Nevada State Museum

Overview

The Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas chronicles the natural and cultural history of the Silver State, from prehistoric fossils to the atomic testing era. Located in the Springs Preserve complex, it features rotating exhibitions alongside permanent galleries.

Highlights

• Nevada Test Site Gallery: Artifacts and footage from the nuclear testing program conducted 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas from 1951 to 1992.
• Biological Exhibits: Life-size dioramas of Nevada's desert ecosystems.
• Ichthyosaur Fossil: A replica of the state fossil, a 55-foot marine reptile.

History

Opened in 2011, this is the younger sibling of the original Nevada State Museum in Carson City (1941). It was built at a cost of $50 million.

Visitor Tips

• Combo Ticket: A combined ticket with Springs Preserve offers better value.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.