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The Atomic Testing Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
755 E Flamingo RdLas Vegas, NV 89119
Neighborhoods: University, Eastside
(702) 794-5161
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
74 reviews for The Atomic Testing Museum
Review Highlights
"...definitely make time to go into the Ground Zero Theater."
(in 13 reviews)
"I loved the history and all the artifacts."
(in 16 reviews)
"...set to those who were there at the dawn of the nuclear age."
(in 25 reviews)
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74 reviews in English
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Review from Mama Q.
San Jose, CA
1/13/2012
This was really an awesome place to keep the kids entertained for a few hours, and a memorable part of our Vegas trip. I saved a lot of money using a Groupon, but even at full price, tickets are very affordable. We learned a lot! My 19 and 18 y/o kids had fun reading and learning about the cold war, and my 11 and 9 y/o had more fun with the interactive exhibits. We all enjoyed the Ground Zero theater.
The gift shop was also surprisingly decently priced! We all know gift shops to be gougers, but some of the items cost a lot less than I expected them to... -
Review from Tyler K.
Bishop, CA
1/17/2012
ATM is not an 'atomic testing museum': it's almost pure, unadulterated propaganda.
ATM's hidden, but at least it's inappropriately expensive.
ATM is misnamed: it should be named "The racist US lost the Cold War and ruined the environment."
ATM has a few atomic testing displays and many Americans / humans / Caucasians / science are evil displays.
Pervasive political correctness pollutes the presentations. (If you have any knowledge of SAC, TAC, ADC, or history, you will be disappointed.)
Excellent: The single photo of the atomic detonation visible from The Strip.
Good: ATM actually has one, whole, replica atomic bomb! But was it tested at Mercury or in the Pacific?
Good but odd: ATM has a display nuclear toys and merchandise with atomic names.
Evil and PC: ATM has lots of "Japan is the innocent victim" displays.
Evil mixed message: Atomic testing killed John Wayne.
Evil: ATM advocates that US military's atomic testing caused extinction of the Paiute Indians, who lived near Mercury since before time began. And the US killed baby desert lizards.
Totally inappropriate: Elvis. ELVIS?
Totally inappropriate: 9-11.
Missing: Photos of the atomic and nuclear devices and arsenals.
Missing: Photos of Mercury. You can get much better pictures of Mercury from Google Earth.
ATM gift shop has very little related to 'atomic testing' and copious related to guilt and nuclear test ban and anti-Americanism. It doesn't have Fat Man or Little Boy ear rings anymore.
*
Second visit reaffirmed first impression.
Avoid or expect little. -
Review from Nick K.
There is a lot of information in this museum. That's not a bad thing, but if you're not a museum person and/or don't like bombs, then you probably shouldn't go. However, if you're at all curious about 1950s politics and culture on and off the strip, then step right in. Just be prepared to read a lot.
The museum is pretty easy to get to from the strip. We drove from Bally's and it took about 5 minutes. Once inside, be prepared to spend at least 90 minutes reading and poking around because, as I said before, there is a buttload of information.
My only qualm is the random pop culture tie-ins that are spread throughout the museum. A perfect example is the Elvis statue. I tried very hard to understand why it was there but couldn't. I guess these things are recognizable and therefore make it easier for the non-bomb lover to navigate through the space. Regardless, it seemed a little strange to me.
Overall, a very good museum in a city that does a poor job at recognizing it's past. Las Vegas needs more things like this.Listed in: Beyond The Vegas Strip
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Review from Eric R.
2/9/2012
Amazing...IF you like this sort of thing, which we do. If you don't have any interest in the particularly interesting time and place then don't bother. If you're cool you'll love it.
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Review from Justin C.
I learned a MEGA TON!
This place way great. I found out about this museum through a Groupon and couldn't wait. The problem is, I live in the Bay Area. I still bought the thing and instantly made plans to visit Las Vegas solely to see this place
The museum is bursting with artifacts and interactive exhibits. So much stuff to look at and learn. The Ground Zero theater was pretty cool. Kaboom! I felt like I got nuked.
I am so very glad I purchased the deal, the Atomic Testing museum is a true gem. It's part of the Smithsonian so I knew it'll be pretty cool. The exhibits are very well thought out and the set-up is great. I was flabbergasted with its size and spent a good amount of time out of the Nevada sun.
Another item on my Bucket List checked off.Listed in: Great Places, Sunday Funday, Culture Yourself, Family Fun, Bucket List
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Review from Rachel S.
10/7/2011
Little known fact: I used to be married to a Russian. Yeah, he was American born, but he was first generation, and lived in Moscow for a time. Much to my chagrin, we had boxes of random CCCP propaganda, pins, coins, what have you. That said, I know propaganda when I see it.
I took my dad here today because I had a Groupon that was expiring (10/7/11) Right off the bat, you know you're going to get an impartial history lesson when the various rooms have plaques that say they are "donated" by say, Lockheed Martin. (Side note - they have the creepiest corporate slogan ever "We never forget who we're working for.")
Throughout the exhibits, I had the most negative feeling. The place just didn't sit right with me, especially when there's a lot of pointing the finger at the enemies and showing their propaganda yet pretending as if our own country hasn't and doesn't engage in the same nefarious practices.
When I have a museum worker, who actually worked in the field, telling me that the radiation from these bombs is fine to be around and you can clean it up with a broom and no hazard suit, I question the validity of the information. When that same worker tells me a small amount of radiation is good for me (which is silly to say because we get a LOT of radiation as is) and it's akin to when "doctors give old people arsenic to put a pep in their step and they live long and happy lives" (which I can't condone, even if this is done - which I have no knowledge of) I again, question if this is just a major propaganda site.
Eh, I don't want to go back - if you're totally down to hear about how our own government was setting off dirty bombs in the desert and now do so underground next to our ground water, and how this is somehow protecting our civil liberties and that these people are true patriots, I guess you can have yourself a grand time.
Lesser complaint: No squished penny machine! I know, right?!Listed in: Heel Turners - Imma show…
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Review from Archie A.
Coronado, CA
11/12/2011
Yes, Las Vegas has museums!
Really great place, if you like boring museums and historical artifacts this is the place for you.
Used a Groupon and was well worth the trip.
Staff and exhibits where awesome. Visited on a weekday, so it was empty and always a plus when visiting any museum. -
Review from Monica T.
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yes, I'm a nerd. I traveled to Vegas and went to a museum, but it was awesome.
This type of stuff is really interesting to my boyfriend, and I've been reading a lot about it lately (and Area 51 and such). Besides, we'd heard so many good things, and this place did not disappoint. It doesn't take too long to go through it, but it's packed full of great information presented in an interesting manner. It also brings a lot of humanity to this particular era in history. I learned a lot, and enjoyed it quite a bit. A great diversion! -
Review from Kris S.
Denver, CO
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I highly recommend this museum for adults and children over about 9 or 10. It's not expensive but discount offers are generally available in a number of places including Groupon and coupon books.
Self-guided, the well-designed exhibits tell the chronological story of atomic testing in Nevada and elsewhere. The exhibit is peppered with videos and includes a multi-sensory simulation of an above ground test.
Be sure to visit the Titus Reading Library, named for Dina Titus, internationally known for her expertise in the history and policies related to nuclear power, weaponry, and waste - as well as her knowledge of the popular lore of "Atomic Culture."
The museum is an affiliate of The Smithsonian Institution.Listed in: Vega$ explorations
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Review from Kelley R.
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been in Vegas for over 6 years now and have heard of this place but until I created a bucket list, I would have never visited. Now I am very glad I was able to make it here and learn about the history of the atomic bomb in regards to Vegas and the world. I know I retained more information walking through this museum than I did in school. Maybe because I wanted to?!?
Its a self guided tour and they give you a map and a little information on each area that you will be walking through. I found the first half of the museum to be my favorite with the history while the second half goes more into what they use the testing site for now. There is a Disney movie that explains atoms and its was just weird to see the amount of effort that went into selling the public on atomic bombs.
My favorite part was the simulator room you sit in and they give you some of the experience of watching an feeling an atomic bomb going off. The seats shake, they blow wind into the room and the screen shows smoke coming closer to you. They do a count down and I will admit, I knew what was going to happen but was still a little nervous, ha-ha.
I think this is a great place to check out if you want to try something new in Vegas. Its a bit of history that most of us probably do not focus on and a cool way to spend an hour or so. -
Review from Marnie W.
Honolulu, HI
Yelp 365 challenge: Review 002/365 (8/2/2011)
I visited TATM with my travel buddy (since I bought a Groupon in advance for my current LV trip) earlier yesterday. The place was easy to find and parking was readily available. The ticket counter gave each of us wristbands due to the restrooms, art gallery, reading room and gift shop being located outside the museum area. We spent about 1.5 hours here, looking around and taking pictures of certain exhibits. I particularly liked the videos, especially the old-school ones that showed what life in the U.S. was like prior to the Partial Test Ban Treaty (1963).
Otherwise, I'm not sure what else to say about this place because I pretty much went due to the discount and just to experience something new, even though museums aren't usually my "thing." IMHO, I think this place is better suited for two other audiences: older generations (e.g., my baby-boomer parents) who were around back then, and elementary school children who probably know little about the role atomic bombs played in Nevada's history but are interested in it.
All in all, four stars. I most likely won't be back, but I definitely do appreciate the opportunity I had today at TATM. -
Review from Girard M.
Bullhead City, AZ
8/16/2011
This place is awesome. Just keep the terrorist out so that they won't be able to learn to build a working nuclear device! =)
Deuce-out! -
Review from John T.
Denver, CO
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not too far off the strip, this is well worth the cab ride. The top-quality exhibits document the atomic weapon industry and it's history around the world and Nevada.
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Review from Ed A.
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's amazing to see how crude the tools were that gave us the atomic age. Protection was nothing more then a thick shirt. Going under you desk would protect you from a nuclear blast, as most people were taught in school.
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Review from Julie T.
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I came here to try and avoid gambling too much (trust me, that didn't happen).
The museum itself is pretty cool.
The thought of bombs and mushroom clouds? even cooler.
BUT! I wish they had more interactive exhibits instead of so much reading. I didn't mind the reading but really? words can do only so much.
Who is... What is... can't quite be answered if there are no pictures!!!
Also, the exhibit was pretty small..I think it only took 45mins to look at everything.
Can't wait to see the exhibit for Area 51 in July 2011(?) though! -
Review from Ben M.
Las Vegas, NV
10/20/2011
One of Vegas's best-kept secrets and a place that highlights one of the most interesting facets of Vegas's past. Highly recommended detour for those on the Strip but who are looking for an experience with a little more substance.
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Review from Mrs. I.
Rockton, IL
4/6/2011
This museum wasn't nearly the most interesting one I went to, but it left the greatest impression on me. Now that Japan is dealing with a nuclear crisis, I have all the more respect. Anyone with a brain should go to this. In light of what happened in Japan, they should do a tutorial on the do's and don'ts if one was ever in a situation like that.
Go. You may regret it, but you will never forget it. -
Review from Ann L.
12/30/2010
We went to The Atomic Testing Museum since A. told me about it. It's in a business looking building. Cost $12 adult; $9 student w/ ID. We charged it.
No pictures allowed except for the last gallery.
Lots of reading & watching videos at this museum. From 1951-1992, 928 nuclear weapons tests were conducted at the NV Test Site. There's a cartoon video on the structure of an atom.
Two other videos were about 10 min each.
Stuff about Little Boy - bomb over Hiroshima, Japan Aug 6, 1945. Fat Man bomb over Nagasaki, Japan Aug 9, 1945. 5 days later Japan surrended ending World War II.
Small gift shop - wasn't allowed pics in there either. There's books, Einstein pins $1; Miss Atomic Bomb magnet $8; Miss Cue magnet on sale $6; lip "bomb" $3; Newton's Cradle $10; Atomic Fireballs I bought 3 candies for 10c ea.
Found out they have FREE NV Test Site Tours, but need to book 6 months in advance & very popular. http://www.atomictouri...
Brenda Carter 702-295-0944. US Dept of Energy; NV Site Office; Office of Public Affairs & Info; Visitor Coordination Staff; POBox 98518; Las Vegas, NV 89193-8518.Listed in: Las Vegas trip 2010
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Review from Samantha G.
Washington, DC
11/24/2010
I suppose that I first must admit that I am a Vegas history nerd - I love learning about my city and all its amazing uniqueness. And the Atomic Testing Museum is the perfect place to add to your Vegas history knowledge. Did you realize how much the atomic testing was a tourist attraction? Only in Vegas.
This is a stellar museum. It's not as fancy and big as some museums in other cities, but it is very well done. Yes, it is heavy on the reading and information - but that's a good thing.
This is one of my favorite places to take tourists. And all of them have been pleasantly surprised. Plus, they offer a locals discount.
I spent almost 2 hours going through everything. It was just absolutely fascinating. And I totally freaked out watching the "movie" thing when the air started to blow on me and the room seemed like it was shaking.
It's definitely a great and worthwhile experience. And it's a very short cab ride off the Strip. You'll be glad you went.Listed in: It's Not About Food, 5 Star Glory, Vegas Must-Dos
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Review from Nick H.
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This museum is way awesome -- I think any museum that has a tactical nuclear missile you can almost accidentally walk into is, by default, "way awesome." In terms of raw info about the history of Nevada and nuclear testing, you'll have more than your fill of learning. There's everything from pop culture exhibits of "Atom Blaster Ray Guns" and other miscellanea to numerous pieces from Los Alamo of real items that are on-loan. Which is why I suppose you can't take many pictures.
The Ground Zero theatre does a really freaky reproduction of watching a 60's era above-ground nuke test that will totally make you jump, especially with the unmentioned air jets and rumbling seats. There's even a giant red button later on in the place you can push to detonate (on screen!) an underground nuclear test. It's rad!
The only sad part was that they were putting in a new exhibit while I was there and didn't get to see what was up. But next time, I'll see it! And freak out a friend with the theatre...Listed in: Vegas' Own Tourist…
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Review from Tina M.
11/20/2010
Excellent museum. I think this is one of the few museums where I took the time to read almost every display. Some sections are creepy, some are very cool, and overall the museum is very educational. I liked that faux "nuke testing" experience room. Very cool and very creepy.
I dig wars, weapons, science but I think I would have liked this anyway was I not interested in those things. Morbid curiosity. :)
As a science nut, I especially liked the end of the exhibit showing the equipment we have now to model and/or study fusion. That one picture with the plasma (I think?) and coil was very cool.
I will definitely come again next time I'm in Vegas. -
Review from Hillary C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/7/2011
What a yawn! I found this museum seriously uninspiring. The first gallery or two had a nicely displayed, kind of simplistic review of the history leading up to testing in Nevada. The second two-thirds of the exhibits, however, were painfully lame. I really tried to give the Atomic Testing Museum a chance, out of respect for the importance of the science at least, but I felt like this museum didn't really know who its audience was.
Some of the materials had a child-appropriate "please touch" interactive quality that seemed wrong due to the subject matter. Other materials were set out either with little-to-no explanation or pages worth of text. There was a good movie in the middle with interview from both conflicted and proud participants in atomic testing...but it was shortly followed by a super creepy opportunity to experience a virtual detonation.
Maybe going with the aid of a tour guide is better, but by the time I got to the rooms about the effected Native American lands and "Today and Tomorrow" I was completely bored. -
Review from keith a.
9/21/2010
a rare occasion when i have friends in town and they want to go to a museum instead of a casino, foodie spot or a booby bar - what the heck, i'm game !
A pleasant surprise - some of the video is a lil haunting, and i guess overall, the place is little homogenized. It's worth a look -
Review from Carrie U.
6/9/2010
I can't believe I killed 2 hours in this place without even noticing.
There's a bunch of stuff to read and learn about in terms of the United States and nukes. If you're a crazy weapon nut or a science junkie you'd probably enjoy this place. Actually, i'm neither of those things and I enjoyed it.
They had a really kitsch video about nuclear energy that you should probably see for kicks. Apparently it was made by Disney back in the day. I also got a kick out of watching those 50's nuclear drill videos where the kids hide under the desks.
Some parts got kinda boring but mainly towards the end, where the more technical side about the layout of the testing chambers were. -
Review from Jessica R.
Seattle, WA
3/1/2011
Subject is the history of atomic testing in NV. If this will be boring for you, don't go (and don't complain on yelp). It does not cover all of the negative impacts of testing, but I didn't expect them too.
There is a lot of reading...a lot! There are also present day and historical videos throughout to break up the reading. Take children only if they will behave. There is a lot of reading and the subject matter is not always interesting to children. It is distracting to other visitors if children are running around the museum.
It is amazing how many artifacts they have on display and the detail that is covered. I was very impressed and learned a lot! -
Review from Rob O.
6/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
Given the dramatic force produced when an atom is split, I assumed the museum would have been more dynamic. Instead of housing lots of atomic testing relics, the museum provides more of a time line guide to the nuclear era. There are some actual testing materials, but nowhere near the level of materials that I expected. In addition, the military took plenty of video and photos of the atomic tests and even manufactured villages and towns to see the effects of the bomb on structures. But there's very little of these videos and photos at the museum. It was a little disappointing.
However, you should definitely make time to go into the Ground Zero Theater. The room is rigged so that you get the feeling of sitting on a wooden bench in rural Nevada and watching an atomic blast. The blinding light, the mushroom cloud and a wave of wind in your face as the blast wave hits you. It's simple, but a fun way to get a better sense of what it was like to sit as a Vegas tourist and view an atomic test (and there's some great old advertising from the casinos who used to offer guest a picnic where they could view an atomic test). -
Review from Keiko C.
12/1/2010
I'm a big nerd when it comes to my days off.
I'd rather drive around and check out a few museums than just hang out and wait for something to happen. I like adventuring and learning and when they come together it's that much more fun for me... not really for the innocent souls I drag along with me.
The Atmoic Testing Museum was a perfect for our Saturday-nothing-to-do-day. We spent a couple of hours just walking around and hanging out and ended up hearing some live music and scored some free snacks because they were debuting some artifacts from 9/11.
As far as content goes... I was expecting something super cheesy and got a good balance of cheese to educational. A lot of things to be read here.. but that's never a problem with me.
A good place to go if you have some time to kill...Listed in: Las Vegas f'real
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Review from Jenn W.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2009
Ok, I found this place on yelp & some of the other reviews said that the museum presented a balanced viewpoint. No, it doesn't. The museum makes absolutely no mention of the indigenous inhabitants of the Marshall Islands and what has happened to them as a result of nuclear testing there. In fact, the museum specifically states that the testing in the Marshall Islands occurred there as it was far from any population centers.
This makes zero sense, as the US government has even acknowledged this tragedy & offered monetary damages for it. Google Marshall Islands Jellyfish Babies.
On the positive side, the exhibit in the side gallery right now, is full of awesome soviet propaganda posters. -
Review from David H.
9/3/2010
I spent almost 2 hours in there and didn't realize it. This place covers the history of the Nevada Test Site and also the history of atomic testing in general. It's interesting and you learn things like the casinos used to promote watching tests from their roofs in the 1950s. They have old films from the 50s and 60s on what to do in the event of an attack, items used in nuclear testing/weapons, etc. Interesting stuff and check out the ground zero theater to get an idea of what it was like to view a nuclear test. There is a lot of reading of the signs to see what stuff is and if you are not a techie you will probably breeze through the last part pretty quickly.
I printed a $2 off coupon off of their website. Also the vending machine in the lobby has $1 water, Gatorade, etc. that you might need if you walk there in the Vegas heat. -
Review from R A.
Berkeley, CA
8/5/2011
Always something interesting here. Could be more fun stuff in souvenir shop.
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Review from Guy C.
3/1/2009
While Vegas isn't necessarily known for its museums, the Atomic Testing Museum is a nice step in the right direction.
It's not surprising, considering the place is affiliated with the Smithsonian. The place has your expected photographs, artifacts, and interviews, but it is presented in a really nice and interactive style. The main film in the fallout shelter theater was a nice surprise (a few unexpected touches make it more than just the standard movie), and the museum touches on how the nuclear age has affected the world, Nevada, and Las Vegas in general.
The exhibit does a great job of touching on the powerful and sometimes dangerous implications of the technology as well as the kitschy fascination that people had trying to get caught up in "Atomic Mania". You'll shake your head wondering what people were thinking the general populace had with their love affair of atomic bomb watching.
The museum is very comprehensive, and professionally done. I spent two hours there, and wanted to stay a little longer.
Vegas definitely needs more stuff like this. -
Review from Rebecca H.
Dublin, CA
12/12/2009
To get away from the casinos, we decided to find museums in Las Vegas. The Atomic Testing Museum popped up on the list, off we went.
I agree with other people, there is a sense of info overload, there is so much to read, look at, videos to watch. Give yourself adequate time to get through the museum, it's not a quick stop.
Other people have written about what's in the museum. What I found more compelling is how the museum made me feel. I'm old enough to remember, growing up, people were scared about nuclear power, nuclear waste, the threat of nuclear war, the cold war wasn't over. I remember my dad telling me that when he was stationed in NM, he saw them testing the detonation devices for nuclear bombs. He would have enjoyed this museum. My family is a mix of Japanese and Jewish, and our family history was dramatically affected by the use of the atomic bombs and nuclear science.
You may go for entertainment, but take a moment and think about how your life is different because of nuclear science. I can guarantee you it is, and all because of the hard word and dedication of a group of people who had no idea the risks they were taking, to their own health and safety, and they had no idea how much they would change the world, end a war and provide energy for millions.
It's not a place I recommend for small kids, they wont like it and will be bored. It's more for jr. high age and older.
It's worth every penny of admission. -
Review from Amber W.
Honolulu, HI
2/4/2009
I was skeptical when a friend recommended this, but we took a cab over and loved it! We were there close to closing time so we were a little hurried but the exhibits were fascinating and terrifying.
The gift shop was a highlight, complete with Russians walking around muttering, "I love the atomic explosion."
Highly recommended. -
Review from Main Street Graphics P.
Valencia, CA
6/27/2011
We loved this museum...full of interesting history. My ten year old son was not bored and enjoyed the exhibits. It seemed fairly comprehensive covering the 40's through the 80's or 90's. I'd recommend it to friends and family visiting Las Vegas.
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Review from E. S.
San Jose, CA
9/18/2010
This place is GIGANTIC! alot of it was either scientific & over my head and/OR made me sick to my stomach seeing as i'm a HIPPIE at heart. made me very VERY glad i wasn't around in that era! but still scary that it could start up at any minute- esp. since the end of the maze leaves you with WTC images! i agree w/ a fellow reviewer- it seemed to be 100% POSITIVE like 'YEAH! isn't this great? everybody had fun there & we learned alot'... yeah, about how to kill people! *doh* conveniently alot of that part is left out. only LITTLE areas here and there about the poor Japanese who died or all the people in Utah who got cancer. even the info about limbs being ripped off was like 'oh look at these pictures of the mannequins'! there were a few cute old white guy volunteers who worked there obviously & 1 had pictures all happy ok i get how they're into it, but the place itself should be neutral.
minus Half Star for being LOUD- so many videos/music clips playing at once how the F*ck am i supposed to concentrate on anything?
minus Half Star for me looking at almost Everything & STILL not seeing Jack Sh*t about the "Miss Atomic Bomb" competition- you'd think i would since she's all over the freakin' flyer/website. i literally just now had to go search to find out about it! #FAIL
minus one quarter Star for the 'no pictures' policy. i mean i get it- some of it still is gov. related but it's just a pet peeve of mine. and like if it's not supposed to be seen online then don't have it up for everyone-lol!
minus three fourths Star for the weird lady in the library section. walked in there out of curiosity (& pity since it was empty!). i was alone(!) and looking over some brochures she goes 'if you have children or grandchildren they really like those!' Um, W.T.F. i'm 32! Jesus Christ lady! shocked i actually said 'do i look old enough to have grandchildren?' & instead of apologizing!!! she just kinda shrugs like 'well, ya never know!' and says some sh*t like 'i dunno i just say that!' wow. i get how you could get in a habit, but maybe i dunno stop, look & THINK about what you say before you say it? or at least give a crap afterwards? Guess Not :/ -
Review from Stacey G.
Carol Stream, IL
8/1/2009
This museum is a BLAST!
It's THE BOMB!
Okay, how can this place have 19 reviews and I am the first one to use those lame puns?
Seriously, though, if you are a history nut, you will enjoy this place. It has quite a bit of interesting artifacts and information. I especially liked the Ground Zero Theater, which has some nifty Sensurround-like effects. Locals get a discount, and they didn't ask us for any proof, so it probably wouldn't hurt to ask for the local admission rate, even if you are visiting. -
Review from cherie c.
11/15/2009
So much to see and read! I had no idea I'd need more than two hours in the museum. It was interesting. It was indeed a bit biased, but they did present a little information about those opposed to atomic testing. The presentation of artifacts and footage from the Nevada Test Site was certainly informative.
The footage of the tests involving mannequins and homes brought back some scary memories of being a child at the end of the cold war. Those videos terrified me back then, and they still frighten me a little today.
I was fascinated to learn that Las Vegas casinos offered viewing seats for the tests. Crazy. And some of the letters that discussed atomic testing, development of atomic weapons, and the attacks on Nagasaki and Hiroshima were a bit unsettling when read from my 2009 perspective.
The gift shop was a fun place to get some offbeat souvenirs of my trip to Vegas.Listed in: Unusual museums
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Review from g r.
Chicago, IL
9/4/2007
Okay, so this isn't what most people come to Vegas to do. However, if you're in Vegas on a visit or live here, this is a must see for many reasons.
This museum will guide you through the often debated testing done in Nevada, how it was done, and the reasons for it. You will get a deeper understanding of how the people participating in the testing viewed their work. Their pride, patriotism and sense of purpose is clear.
There is no doubt that the atomic bomb is a dangerous last resort, the museum not only gives you the technical background on discovering and harnessing this power, but also will make you consider the implications of having these bombs, and there are many, in some ways I left with more questions than answers. I did think I had my mind made up on this issue, now I'm not so sure. Or, at least I can concede some points.
If you weren't alive or old enough to remember this era, you get a look into popular culture of the time. You will also see film clips of how to protect yourself during a bomb attack. In some ways, very entertaining and comical, until you realize that this was for real.
This is a first rate museum that is in association with the Smithsonian.
Duck and Cover! -
Review from Jessica L.
San Mateo, CA
2/15/2008
This place is so cool!! You have to try to get over here when you need a break from the strip - its not too far at all. A long walk or a very short cab ride - near Terrible's Casino.
The Museum is actually only a small part of this building. I admission is $12. Mornings there are a lot of kids on school groups so be aware. The museum leads you through the history of Nevada Atomic Testing and it is ALL very interesting. There is a great short video in the beginning that gives summaries of view for and against. I found all the unique artifacts on display very cool and even bought a pen in the cute gift shop.
The perfect gift for my Uncle was found here: a DVD of all the US sites in America devoted to atomic testing "for the traveler in us all"Listed in: Because of Work...
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Review from James S.
San Jose, CA
2/15/2010
I think for full enjoyment of the Testing Museum, you need to be a hard core museum junkie. There's a disproportionate amount of reading compared to typical museums. Nearly every major display has 2-3 paragraphs to read. There are also some video displays scattered about which are really interesting if you take the time to watch them.
Expect about 2-3 hours if you read everything... Less than an hour if you breeze through and read as little as possible.
The museum has a moderately pronuclear spin to it as it generally portrays the positive aspects of the nuclear program, it's impact on diplomacy, and it's nonmilitary uses. There are some honorable mentions of the negative impacts such as Hiroshima, radiation exposure to soldiers and workers, waste, and the destabilizing effects it's had in some international incidents.
However, most of the material seems to be sending the message that the nuclear program was a benefit to the United States (and its allies) and that it was worth the human toll. (I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with that conclusion, only that was the impression I got from the museum as a whole).
There are some parts that are overly technical and assume you have some knowledge of the nuclear program or at least remember your college physics. Many aspects weren't well explained in a way that mortal humans would truly understand. EMP's, half life's, atmospheric dispersion (i.e. fallout), medical uses, and so many other areas are glossed over. There's some general information that gives you some ideas, but I think most of it requires you to accept what's being said on faith.
I found myself explaining some of the displays since the material was so thin or lacking important details... but, then, it's probably fine for a general purpose museum.
The most interesting parts were the propaganda and cultural displays, such as the children's film on atomic power or the consumer-goods that were impacted by the atomic program (Atomic Fireballs anyone?).
$12 is actually a really good price for a Las Vegas "museum"--especially to what you find in the casino's. In general though, it's a little more than I think it's worth.
