AndiThe Mob Museum has been on my Vegas list for awhile, since it has been recommended by so many people. We finally had the chance to visit last week and it was fantastic! In a city full of attractions, The Mob Museum in Vegas is a MUST!
Located in downtown Las Vegas, the Mob Museum offers four floors of an immersive walk through organized crime history. The museum features historic photos and videos, artifacts, displays, and even a replica of an electric chair!
Mob Museum in Vegas Visit: Third Floor
After purchasing your tickets, you will head to the third floor of the museum. The third floor starts with a fun photo opportunity getting your mugshot!
We learned about how organized crime started and how Prohibition really made it take off. One of the big displays is on the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. They have a video that tells the story of what lead up to that event. Then you can see a portion of the actual wall with bullet holes in it. On display, they also feature several of the bullets that killed people during the massacre.
Following, several displays feature the types of guns used by the Mob, including Al Capone’s revolver. Here is where you will find a replica of an electric chair. You can flip the switch and everything!
Second Floor
The first thing you enter on the second floor is a mini cafe with drinks and snacks. This is a waiting area for the 9 minute film that takes place in the next room. The film takes place in a historic courtroom where the Kefauver committee hearings and actual prosecutions took place.
After the film, we learn about the involvement with the Mob and Las Vegas’s very first casinos. This display really delves into the history of the Las Vegas Strip and how it first started.
For years, the mob is able to get away with things because they buy off the police and political figures. We learn how law enforcement had a hard time convicting the mob. Witnesses would disappear or “accidentally” die before they could testify against the mob. Tax evasion is what most were eventually convicted of since they couldn’t get them on other crimes.
We also learn how the mob was influential in political races like John F Kennedy. And maybe they were responsible for him being murdered in Dallas.
First Floor
Moving on to the first floor, we find a wall with the most famous Made Men in the 100 year mob history. Their crimes ranged from bootlegging to murder and drug trafficking. A couple lucky ones actually retired from organized crime, but most ended up in prison or killed.
We got to listen to an actual wiretap of criminals admitting to crimes or their future plans to commit a crime. The final displays show how organized crime is still in the world today and how law enforcement is fighting back to try and stop it.
The museum exits you in a gift shop that has all kinds of mob related souvenirs. T shirts, coffee mugs, books, key chains and much more. Speaking of key chains, they have actual bullets with names engraved on them. They warned me that sometimes the TSA ( airport security) will not let them pass through carry on luggage. So I’m passing on the information to you if you choose to buy one, place it in your checked luggage.
Extra Experiences at The Mob Museum in Vegas
There are several interactive activities you can add on to your Mob Museum in Vegas experience! These activities will cost extra, but they all look like so much fun. I’m hoping to do a couple when we visit again in the future.
Crime Lab:
This is an interactive experience that allows you to explore the work of forensic scientists, DNA profilers, fingerprint analysts and medical examiners. You get to determine how the crime was committed and find evidence for the case.
Distillery Tour & Tasting:
During the tour, you will learn more about Prohibition and tour a distillery that was similar to one in the 1920’s. Guests get to sample a variety of house made distilled spirits.
Fire Arm Training Simulator:
Law enforcement have to make split second decisions daily while working on the job. You will be lead through live role playing scenarios where you try to deescalate the situation or use deadly force.
Underground Speakeasy:
Travel back in time to the Prohibition era! We learn about Prohibition on the third floor, but this really brings it to life. You can visit a genuine speakeasy located in the Mob Museum basement. You can enjoy this on your own by going downstairs to the basement or as part of the paid distillery tour.
Mob Museum Information:
Address: 300 Stewart Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101. It is located in the downtown area of Las Vegas, walking distance to Fremont Street.
Hours: Open daily 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Cost:
- General Admission is $29.95
- Deluxe Pass is $44.95 and includes general admission plus one extra experience
- Premier Pass is $48.95 and includes general admission plus TWO extra experiences
Parking: Parking is available for $8 for four hours.
Website: Mobmuseum.org
Tips for visiting the Mob Museum in Vegas:
- There are graphic photos that show horrible murders, so be aware if bringing kids.
- Plan on 90 minutes to 3 hours to see everything.
- If you have no interest in history, I would probably skip this attraction.
- During the mugshot, see if they will take a couple extra pictures. When we went to look at ours in the gift shop a few of them didn’t come through and those were the ones we really wanted.
Summary
I highly recommend a visit to the Mob Museum! I loved learning the history of the mob and how it ties into Las Vegas history. True stories are brought to life with videos and displays. Completely worth a few hours visit.
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