Take advantage of some of the nation’s most interesting museums and exhibitions while you’re in Las Vegas, Nev., attending the 2021 NCRA Conference & Expo happening July 29-Aug. 1 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
When people think of Las Vegas, they typically think of casinos and shows. But Vegas also serves as home to a number of unique and specialty-themed museums and exhibitions. From art to magic, to history and more, the topics explored can be enticing, educating, and just plain exceptional. Below is a list of some of the museums and exhibition sites earning high praise by visitors to Vegas according to Trip Advisor. Click on the venue’s link to learn more about hours of operation, location, and costs to visit.
For the car connoisseur
Hollywood Cars Museum features some of the most recognizable and unique cars used in the entertainment industry. Vehicles on display include those featured in Batman Returns, Knight Rider, Back to the Future, Robocop, and more. The Hollywood Cars Museum vehicles have been displayed in more than 30 countries around the world.
Nostalgia Street Rods offers classic car lovers access to a private collection of automobiles dating from 1910 to 1965. The collection includes everything from street rods to scooters. Visitors can also view a large selection of memorabilia and antiques including signed sports and music memorabilia.
Shelby American, Inc., located at the manufacturing facility and home of the Shelby Heritage Center, offers visitors a look at a wide variety of vehicles from Cobras to Super Snakes and more. There is also a large merchandise store and tons of Shelby information available.
Counts Kustoms – This one-of-a-kind hot rod and chopper customization/restoration shop located in the heart of Las Vegas is owned by Danny “Count” Koker. View his personal collection of cool hot rods, exotic cars, choppers, and more — all for free.
For history buffs
The Mob Museum is the place to go if you are seeking a bold and authentic view of organized crime from vintage Las Vegas to the back alleys of American cities and increasingly across the borders and networks of the entire world. Explore the real stories and actual events of mob history through interactive exhibits.
The Titanic Exhibition is located at the Luxor Hotel & Casino and offers visitors a chance to experience the wonder and tragedy of the world’s most famous ocean liner, the Titanic. Viewed by more than 25 million people worldwide, the exhibition is one of the most attended in history. It includes more than 250 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of the Titanic as well as extensive recreations of some of the most famous rooms from the ship.
The Neon Museum was founded in 1996 and is dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts, and cultural enrichment. The campus includes the outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard; a visitors’ center housed inside the former La Concha Motel lobby; and the Neon Boneyard North Gallery, which houses additional rescued signs and is available for weddings, special events, photo shoots, and educational programs.
The Burlesque Hall of Fame is the world’s premier organization dedicated to preserving the living legacy of burlesque as an art form and cultural phenomenon and fostering its continued growth. With a collection of several thousand costumes, stage props, photographs, and personal effects documenting the careers and lives of burlesque dancers, comics, and producers over nearly a century, the museum is a growing testament to the power and social impact of the art of the tease.
The National Atomic Testing Museum is a national science, history, and educational institution that tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site by using lessons of the past and present to better understand the extent and effect of nuclear testing on worldwide nuclear deterrence and geo-political history.
For the starstruck
The Liberace Garage offers insights into the man considered the ultimate influencer and the reason Las Vegas looks like Las Vegas. Fans of the late Liberace can view actual cars he used on stage at the Las Vegas Hilton and Radio City Music Hall as well as an array of related artifacts and content about this performer’s unique life.
Madame Tussauds has been visited by millions since it first opened more than 200 years ago in Europe. The Las Vegas venue remains just as popular as ever as well. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good old-fashioned curiosity and a desire for visitors to get close to the famous even if they are only made of wax.
And, of course, what trip to Vegas would be complete without a visit to Elvis: The Exhibit, housed at the Westgate Hotel & Casino? The exhibition displays hundreds of artifacts, films, and more, related to the life of Elvis and his rise to fame. It is the first permanent Elvis exhibition outside of his Graceland home located in Memphis, Tenn.
Games and more
Pinball Hall of Fame is maintained by the members of the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club and reflects their attempt to display the world’s largest pinball collection that is open to the public. The games on display belong to one club member (Tim Arnold) and range from 1950s up to 1990s pinball machines.
Visitors to Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. can delve into the history, science, engineering, genetics, technology, and profiles of Captain America, Hulk, Thor, and Iron Man. Your goal: To interactively assemble case files on each of the characters and move on to become qualified members of the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Leaving Las Vegas
Finally, before leaving Las Vegas, check in early at McCarran International Airport and check out the McCarran Aviation Museum and learn more about the history of how aviation came to Las Vegas.
Remember, book now and save before the early access rate expires on May 31. The early access rate is $600 for NCRA members and $900 for nonmembers, which is a savings of $50, and it’s just $5 more than the rates offered for the 2017 NCRA Convention & Expo that was held at the same venue. In addition, full registration includes a free breakfast on Friday and Saturday. You can also take advantage of special rates being offered by booking your room by July 2 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Visit the 2021 NCRA Conference & Expo webpage for more information about registration, the venue, session highlights, and more. You can also learn more about the hotel’s health and safety protocols here.
As always, NCRA places the safety and health of its guests, presenters, and staff as its top priority and remains committed to its 2021 Conference & Expo.
