See a mastodon, minerals, or modern art at one of the seven free museums in Nevada.
Enriching your mind in the Silver State doesn’t have to cost a thing.
Explore history, heritage, culture, and art—from prehistoric times to the present—at these seven free museums in Nevada.
Note: While all these museums offer free admission, donations are always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is $5 for adults or $2 for children.
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum
Where: 1 Jacobsen Way, Carson City
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The 60-building, 110-acre Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum stands today as a living reminder of the forced assimilation of American Indian children at this federally operated boarding school. The museum tells the students’ stories through their own words, including those from the first Stewart class in 1890, while also documenting Stewart’s evolution and growth over the years.
When the school first opened, children weren’t allowed to speak their own language or practice their culture, and were subjected to unpaid labor. The school loosened its assimilation policies after the United States Congress passed the Indian Reorganization Act in 1934, and it moved from vocational training to academics in the 1960s. It finally shuttered in 1980.
In addition to showcasing contemporary Native art as well as class photos, publications, and archival documents, the museum offers interactive programming and educational activities and serves as a research facility. One reviewer on Tripadvisor describes a visit to the Stewart as “sad and uplifting,” writing, “the thoughtful display of experiences and ideas deserves a visit from anyone with concerns about making a difference in today’s society. We must not let this experience fade away.”
W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum
Where: UNR, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno
When: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m; first Sat., noon-4 p.m.
If your idea of rocking out is exploring rocks, minerals, ore, and other geological specimens, the W.M Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum is for you. Located in the Mackay School of Mines Building at the University of Nevada, Reno, the exhibits contain a variety of ore and mining relics from the Silver State and around the globe, including the fossilized remains of a three-million-year-old mastodon discovered in the Carson Valley and excavated by UNR faculty and students.
Another highlight is the ornate Mary Louise and John Mackay Silver Collection, created for the wealthy mine operator and his wife by Tiffany & Co. in 1878.
According to a review on TripAdvisor, this is “a totally cool place if you have curious, intellectually curious kids or are a geek yourself.” Another reviewer, who thinks “rocks are kinda boring,” noted that the museum offers “well-organized and annotated arrangements that any curious person could ogle and ponder for an hour or so.”
Comstock Firemen’s Museum
Where: 125 S. C St., Virginia City
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily (May-October); weekends only (November-December)
Quench your burning curiosity about fires and firefighting in Storey County at the Comstock Firemen’s Museum, an homage to the evolution of firefighting technology with firefighting apparatus, artifacts, and photographs.
On a visit to this free museum, you’ll see everything from firefighter uniforms to fire engines—and even Nevada’s oldest and longest-serving four-wheel, horse-drawn carriage—some of which have appeared in old films. According to a review on Yelp, the museum “is a wonderful slice of Comstock history and should be savored like a fine aged wine or a valued friendship standing the test of time.”
Goldwell Open Air Museum
Where: 1 Golden St., Beatty (1169 Rhyolite Rd.)
When: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Named one of the country’s best sculpture parks by USA Today readers, Goldwell Open Air Museum is an outdoor collection of eclectic sculptures in the Mojave Desert, located down the road from the ruins of the Gold Rush-era mining town Rhyolite. It’s a fascinating stop on the way to Death Valley, during a visit to Beatty, or all on its own, though the weather gets quite hot in the summer, so be prepared.
The outdoor sculpture park was started in 1984 by the late Albert Szukalski, who was later joined by fellow Belgian artists. It originally consisted of seven outdoor sculptures, but has since grown to include more than a dozen pieces, ranging from life-size, ghostly figures to a fake, dystopian ghost town. A reviewer on Tripadvisor describes the sculptures at Goldwell Open Air Museum as striking: “Some are impressively large, some are mysterious, some are a little creepy, and some are more whimsical, but all of them are interesting.”
Stop by the information booth (a small house) on site for more information and a self-guided tour brochure to learn about the art and artists.
Donkey History Museum
Where: 355 W. Mesquite Blvd., Mesquite
When: Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Check out a cool collection of memorabilia, toys, figurines, paintings, and photos of donkeys at the Donkey History Museum, run by the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. Between seven galleries, you’ll learn about the role donkeys played in building Nevada, watch documentaries, and enjoy a pop culture exhibit, featuring Donkey from “Shrek,” Eeyore from “Winnie the Pooh,” and more.
“The museum is equal parts informative and quirky,” writes a reviewer on Yelp. “I loved all of the historic donkey photos and giggled at the wooden donkey figurines. I just wish I had longer to spend here so I could read every single photo caption.”
In addition to the donkey museum, learn about the early pioneers who settled Mesquite and Bunkerville at the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, 35 W. Mesquite Blvd. Explore collections, exhibits, special events, and educational opportunities, or take a historical walking tour.
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
Where: UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas
When: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; reopens in August
The only free art museum in Las Vegas, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is located near the two-acre Donald H. Baepler Xeric Garden on the UNLV campus. Though the museum is temporarily closed for a summer roof renovation, it will reopen with the new exhibition, “Ingress: A Photopoetry Exhibition” on Aug. 25, 2026.
Historically, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art has showcased a wide range of local and non-local artists, including artists from marginalized communities. The upcoming Ingress exhibition will feature street photography from Iran—particularly showcasing women in public spaces—and translations of classical Persian poetry.
According to a review on Yelp, “This is a real art gallery…even though it is located on the UNLV campus. It is interactive for the kiddos, so very family oriented.”
Clark County Museum
Where: 1830 S. Boulder Hwy., Henderson
When: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m
Learn about the history of Southern Nevada at the Clark County Museum, a 30-acre site with a modern exhibit hall, historic walking trail, and collection of historic buildings.
Experience decades of life in Las Vegas, Boulder City, and Henderson by touring restored homes, a 1900s newspaper print shop, a resurrected ghost town, and the 1932 Boulder City Depot, with a real 1918 Union Pacific steam engine. You’ll also find exhibits on mining technology, gaming, and entertainment.
“This little museum is the hidden gem of Las Vegas,” writes a reviewer on Tripadvisor. “If you’re a vintage lover like me, then you will love the Heritage St. historical homes tour … I’m not super big on trains and railroad history, but I’m glad I stopped at those attractions as well.”
