Mob Museum facts for kids
Museum logo
|
|
| Established | 14 February 2012 |
|---|---|
| Location | 300 E Stewart Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA |
| Type | History |
The Mob Museum, also known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is a cool history museum located in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It's a place where you can learn about the history of organized crime in the United States. You also discover how police and other agencies worked to stop these activities.
The museum opened on February 14, 2012. It's housed in a really old building that used to be the Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse. This building was built way back in 1933 and is even listed as a special historical place. The museum is in a central part of Las Vegas, not far from the famous Fremont Street. It's run by a non-profit group that works with the City of Las Vegas. The museum helps visitors understand the complex relationship between organized crime and law enforcement throughout American history.
Museum History: How It Started
The building where the museum is now was sold to the city in 2000 for just $1! There was a special rule that the city had to make the building look like it did originally. It also had to be used for something cultural, like a museum.
The idea for a museum about organized crime came from the mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman, in 2002. He used to be a lawyer who defended people accused of being involved in organized crime. At first, some groups didn't like the idea. However, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) supported it. Even the former head FBI agent in Las Vegas, Ellen Knowlton, joined the museum's board.
The museum officially opened its doors on February 14, 2012. It quickly became a popular spot for people to learn about this unique part of American history.
Explore the Exhibits: What You'll See
The Mob Museum has many interesting exhibits. A main part of the museum is the courtroom on the second floor. This was a real courtroom where important hearings about organized crime took place in the 1950s. These hearings helped show the public what was happening.
One of the most famous items in the museum is a brick wall. This wall came from the place where a very well-known historical event, the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, happened. Other exhibits show how law enforcement used methods like wiretapping to gather information. In 2018, a new exhibit called "Organized Crime Today" was added. It shows how these types of crimes have changed over time.
Your visit usually starts on the third floor. You can take an elevator or stairs to see the St. Valentine's Day Massacre wall. As you move through the museum, you'll learn about the history of organized crime. This includes how it grew during Prohibition, when alcohol was illegal. The exhibits use lots of photos and stories to explain important events and people.
The museum has different sections that cover various topics. You can learn about how organized crime was involved in things like gambling and making illegal alcohol. You'll also see how law enforcement worked hard to stop these activities. There are even pictures and short stories about some of the most well-known figures from this time. Near the exit, there's a special wall with pictures of actors who have played famous organized crime figures in movies and TV shows. Many exhibits are interactive, meaning you can touch and try things. There are also screens playing historical videos.
On the first floor, you'll find a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. The museum uses photos, text, displays, and hands-on activities to teach you. You can learn about the start of Las Vegas casinos and important figures like J. Edgar Hoover, who helped create the FBI. You can even sit in a replica electric chair (don't worry, it's not real!). You can also listen to actual wiretap recordings and explore a crime lab exhibit. This exhibit teaches you about forensic science, which is how science helps solve crimes.
The Underground Speakeasy and Distillery
In April 2018, the museum opened a special exhibit in its basement called "The Underground." This area is like a real speakeasy from the Prohibition era. During Prohibition, it was illegal to make or sell alcohol. Speakeasies were secret bars where people could still get drinks.
The Underground shows what life was like during this time. It highlights the people who secretly made and transported alcohol, like rumrunners and moonshiners. The museum even has its own working distillery in The Underground. Here, they make their own special moonshine. It's a fun way to experience a unique part of American history!
