Visit the National Atomic Testing Museum in Vegas
Knowledge is power. The National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas has a wealth of information and resources on the Manhattan Project and the atomic testing that took place in America. It’s one of those underrated museums that travelers – families, couples or individuals – shouldn’t pass by if they are exploring Las Vegas.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect during your visit, and links to resources they offer for those who can’t visit in person.
COVID-19 UPDATE: The museum is only open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make your reservations online in advance of your visit. You can purchase onsite, but if the museum has reached capacity as per COVID-19 guidelines, you will not be allowed in. Wear your mask at all times while in the museum.
Learn about the Manhattan Project and Trinity
After checking in at the front desk, I recommend starting with the new exhibit: Trinity. Once inside, you can read all about the development of the atomic bomb in the early 1940s. Each large panel explains different elements of the history and science associated with the Manhattan Project.
In the center of the room is a replica of the atomic bomb that was placed inside a bombshell and dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945. The bombshell sits in the main lobby. It’s H-U-G-E!
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Near one of the back walls, there’s a photo exhibit of the aftermath of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan. There are some powerful photos in that collection. It’s humbling to see just how devastating a bomb like Fat Man (or even Little Boy – the less powerful atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima) can be and the impact it can have on people. War is never kind.
Be sure and read all of the panels and look at the display cases to see artifacts from the history of the testing of the early atomic bombs.
History, Science and Technology of Atomic Testing
The permanent exhibit begins to the right of the Box Office. Different areas of the exhibit provide a different take on the testing of atomic bombs. Initially, the testing took place above ground – referred to as atmospheric testing. But the radioactive materials would travel downwind and harm plants, animals and humans. As a result, the testing was moved underground.
Parts of the Nevada desert became ground zero for these tests. One large photo on the wall showed pockmarked terrain. The dimples differed in size, but they were nearly perfect circles. At one point, there’s a video that shows the ground when an underground explosion was triggered. It was CRAZY! To see the solid ground ripple from the shock wave of the explosion was a great demonstration of the power of the bomb.
Don’t pass by the opportunity to step into the Ground Zero Theater. Sadly, we missed the presentation in the theater. But in researching it afterward, it takes you to ground zero to learn and see what would happen during an atomic test.
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I appreciated the exhibit area that addressed stewardship and the environment. One of the displays (as seen in a photo below) talks about water. With atomic bombs exploding underground, what about the ground water?
While atomic testing has ceased, the history and science shouldn’t be forgotten. That’s one of the great things about this museum – don’t let people forget the power of these atomic bombs and the respect we need to show for that power.
Take Time to Talk with a Docent
Docents are volunteers who help answer questions and guide people through the museum. During our visit, I spoke with two fantastic docents. Dale worked as an engineer during the underground testing. He walked us through the Trinity exhibit and explained how an atomic bomb works. The hollow uranium core and the exterior explosion that would condense the uranium, causing a chain reaction of explosions.
Dale is also an artist, and many of his oil paintings are found in the museum. I saw him interacting with other museum guests and it was obvious that he loves being a docent.
Further into the museum, another docent asked me if I had any questions. We chatted for a few moments about the video that shows the ground rippling in an explosion. She was very nice and also passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the underground testing with other museum guests.
So if you see a docent, take a moment to talk with them about their role in atomic testing.
Online Resources about Atomic Testing
The National Atomic Testing Museum has several resources for parents, teachers and those curious about atomic testing. My wife is a sixth grade teacher, so we looked into some of the resources she could bring back with her to use in the classroom.
Because of COVID-19, museum attendance has dropped. But the museum is working hard to share information with those who can’t visit in person. They have a dedicated YouTube channel and share museum artifacts and lectures from various experts. It’s a great resource.
The Education Section of their website provides projects for parents and teachers to use. Read information about the Manhattan Project or other articles about history and current events around atomic testing.
The Details
Address: 755 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89119
Cost: General adult admission is $22. Youth, ages 7-14 are $16. Seniors, ages 62+, Nevada residents and active military are $18. Children 6 and under are free.
Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Website: https://nationalatomictestingmuseum.org/
Phone: (702) 409-7366
Disclosure: I received two complimentary admission tickets to the National Atomic Testing Museum for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
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