Uncover the Secrets of Gangsters at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas

What is the Mob Museum?

The Mob Museum sheds light on the era of 20th-century gangsters. Located in the former Las Vegas Federal Courthouse, the museum is home to various exhibits dedicated to the history of American organized crime. Visitors will learn about infamous mobsters like Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, and John Gotti, as well as dedicated FBI agents like Edgar Hoover, Eliot Ness, and Harry Anslinger, who worked to crack down on crime across the country.

The Mob Museum delves into the detailed history of mafia activities, from the rise of organized crime groups to the intricate world of illegal gambling. The museum's exhibits and artifacts thoroughly explain the mafia's influence on the gambling capital and the rest of the country, as well as law enforcement's efforts to dismantle the organization.

History of the Museum's Creation

The federal building was sold to the city in 2000, with the condition that it be restored and transformed into a cultural institution for public use. At the time, the mayor of the city was Oscar Goodman, a former lawyer for well-known mafia clients. Goodman's idea to transform the post office and courthouse complex into a museum dedicated to organized crime met resistance from Italian-American cultural groups. On the other hand, the idea was supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

After the project was approved, the museum's exhibits were developed under the guidance of Dennis Barrie, one of the creators of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the International Spy Museum. The project received a $50 million budget, with nearly half allocated for the restoration of the historic building.

The museum officially opened to visitors in February 2012. Today, the museum is owned by the city of Las Vegas and operated by a non-profit organization. The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, widely known as the Mob Museum, is dedicated to the history of organized crime in the United States and the measures taken by law enforcement to combat the mafia.

What to See in the Museum

Guided Tours

For larger groups, the museum offers guided tours lasting about 90 minutes. Audio tours are available in several languages, including English, French, Italian, and Spanish, and informational materials can be obtained at the museum's information desk. Group tours are available for groups of 10 or more people. The museum is not recommended for elementary school student groups due to the frequent depiction of death and violence in the exhibits.

Special Events

Periodically, the museum hosts special public events such as concerts, autograph sessions, and receptions for the opening of temporary exhibits. The museum can also be rented by individuals for private special events, including weddings, parties, and business conferences.

Educational Programs

The Mob Museum is also an important educational center. Various programs for students and researchers are held here, focusing on the study of organized crime and methods to combat it. The museum collaborates with universities and research institutions, providing access to archival materials and expert knowledge.

Research Projects

One of the key areas of the museum's activity is research projects aimed at studying the historical aspects of organized crime and its impact on modern society. Such projects help deepen knowledge about criminal history and develop new approaches to combating crime.

Exhibits

The Mob Museum offers visitors unique exhibits, including historical artifacts, documentaries, photographs, and audio recordings. One of the main exhibits is a real electric chair used to execute infamous criminals. Here, you can see original weapons used by gangsters, as well as counterfeit documents and money.

Interactive Exhibits

One of the museum's highlights is its interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to become part of history. You can try your hand at being an investigator, solving mysteries and uncovering crimes. There are also simulators that immerse you in the atmosphere of the Prohibition era when alcohol was banned and gangsters controlled speakeasies.

Exhibits also cover international mafia activities, such as the violence of Mexican drug cartels, and the history of the FBI and its famous figures like Edgar Hoover. Interactive display stations are located in all exhibit halls.

Permanent Exhibits

The museum houses several major artifacts related to the mafia, including:

• The historic Kefauver courtroom, located on the museum's second floor. In 1950, this courtroom was used for a high-profile investigation into gang activity in 14 cities nationwide, led by Tennessee Senator Kefauver.
• A reconstructed brick wall from the site of the 1929 St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. The wall still bears the bloodstains of Bugs Moran's gang members and the bullet holes from the shooting.
• The "Birth of the Mob" exhibit tells the story of the rise of organized crime in American cities at the turn of the 20th century, while the "100 Years of Made Men" exhibit showcases the most famous figures of the American mafia. Visitors begin their tour on the museum's third floor, where a film about the history of organized crime is shown.
• Both mafia practices, such as skimming money from casinos, and countermeasures like wiretapping, are documented.
• Other exhibits depict personal experiences with mafia members and portray gangsters in movies and pop culture.