The newly named Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum welcomes visitors with educational displays.
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has officially become the Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum to emphasize its focus on science-based education. Coinciding with its 34th anniversary, the museum celebrated this transition during a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony. Executive director Laurie Thomas, a pivotal figure in the museum’s history, cut the new vibrant sign ribbon. The name change aims to enhance educational outreach and community engagement, reflecting the museum’s commitment to science education while celebrating its significant milestones over the years.
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has officially changed its name to the Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum, a move designed to enhance its focus on science-based education. This announcement coincided with the museum’s 34th anniversary, celebrated on July 11, 2025, during a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony led by executive director Laurie Thomas.
Thomas, who has been a pivotal figure since the museum’s founding in 1991, cut a bright yellow ribbon to unlock a new chapter for the institution. The name change is anticipated to foster more opportunities for educational outreach and funding, crucial for the museum’s future growth and development.
In its history, the museum has evolved significantly, attracting around 90,000 visitors annually and housing a variety of state and federal artifacts. With the new name comes a vibrant, updated sign that enhances the museum’s visibility and accessibility to locals and tourists alike.
The Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum is entered in a building leased from the city, which purchased it next to the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park for just one dollar per year. While the city has played a supportive role, the museum is responsible for all renovations, upkeep, and operations of the building.
The museum has a robust educational focus, serving over 1,000 members and hosting 178 field trips that attracted nearly 12,000 attendees between August and December 2024. The museum works closely with various educational institutions, including the Clark County School District, private schools, daycares, and summer camps, highlighting its role as a crucial resource for science education in the community.
Recent donations, along with dedicated staff support, have allowed the museum to introduce new interactive exhibits and learning experiences, further enhancing its educational offerings. This focus on engagement aligns perfectly with the museum’s new identity as the Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum.
Additionally, the museum has achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and maintains affiliations with significant organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Association of Science and Technology Centers. This recognition underscores its commitment to excellence in museum practices and education.
The 34th-anniversary celebration featured a unique mad scientist theme, allowing attendees to engage in various interactive activities, including LEGO building, hands-on science experiments, and a fossil dig, making science accessible and fun for all ages. This event not only celebrated the museum’s history but also its mission to inspire future generations through hands-on learning.
The conceptualization of the museum began in February 1989 when a group of concerned residents, led by the late Mayor Ron Lurie, sought to establish a cultural institution in Las Vegas. Since then, the museum has transitioned from a modest collection to a multimillion-dollar world-class institution that serves as a beacon of science education.
As the museum looks forward to its next chapter under its new name, it remains committed to its core mission: providing engaging educational experiences that promote a greater understanding of science and natural history within the community.
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