is closed to the public. It is recommended to arrive in the first half of the day to have enough time to see all the exhibits before closing.

Exploring the museum's surroundings allows for a much deeper immersion into the region's atmosphere and complements your trip experience. Many interesting locations are situated near the Nevada State Museum—from historic districts to entertainment centers.

Below is a list of attractions located relatively nearby that may interest the curious traveler: