Explore new exhibits in Las Vegas at the Mob Museum and Atomic Museum

Thu, Feb 27, 2025 (2 a.m.)

THE FIRST PUBLIC ENEMY AT THE MOB MUSEUM

You can’t really talk about organized crime in America without mentioning Al Capone, and this new permanent exhibit explores the life and empire of the infamous gangster who anchored the Chicago Outfit in the era of Prohibition.

“Al Capone’s story exemplifies the depths of corruption and extreme violence that defined organized crime during its heyday,” Mob Museum vice president of exhibits and programs Geoff Schumacher said in a statement. “These artifacts serve as a tangible link to the man whose criminal empire thrived on bribery, intimidation and ruthless ambition.”

The main attraction is Capone’s “Sweetheart” pistol, a Colt 1911 firearm displayed for the first time anywhere. The mobster reportedly referred to the weapon with affection because it saved his life on multiple occasions. After his death, it was passed on to his son and then his daughters, and eventually sold at auction in 2021 for $1 million.

The exhibit also includes a home movie shot by Capone at his Miami mansion in 1929 featuring rare footage of fellow mob figures Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Frank Costello. Mob Museum, 300 Stewart Ave., daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m., admission starting at $35 ($20 for Nevada residents), themobmuseum.org.

ATOMIC ODYSSEY AT THE ATOMIC MUSEUM

On January 9, the always scientifically rich Atomic Museum took a big step in a new, interactive direction with the unveiling of Atomic Odyssey. Truly an immersive educational experience, it takes guests on a journey through three thematic labs: Atomic Structure, Nuclear Reactions and Radiation, each exploring a different aspect of the atomic world through hands-on challenges.

“Museum audiences are constantly evolving and we wanted this exhibit to have appeal for a wide range of audiences,” says director of education Matt Malinowski. “We went in with the lens of designing for those middle school and high school students, but also as an entry point to the science behind atomic structure. We want it to appeal to almost anyone and allow you to encounter science in a digestible way.”

The Atomic Structure lab, for example, is loaded with touch panels guests can engage with, exploring the building blocks of atoms and relating it all to elements recognized from the Periodic Table. And the museum spiced up the science with art in the form of inspiring works from James Stanford, featured in the new book The Atomic Kid: An Aesthetic Formed in the Nuclear Landscape. Stanford grew up in Vegas during the Atomic Age and worked as a technical artist in Nevada’s nuclear industry in the 1970s. His lenticular compositions shift as guests walk through the exhibit, adding a unique visual layer to the experience.

“Having art there gives you a moment to think about these scientific topics in a different light and adds this great element of life to the exhibit,” Malinowski says. “And James’ work is absolutely stunning.” Atomic Museum, 755 E. Flamingo Road, daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., admission starting at $29 ($25 for Nevada residents), atomicmuseum.vegas.

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