Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas facts for kids
Former name | Nevada State Museum and Historical Society |
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Established | 1982 |
Location | 309 S. Valley View Blvd. (on the campus of the Springs Preserve) Las Vegas, Nevada 89107 |
Type | General or Multi disciplinary (several subjects) |
Accreditation | The American Alliance of Museums |
Key holdings | Ichthyosaur replica (Nevada’s state fossil) and a 13-foot articulated mammoth skeleton |
Owner | Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs |
Public transit access | RTC Bus #104 (Valley View/Torrey Pines), Meadows Mall stop; RTC Bus #207 (Alta/Stewart), Valley View @ Meadows stop |
Nearest car park | Parking is free at the museum |
The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas is a cool place to learn about the history and natural history of Las Vegas and the state of Nevada. It is located on the campus of the Springs Preserve. This museum is one of seven Nevada State Museums run by the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
The museum used to be called the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society. Its name changed in 2008 when it moved from Lorenzi Park, Las Vegas to its current spot at the Springs Preserve. You can visit the museum Thursday through Monday, from 9 AM to 4 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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What is Museum Accreditation?
The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, is officially recognized by the American Alliance of Museums. This means it meets high standards for how it cares for its collections, educates visitors, and operates as a museum. It shows the museum is a top-quality place to visit and learn.
Where Was the Museum First Located?
The Nevada State Museum first opened in 1982 at Lorenzi Park in Las Vegas. It stayed there for many years, sharing stories about Nevada's past.
Moving to a New Home
In October 2011, the museum moved into a brand-new building. This new home is on the campus of the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas. The building itself was finished in 2009. However, it remained empty for two years. This was because of money problems in the state budget after the 2008 economic slowdown.
The new building is much bigger, with 11,000 square feet just for permanent exhibits. It has amazing displays about the region's history and natural world. You can see a huge 13-foot skeleton of a mammoth! There are also many exhibits that dive deep into the history of Las Vegas. The best part is that kids aged 17 and younger can get in for free!
Exciting Museum Exhibits
The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, often has special exhibits. In 2021, for example, the museum featured a program about the famous Folies Bergere at The Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas. The Tropicana Hotel generously gave many of the beautiful Folies Bergere costumes to the museum. These costumes are now part of the museum's collection, helping to preserve the history of Las Vegas entertainment.