Atomic Museum

The sounds of Nevada history.

Hidden in the Nevada desert, Mercury was more than just a dot on the map—it was a thriving community built for the dedicated workers of the Nevada Test Site. This town had all the essentials of everyday life, including a post office, a movie theater, and even a bowling alley (as pictured).

It's people like Kris that make this museum so great! #Atomic20

From Hollywood blockbusters to comic books, atomic history has left its mark on pop culture! Our Pop Culture Display showcases over 40 artifacts from the 1940s to the 2000s. The Atomic Age influenced film, television, music, and everyday life. For tickets visit atomicmuseum.vegas

After 25 years of research, historian and founding Atomic Museum member Robert Friedrichs has identified Miss Atomic Bomb as Anna Lee Mahoney of the Bronx, New York. Captured on May 24, 1957, during Operation Plumbbob at the Nevada Test Site, the iconic photo of a showgirl in a mushroom cloud swimsuit became a lasting symbol of Cold War culture and Las Vegas entertainment. Long thought to feature Lee A. Merlin, research now confirms this was a stage name for Mahoney. Born in 1927, Mahoney trained in ballet under Madame Bronislava Nijinska before performing in musicals. By 1957, she was the lead dancer at the Sands Hotel Copa showroom in Las Vegas. Later, she moved to Hawaii, working as a mental health counselor, and later to Santa Cruz, where she fundraised for student scholarships. She passed away in 2001, leaving behind an unexpected legacy as the true Miss Atomic Bomb. To learn more, or to get tickets to the Atomic Museum visit atomicmuseum.vegas

?? Last chance! This is the final weekend to experience “SPY” at the Atomic Museum! ?? In partnership with the National Security Agency’s (NSA) National Cryptologic Museum, this boutique exhibit unveils how telemetry intelligence helped the U.S. track missile and space tech advancements. Plus, see artifacts tied to START I, the historic 1991 arms reduction treaty between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Don’t miss out—visit before it’s gone! atomicmuseum.vegas for tickets

Girl Scouts are invited to a free exploration day at the Atomic Museum, including our brand-new immersive exhibit, Atomic Odyssey! ??? Discover the wonders of nuclear science and compelling history with self-guided tours, hands-on activities, and expert insights from our team. ?? When: Saturday, March 8 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM ?? Pre-registration required – Limited availability. ?? Register your troop now using atomicmuseum.vegas ?? Questions? Email [email protected]

The Atomic Museum was built to preserve and share the history of the Nevada Test Site and the evolution of nuclear science. These photos, taken in 2002, show some of the very first artifacts being brought to the museum and installed, helping to shape the exhibits that visitors still see today. Can you tell which exhibits were being built? #Atomic20

This is your sign to visit our newest exhibit! #AtomicMuseum #STEAM #STEMforKids #STEMActivities

The Atomic Museum is excited to be part of the Mayor's Urban Design Symposium. On February 28, experts will explore how cultural institutions—museums, libraries, schools, and community centers—shape the urban environment. Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley will kick off the event with opening remarks, followed by discussions on the design, impact, and future of cultural spaces in our city—especially with the exciting announcement of the new Art Museum at Symphony Park! ?? This free event welcomes students, professionals, and the creative community to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of culture in Las Vegas. Don’t miss out!