The Mob Museum, officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is in downtown Las Vegas at 300 Stewart Ave. Its three floors trace organized crime in the United States and the law enforcement efforts to stop it, with artifacts, films and interactive exhibits. The museum occupies a former federal courthouse and post office, where the Kefauver hearings on organized crime took place. See the courtroom, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre wall and exhibits on crime investigation. A basement speakeasy and distillery add a Prohibition-era stop to the visit.
A courthouse with a place in the story
The Mob Museum is housed in the former Las Vegas federal courthouse and post office, a 1933 building in downtown Las Vegas. Its history is closely tied to the subject inside: the courthouse hosted hearings of the Kefauver Committee, which investigated organized crime in 1950 and 1951.
The museum, officially called the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, tells the story from both sides. Exhibits cover criminal organizations and their influence in Las Vegas and across the United States, as well as the work of the officers and agencies that investigated them. The account reaches beyond notorious names to include the effects of organized crime and the efforts to bring its members to justice.
What to see inside
The museum’s exhibits span three floors, with historical artifacts, photographs, documents, recordings and video presentations. Topics include Prohibition, the history of organized crime in Las Vegas and the development of law enforcement methods. Displays also examine the culture and fashion associated with the mob. The collection includes personal possessions and weapons linked to well-known figures, alongside material about the people who pursued them.
The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre wall is one of the museum’s most striking displays. It incorporates bricks salvaged from the wall where seven gang members were killed in Chicago in 1929. The museum also has the courtroom connected to the Kefauver hearings, where video and trial footage bring those proceedings into view.
Interactive exhibits include a crime lab and a firearm training simulator. Some experiences, such as tastings and distillery activities, may be separate options, so check what is available when arranging your visit. The museum’s displays include graphic crime-scene images, a detail to consider when visiting with children.
The Underground
The museum’s basement houses The Underground, a Prohibition-themed speakeasy and distillery. The space connects the history of bootlegging with a working distillery and a bar serving cocktails. A distillery tour and moonshine tasting have been offered as part of a ticket option, but check the museum’s current ticket details before planning around them.
Look at the bar’s period-inspired surroundings as well as the drinks: the basement includes artifacts linked to the Prohibition era. The speakeasy makes a natural final stop after the galleries, though access and availability can be affected by special events. Check the museum calendar for talks and other programs before you go.
FAQ
How long should I spend at The Mob Museum?
Plan for at least three hours to explore the exhibits across the museum’s floors.
What is The Mob Museum about?
It covers organized crime in the United States, including its history in Las Vegas, and the law enforcement efforts to combat it.
Does The Mob Museum have interactive exhibits?
Yes. Interactive experiences include a crime lab and a firearm training simulator. Some activities may require a separate ticket option.
Is there a speakeasy at The Mob Museum?
Yes. The Underground is a Prohibition-themed speakeasy and distillery in the museum’s basement.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, particularly for weekends and holidays.
