Atomic Testing Museum

Splitting atoms – not exactly a job for the fainthearted and yet a career choice that more and more people are seemingly intrigued to understand. The Atomic Testing Museum, just three miles North of Las Vegas buzzing nucleus could be the catalyst that sways your next career decision - if you don't mind the mandatory white coat!

Las Vegas' Atomic Testing Museum was founded in 1992, following the shutdown of Nevada Test Site – one of the oldest nuclear test facilities in the United States. With a history spanning just over sixty years and a rich heritage of developmental discoveries, Nevada Test Site held 928 scientific examinations over the course of the “nuclear era”, of which 828 were conducted within purpose-built subterranean testing facilities for public safety. N.T.S played a key role in post-war scientific developments, with many of the tests conducted primarily to guage atmospheric response. Spanning an area just over 10,000 square feet, the Atomic Testing Museum is now the largest nuclear heritage exposition in the world, aided by the Smithsonian Institute to preserve key artifacts and educate visitors about one of the nation's first nuclear testing facilities.

Housed within the Frank H. Rogers Science and Technology Building, the Atomic Testing Museum resembles the majority of Las Vegas' newfangled exhibition centers, however the real intrigue begins as soon as you get through the foyer. Dimly lit, with green walls and strategic spotlighting, the entire exhibition area resembles a packed warehouse of old industrial machinery, tastefully arranged with placards and nouveau touch-screen information points throughout. Its only when you commence upon the journey through the faux subterranea, you begin to realize just how integral a part each exhibit played in the development of modern nuclear technology. The multi-sensory Ground Zero Theater is probably the best place to begin your education, since the ten minute video chronicles the main objectives and achievements of N.T.S, coupled with a realistic atomic bomb blast for added effect. If the adrenaline shock of hot gusts in your face and being thrown about your seat isn't enough to compel your interest, the subsequent trip to the adjacent Today and Tomorrow gallery is sure to blow your mind. With a full-size, decommissioned nuclear bomb replica taking center stage, it's here you start to realize that nuclear study is in fact a necessity for the human race.

Today and Tomorrow Gallery is a relatively new integration, however bears an array of exhibits from key events in world history – including a portion of the old World Trade Center and a piece of the Berlin Wall. J.C Penny, one of the earliest voices to speak out about the harmful effects of radiation is also given his own corner, enhanced with an audio narration system and life-size mannequin reincarnation. History abounds within the museum, particularly when it comes to the tools of the trade. Gieger-Muller Counters form a small proportion of the nuclear detection technologies now on display, along with an interactive “Test It” exhibit, allowing visitors to find out for themselves the kind of materials able to deflect radiation.

Las Vegas' Atomic Testing Museum is one of the only educational facilities of its kind, anywhere in the world. Far from being a stuffy museum room crammed with rustic or queer looking machinery, its actually one of the most fascinating modern journeys of science open to the public. If you've ever wanted to experience the thrill of an atomic bomb blast, without getting caught up in the explosive aftermath - this is the only place to do it!