The Mob Museum

Kim Hammond tells us all about her visit to the Mob Museum in Vegas. (You can also read all about her report on the CSI Experience in Vegas).

I don’t go to Vegas for the gambling. I like the weather,  shows and sights to see. This fun-filled girls’ weekend included a trip to the Mob Museum.

I can’t think of the origins of Las Vegas without thinking of organized crime. American organized crime figures such as Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel and Meyer Lansky managed or funded most of the original large casinos in Vegas back in the day. The mob had its hand in everything and the stories are numerous and interesting, some embellished, but many true.

What better place to open The Mob Museum (The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement™) and what better location that two blocks from Fremont Street, where Vegas got its start. The museum is full of over 500 artifacts, 3D holograms and live actors dressed in period outfits.

The building alone is a sight to see. The museum is located in the former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office and is on both the Nevada and National Registers of Historic Places.  One of the unique things about this museum is that it tells the story from both sides, the police and the criminals. The museum worked with the FBI and many undercover agents, including legendary agents Joe Pistone who infiltrated the Mob posing as a small time jewel thief, Donnie Brasco; and Cuban-born Jack Garcia who was with the Gambino family.

Visitors can shoot a simulated Tommy gun, listen to real FBI surveillance tapes on wiretapping equipment and take part in FBI weapons training. You can even host a private party there and they were setting up for one while we were visiting.  What a fabulous time. Don’t forget to stop in the gift shop for some unique items.

To find out more go to www.themobmuseum.com