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Atomic Testing Museum Las Vegas

Atomic Testing Museum Las Vegas

Atomic Testing Museum – Las Vegas – Culture & Travel – On Voyage.tv

Located minutes from the Las Vegas strip, the Atomic Testing Museum explores the chilling history of nuclear testing in the United States. The museum takes your on a journey into the most dubious chapter of Nevada’s State history as it pertains to the testing of nuclear weapons at the Nevada Test Site.

The Atomic Testing Museum takes you through the history of nuclear testing, from World War II and the Manhattan Project to the current and future challenges of testing and disposal of the US immense nuclear stockpile.

Monday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.Sunday: 12:00 pm. 5:00 pm.

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Admission to Atomic Testing Museum Las VegasGeneral Admission is $12 for adults ages 18 and over $9 for children ages 7 to 17$9 for Nevada Residents$9 for Military with IDFREE – Children FREE – Museum Members

The Nevada Test Site was located about 70 miles north of Las Vegas. Between 1951 and 1962, the 1,375-square-mile patch of Nevada desert was the stage for 121 above-the-ground atomic tests and 928 underground detonations from 1963 until a 1992 moratorium put an end to such tests.

The Atomic Testing Museum’s galleries is setup chronologically, starting with a brief exhibit about World War II, the Manhattan Project, and the 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

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About The National Atomic Testing Museum

The National Atomic Testing Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and opened in March 2005. In December 2011 the museum was designated as a national museum joining the list of around 37 national museums in the United States.

  • Address: 755 E. Flamingo Road, Just North of McCarran International Airport

The museum focuses on covering the period from the first test north of Vegas in 1951 to now.

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The museum is a national science, history, and educational institution delving deep into the history of America’s nuclear weapons testing program in Nevada. It focuses on understanding the extent and effect of nuclear testing on the whole world – both from a point of view of nuclear deterrence and geopolitical history. It is designed to be useful and informative to a diverse public of varied ages, backgrounds, and knowledge.

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While they are mostly focused on the testing in Nevada just north of Vegas starting from 1951, they also cover other parts of history. They cover the Manhattan Project, women in the nuclear field, and even UFO sightings and pop culture.

The museum has both temporary and permanent exhibits. The temporary exhibits showcase some of its over 12,000 unique artifacts. The permanent exhibits include:

The National Atomic Testing Museum Isn’t For The Faint

As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, visitors shouldn’t be surprised when they get a detailed, in-depth, intense history of atomic testing.

In 1945 for better or for worse, in the twilight of the Second World War, the Manhattan Project bore fruition. The world would never be the same and months later, these weapons of indiscriminate mass destruction brought the war to an end. Today we live in the nuclear age, this everyone knows. Fortunately, the madness and fool-heartedness of the Cold War have passed for now – along with its brinkmanship of mutually assured destruction. Still, we live in this world where multiple states have the ability to rain this terrifying destruction down on others.

The National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas is one of the leading museums that document the history of nuclear testing – particularly at the Nevada Test Site just to the north of Vegas. It is another of the many things to see and do in Las Vegas besides partying.

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National Atomic Testing Museum Tours And Activities

Las Vegas National Atomic Testing Museum explores the history and pop culture surrounding the Cold War, nuclear weapons, and Nevada Test Site. Youll learn about the nations atomic testing program through interactive exhibits and see 12,000 photographs, videos, artifacts, and scientific reports that recount 70 years of nuclear testing.

National Atomic Testing Museum

Las Vegas National Atomic Testing Museum explores the history and pop culture surrounding the Cold War, nuclear weapons, and Nevada Test Site. Youll learn about the nations atomic testing program through interactive exhibits and see 12,000 photographs, videos, artifacts, and scientific reports that recount 70 years of nuclear testing.

Limited Test Ban Treaty

National Atomic Testing Museum

The atmospheric nuclear tests caused concern about potential health effects on the public, and environmental dangers, due to nuclear fallout. As a result, the last atmospheric test occurred on July 17, 1962. On August 5, 1963, President Kennedy, along with the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. This prohibited nuclear weapons tests and nuclear explosions underwater, in outer space, and in the atmosphere. Underground testing was still permitted if no debris were to fall outside the boundaries of the nation conducting the test, so this testing continued at the NTS. The Treaty was also meant to encourage disarmament among these nations.

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About National Atomic Testing Museum

The 8,000-square-foot National Atomic Testing Museum, located just off the Strip, unveils the fascinating history of the famed Nevada test site. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum has a growing collection of permanent and special exhibitions. Boots quake as visitors experience a simulated atomic blast, and another exhibit details the Manhattan Project, the U.S.’s massive undertaking to create the first atomic bomb. Firsthand accounts of nuclear tests put museum-goers in the shoes of blast eyewitnesses there’s also a poignant exhibit that includes a 6-foot I-beam from the wreckage of the World Trade Center. The museum volunteer tour guides act as exhibit interpreters, encouraging hands-on exploration and teaching how to divide atoms using nothing more than a good set of kitchen cutlery.

National Atomic Testing Museum

Review Highlights

This place covers the history of the Nevada Test Site and also the history of atomic testing in general.in 26 reviews

This museum I think is owned by the Smithsonian, so you got the story that the government wants you to hear.in 24 reviews

The history of the Cold War and beyond becomes more known as more of the information is declassified.in 33 reviews

Show more review highlights

2 More Attributes

About the Business

The Atomic Testing Museum preserves and interprets the history, science, and technologies of the Nevada Test Site and the nation’s nuclear weapons programs. You could say that we “specialize” in radioactive history.

  • Is there currently an exhibit on Area 51?

    Yes, there’s a huge exhibit, theater and photo ops all dedicated to Area 51. It’s to the left of the main ticket admission. Plus if you exit they the gift shop, there’s even more options to take home with you.

    Trina W. See 3 more answers

  • How interactive is this for kids? My kid loves museums so I’d look into an annual pass, but want to make sure she could get her times worth.

    This is not an interactive museum, not like the one in St.Louis. This is more for history buffs wholikes to see the items from that time period and read about what was done. It was good for my husband and his father, we went to see my father inmore

    Zoe T.

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Get To Know This Nuclear Museum

Thoroughly documenting the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site in the desert north ofLas Vegas, the National Atomic Testing Museum outlines the fascinating story of Americas nuclear weapons program and the Cold War. Visitors touring the museum will take delight in never-before-seen, first-person narratives, impressive artifacts, theatrical devices, environmental recreations, and interactive exhibits.

The National Atomic Testing Museum is home to both the Silo Museum, which plays a short film about the Nevada Test Site, and the multi-sensory Ground Zero Theater, which explains the history of atomic testing. Video footage of the actual atomic bomb tests can also be found in other parts of the museum. Beyond the Silo Museum and Ground Zero Theater, the National Atomic Testing Museum brims with fascinating exhibits, from a display of authentic Geiger counters, radio badges, and other testing devices to a range of artifacts discovered in and around the Nevada Test Site. Enormous drill bits and other equipment can be found in the Underground Testing Gallery, which offers a look at underground atomic testing. History buffs will find that the museum is an intriguing place to learn the story of the atomic bomb and the Manhattan Project, with various artifacts from the project in their collection. Best yet, experience a simulated atmospheric bomb blast!

Las Vegas News Bureau

Experience Nevadas Explosive History

Atomic Testing Museum, Las Vegas

The National Atomic Testing Museum, located at 755 East Flamingo Rd. in Las Vegas, is a national science, history and non-profit educational institution which discloses the story of Americas nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site. It has displays of collection-based illustrations and learning activities for the public to understand and appreciate the world that we are all living in.

The Museum opened its doors to the public in 2005. It has a collection of over 3500 artifacts including thousands of rare photos, videos, scientific and nuclear reports, and data. The visitors will learn about the world events leading up to the foundation of the Nevada Test Site, its advancement from the above-ground tests to underground tests and non-nuclear activities.

They will get to contemplate on the history of atomic testing and its importance to national and international security and stability. Tourists will see a replica of the Control Point where the countdown was conducted before each nuclear detonation. Whats more exciting is they will get to experience a simulation of a Ground Zero Theater, an impersonation of an above-ground test.

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Atomic Testing Museum Overview

There is a lot about Nevada that newcomers to the city probably don’t know. For one, did you know it had played an integral part in the atomic testing that occurred within the United States’ own borders? The history of the atomic bomb is a rather interesting one, and you can learn all about it at the National Atomic Testing Museum. It’s located in Las Vegas, just minutes off of the Las Vegas Strip, and it offers an abundance of information in the form of hands on exhibits, first hand accounts, and plenty of propaganda and tools taken directly from the era of atomic testing.

When you walk through the Museum, you’re pulled into that time period with real radio and televised broadcasts that covered the progress of the bomb and the detonations that took place at the nearby Nevada Test Site. Learn about the awesome, destructive force of the atom bomb through info graphs or by taking a seat within the Ground Zero Theater. Sit inside of a simulated testing bunker and feel the force of an atomic blast in this exciting simulation.

Go beyond Nevada with the Atmospheric Testing exhibit to learn of the many tests that were done around the world. See the devastating effects done to the environment post blast and watch mushroom clouds form in the distance in real footage taken from previous tests. It’s a mind blowing experience that will have you wanting to learn more.

A Radiating Gem In Vegas

I saw this museum on a whim with a couple of friends as it was just about a mile from our hotel down Flamingo blvd. The museum was a blast. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. The first thing you see is not a replica of the “Fat Man” bomb, but an actual casing of the same type as Fat Man which was, at one time, for a real nuclear bomb. That is an early indication of how great the museum is. It’s full of original artifacts which tell the story of atomic testing, particularly in Nevada. I especially enjoyed the short film which plays every 15 mins. The gift shop has a ton of cool stuff for reasonable prices. Normal museum gift shop prices, not Vegas strip prices! The museum was a last-minute decision and it became a highlight of my Vegas vacation. Thank you to the staff for what you do!

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Fear What You Wear Introduction Into The Las Vegas Souvenir Market

National Atomic Testing Museum

The National Atomic Testing Museum has officially partnered with Fear What You Wear to bring you the hottest line of souvenir wear in the Las Vegas market.

The National Atomic Testing Museum is a national science, history and educational institution that tells the story of Americas nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site. The Museum uses lessons of the past and present to better understand the extent and effect of nuclear testing on worldwide nuclear deterrence and geo-political history. It provides collection-based exhibits and learning activities for greater public understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live. Its collections and activities are inseparably linked to serve a diverse public of varied ages, backgrounds and knowledge.

Bradley Beard is a 30-year resident of Las Vegas and an alumnus of the CSN graphic arts program. Hes mastered numerous traditional mediums and developed several different artistic styles throughout the years but has become associated most recently with his minimalistic portrait style. Bradleys work gained recognition between October 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015 when he created the 13 Months of Horror a self-imposed art challenge in which he created 421 horror-themed pop art portraits within a 396 day period and presented them daily on his Facebook art page. Fear What You Wear was formed in 2016 as an outlet for introducing Bradleys dynamic designs to the public.

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Timeline Of Major Nuclear Tests Conducted At The Nevada Testing Site :

1/27/1951: Testing begins with Shot Able.

4/22/1952: Shot Charlie is conducted. Charlie was part of the Desert Rock IV exercises, where thousands of military personnel trained to simulate activity on a nuclear battlefield.

3/17/53: The “Annie” nuclear test is conducted. A wood-framed house was built for the occasion as part of a civil defense study on the effects of a nuclear explosion.

5/19/1953: The “Harry” test is conducted. Due to an unexpected change in the wind, “Harry” caused the highest amount of radioactive fallout of any test in the United States, contaminating the city of St. George, Utah. The test was later called “Dirty Harry.”

3/12/55: Shot Hornet is conducted. It was the fifth of 14 tests in the Operation Teapot. Operation Teapot was designed to test new kinds of fission devices.

5/28/1957- 10/7/1957: Operation Plumbbob nuclear test series occurs.

9/6/57: The Coulomb-B Shot safety test is conducted during Operation Plumbbob. Coulomb-B was intended to make sure that an accidental detonation of conventional high explosives in a nuclear device would not cause a nuclear reaction.

12/6/57: The Coulomb-C Shot safety test is conducted. The test yielded an unexpectedly high amount of 500 tons, leading to public concern over nuclear fallout.

10/16/1958: The Shot Dona Ana nuclear test is conducted. It was part of the Operation Hardtack II series, in which the United States conducted 37 nuclear tests.

When To Come To The Museum

This Museum is entirely different from the usual ones because of what it fascinatingly caters to the public. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. General Adult Admission is just $22, $16 for ages 7 to 14 and free for ages 6 and below.

Use the lessons of the past to better understand the present

So if youre planning to visit, youll be saving more if youll get to bring your family and loved ones. Not just to feast your eyes on the exhibits but to learn and get to use the lessons of the past to better understand the present. It also has a store which features interesting products that can be bought home as a token.

So what are we all waiting for? Come and visit this one-of-a-kind museum for all the captivating stories it has in store for us all. Its history is rich and is as relevant today as it was nearly 70 years ago! Its relaxing to visit places like this once in a while for its totally different from our everyday hustle and bustle.

Check out more about the National Atomic Testing Museum here:

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