The real life historical battle between law enforcement and organized crime will be on display when the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement ( aka the Mob Museum ) opens to the public in Vegas on Valentines Day, February 14, 2012. The new downtown area attraction's intent is to present an authentic view of the mob's impact on Las Vegas history and it's imprint on the world.
The $42 million project funded by the city of Las Vegas along with $9 million in federal, state and local historic preservation grants is located at 300 Stewart Avenue in downtown Las Vegas. The city's first federal building, dedicated in 1933, was completely renovated and serves as the site of the new museum.
The 41,000 square foot, three - floor museum will depict insight into the events and people on both sides of the battle between organized crime and law enforcement. True mob stories will be brought to life with engaging exhibits, artifacts, and will specifically highlight high - tech theater presentations.
The Museum has engaged former FBI Special Agents, undercover agents, members of local and state government and law enforcement, and members of the judicial system to be directly involved in the museum's development and / or serve on the board of directors. Former popular Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman serves on the board and in many respects was a key visionary in the project's development. Goodman developed a reputation as a defense attorney by representing reputed mobsters in Las Vegas such as Meyer Lansky, Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, and Anthony Spilotro among others.
Major mob - related artifacts displayed at the museum include the actual wall from the St Valentine's Day Massacre, which is considered one of the most iconic mob events in history. The museum is opening on Valentine's Day in recognition of the 83rd anniversary of that famous occurrence. An area of the building has been restored to mimic the courtroom that housed the famous Kefauver hearings, which were held to expose organized crime in America in 1950.
Exhibits will detail histories and artifacts of noted mobsters such as Al Capone, George Moran, Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, Joe Bonanno, Mickey Cohen, and Anthony Spilotro among others.
Admission prices are $18 for adults 18 and older ; $12 for children aged 5 - 17 and college students with valid ID ; $14 for seniors, military, law enforcement, and teachers ; $10 for all Nevada locals of all ages. Hours for the museum are 10 am - 7 pm Sundays through Thursdays and 10 am - 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Phone 702-229-2734 for further info.
This is the second mob history venue to open in Las Vegas within the last 18 months, as the Mob Experience opened at the Tropicana in the recent past. That venue has undergone some troubled times including ownership and management changes since it's debut.
Cheers...
Charles Higgins
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