Sightseeing

UNLV Special Collections

📍 Las Vegas · USA

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3.5/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Introduction

The UNLV Special Collections is among the most authoritative archives for the history of southern Nevada and Las Vegas, housed on the third floor of Lied Library. Its holdings cover Las Vegas founding history, gaming industry archives, Nevada nuclear testing records, showgirl and entertainment documents, Mafia and city governance files, and oral histories of local ethnic communities. Treasures include Howard Hughes's private papers, early casino architectural drawings, and showgirl costume designs. The reading room is quiet and solemn; researchers with valid ID may request materials free of charge, with professional staff assistance. It offers a path away from the neon to the urban fabric and cultural roots of Las Vegas, a hidden gem for history enthusiasts.

✨ Highlights

Hughes Papers

Private files from the tycoon's Vegas years

Casino Drawings

Original architectural plans of vintage casinos

Showgirl Designs

Golden-age costume sketches archived

Nuclear Archives

Nevada Test Site photos and documents

Mafia Files

Unique archives on organized crime and gaming

🛈 Practical Info

→Transit：On UNLV campus; buses 108/109 reach

→Cost：Free access with valid ID

→Booking：Some materials require advance request

→Rules：Materials in-room only; no checkout

→For：Researchers and deep culture enthusiasts

💡 Tips

• Some materials are offsite; request 24 hours ahead

• Combine with UNLV campus and Marjorie Barrick Museum

• No food or drink in reading room; eat beforehand

• Staff are helpful; ask research questions freely

• Photography by permission; some items restricted

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting UNLV Special Collections?

Some materials are offsite; request 24 hours ahead Combine with UNLV campus and Marjorie Barrick Museum

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.