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Sightseeing

UNLV Special Collections

📍 Las Vegas · USA
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3.5/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Las Vegas
Category
Sightseeing
Duration
Recommended stay 1-3 hours
Coordinates
36.1390, -115.1670

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

1
Hughes Papers
Private files from the tycoon's Vegas years
2
Casino Drawings
Original architectural plans of vintage casinos
3
Showgirl Designs
Golden-age costume sketches archived
4
Nuclear Archives
Nevada Test Site photos and documents
5
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
→Transportation:On 3rd floor of Lied Library, UNLV; bus or drive

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday08:00-17:00
Tuesday08:00-17:00
Wednesday08:00-17:00
Thursday08:00-17:00
Friday08:00-17:00

Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00; some hours by appointment

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Free access; visitor ID required

💡 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

What are the opening hours of UNLV Special Collections?

Monday: 08:00-17:00; Tuesday: 08:00-17:00; Wednesday: 08:00-17:00; Thursday: 08:00-17:00; Friday: 08:00-17:00; Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00; some hours by appointment

How much is the admission for UNLV Special Collections?

Adult: Free; Free access; visitor ID required

Any practical tips for visiting UNLV Special Collections?

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

How long should I spend at UNLV Special Collections?

A typical visit takes Recommended stay 1-3 hours.

Access procedures and hours may change; contact staff before visiting.