National Atomic Testing Museum

The National Atomic Testing Museum is a military museum in Las Vegas that documents nuclear testing programs. It houses equipment used in tests, scientific instruments, and devices that measured radiation during experiments conducted over several decades.

The museum opened in 2005 to document nuclear testing that took place at the Nevada Test Site, located northwest of Las Vegas. This testing was a major part of Cold War-era nuclear weapons research and development by the United States.

The Ground Zero Theater lets visitors sense what an atmospheric nuclear test felt like through realistic simulations and special effects. The experience shows how intense and overwhelming these events were for anyone nearby.

The museum is open daily and offers wheelchair access throughout its spaces, with guided tours available through specialized exhibits. Plan enough time for the Ground Zero Theater, as it delivers an immersive experience that takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Outside the museum sits a weather station that continuously measures and displays real-time temperature, wind speed, and background radiation levels across Las Vegas. These live readings show that natural and residual radiation in the city remains within safe ranges today.

Location: Nevada

Inception: 2005

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Smithsonian Institution

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-19:00; Holidays off

Phone: +17027945151

Email: info@nationalatomictestingmuseum.org

Website: http://nationalatomictestingmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 36.11420,-115.14900

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03