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Nevada State Museum

Family explores Nevada history exhibits at the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas, including wildlife, historic Las Vegas, and atomic-era displays.
Address
309 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89107 United States Get Directions
Phone (702) 486-5205
Website https://www.lasvegasnvmuseum.org/

Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas explores the natural and cultural history of Nevada, from ancient geology and Indigenous cultures to mining, railroads, Hoover Dam, the atomic era, and the rise of Las Vegas.

The museum is located on the Springs Preserve campus and features a 13,000-square-foot permanent gallery, rotating exhibits, historic artifacts, fossils, wildlife displays, and collections that document Nevada’s changing communities and industries.

Last reviewed: October 2026. Hours, admission, and exhibits can change. Check the museum website before visiting.

What You’ll See

  • Nevada geology and Great Basin natural history
  • Nevada’s state fossil, the ichthyosaur
  • Native American history and culture
  • Pioneers, miners, ranchers, railroaders, and early settlers
  • Hoover Dam and Southern Nevada development
  • The atomic era and Nevada Test Site history
  • Las Vegas tourism and entertainment history
  • Historic costumes, artifacts, photographs, and changing exhibits

Permanent Gallery

The museum’s 13,000-square-foot permanent gallery tells Nevada’s story from millions of years ago to the present.

Visitors can learn how geology shaped the Great Basin, see the plants and animals that live across the state, and explore the lives of Native Americans, pioneers, miners, railroad workers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs.

The gallery also covers Hoover Dam, the atomic era, and the development of Las Vegas into a major resort destination.

Changing Exhibits

The Nevada State Museum regularly presents temporary and hallway exhibits drawn from its collections and partnerships.

These exhibits may focus on Nevada photography, maps, art, clothing, transportation, community history, natural history, or newly acquired artifacts.

Because temporary exhibits change, check the museum’s current exhibit schedule before visiting.

Collections and Museum History

The museum’s current Springs Preserve building opened to the public in 2011. The facility includes approximately 70,000 square feet of exhibit space, collections storage, library space, and public areas.

The expanded facility allows the museum to display paleontological fossils, historic artifacts, and collections that were difficult to exhibit at its former Lorenzi Park location.

One of the museum’s notable collections is its large archive of Folies Bergère costumes, reflecting an important part of Las Vegas entertainment history.

Hours

Thursday–Monday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Last entry: 3:30 p.m.
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

The museum is also closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Group Visits and School Programs

The museum welcomes youth groups, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and private tours. Guided and self-guided visits must be arranged in advance and depend on staff or volunteer availability.

School and youth programs may include special educational opportunities. Contact the museum in advance for current group rates, field-trip details, and scheduling.

Location

The Nevada State Museum is located on the Springs Preserve campus, across from Meadows Mall.

Address:
309 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89107
(Map It)

Phone: (702) 486-5205

GPS note: The museum recommends using the Springs Preserve address, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., for GPS navigation.

Visit the Official Nevada State Museum Website

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