National Atomic Testing Museum (Atomic Museum)
museum
- Address
- 755 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89119
- Hours
- Mon-Sun 9 AM-5 PM; box office and last admission 4:15 PM
- Tickets
- Adults $29; seniors 65+ $24; youths 7-17 $15; under 6 free
- Other rates
- Nevada residents $24; military/veterans/first responders $25; college students $15 (ID)
- What's there
- About 8,000 sq ft of exhibits, incl. Ground Zero Theater and Atomic Odyssey
- Parking
- Free on-site parking in front of the building
- Closed
- New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
About
The National Atomic Testing Museum, which brands itself the Atomic Museum, is a science and history museum on East Flamingo Road. It tells the story of America's nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site, northwest of Las Vegas. It also looks at how that testing shaped nuclear deterrence and world politics.
The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and describes itself as one of a handful of private national museums. Its exhibits cover about 8,000 square feet. Artifacts named on its site include a large nuclear reactor used to develop the nuclear rocket and the Genie, which the museum calls the first air-to-air missile. It also shows personal atomic weapons built to stand in for conventional arms, such as the Backpack Nuke and the Davy Crockett recoilless gun.
Current galleries listed on the museum's site are World of Fallout, Manhattan Project: Challenges and Consequences, Atomic Odyssey, Nuclear History in Pop Culture, Ground Zero Theater and Bomb Without the Boom.
What to expect
A visit is self-guided through the galleries. The museum promotes a simulated atomic bomb blast as one of its experiences, and Ground Zero Theater is one of its listed exhibits. Atomic Odyssey is the museum's first fully hands-on exhibit about atoms, reactions and radiation. Nuclear History in Pop Culture uses a collection of artifacts to show how the Atomic Age shaped American popular culture. World of Fallout sets real atomic history beside post-apocalyptic fantasy.
Some immersive exhibits use light, sound and vibration effects, and the museum warns visitors with sensory sensitivities. Docent-led tours can be arranged with at least 72 hours' notice. Walk-ins are welcome, and tickets can also be bought online in advance. The museum runs public programs such as STEM Saturdays for families.
Other things to do nearby
Landmarks nearby
Good to know
- The museum is cashless. It takes credit and debit cards and mobile payments, but not cash.
- Reservations are encouraged but not required; walk-in admission is sold on arrival, subject to availability.
- Last admission is at 4:15 PM, when the box office closes, so arrive well before the 5 PM closing.
- Rebel Wednesdays: admission is free on Wednesdays with a current UNLV ID.
- Discounts cannot be combined, and the museum says all prices are subject to change.
- Public tours of the Nevada National Security Site itself are canceled through 2026, according to the museum.
Questions about National Atomic Testing Museum (Atomic Museum)
How much does the Atomic Museum cost?
General admission is $29 for adults. Seniors 65 and over with ID and Nevada residents with ID pay $24. Military, veterans and first responders with ID pay $25. College students with ID and youths aged 7 to 17 pay $15. Children under 6 get in free, and members are free. The museum notes prices may change and discounts cannot be combined.
What are the Atomic Museum's hours?
The museum is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. The box office closes at 4:15 PM, which is also the last admission time. It is closed on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and it keeps adjusted hours on New Year's Eve.
Where is the Atomic Museum and is parking free?
The museum is at 755 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89119. Free parking is available in front of the building. The museum describes the location as a few minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and easy to reach from Harry Reid International Airport, so it fits between other plans on a Strip-based trip.
Can I tour the Nevada Test Site through the museum?
No. The museum's FAQ says public tours of the Nevada National Security Site, the former Nevada Test Site, have been canceled through 2026. It directs people to the site's own tour page for updates. The museum covers the testing program through its exhibits, artifacts and theater instead.
Can I pay cash at the Atomic Museum?
No. The Atomic Museum is a cashless facility. It accepts all major credit and debit cards plus mobile payment options for admission, gift shop purchases and other on-site transactions. Plan to bring a card or phone wallet, because cash is not accepted at the box office or in the museum store.