A horror-film props and special-effects museum in historic downtown Boulder City, about 35 to 40 minutes from the Strip, built around makeup artist Tom Devlin's collection of creatures, costumes and screen-used pieces.
Tom Devlin is a special makeup effects artist whose career covers more than 100 horror films and TV shows. His credits include work for The X-Files and the puppets of the Puppet Master films. His museum puts his personal collection on show in historic downtown Boulder City, the small, walkable town built for the Hoover Dam workers. It is about 35 to 40 minutes by car southeast of the Strip, so this is a side trip, not a stop between casinos.
Inside you will find screen-used props, full creature suits and complete costumes worn by famous screen villains, alongside recreated props and makeup from classic and B-movie horror such as The Toxic Avenger. Much of the appeal is behind the scenes: you see how prosthetics, masks and puppets are built and finished. That makes it as interesting to film and craft fans as to horror fans. A shop sells one-of-a-kind masks, costumes and collectibles. Most visits take 60 to 90 minutes.
Two extras raise the scare level. The Fright Zone haunted house is set in one of Boulder City's oldest buildings, which is said to be haunted, and opens on select nights only. The R.I.P. Experience is a small-group package with pickup from Las Vegas in Devlin's custom hearse and a private tour with Devlin himself. Both need to be booked separately from regular admission, so check dates in advance.
The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children, and under-5s are free. Children are welcome, but some displays are gory, so parents of younger or sensitive children should use their judgement. The easiest way to fit it into a trip is on the way to or from Hoover Dam, which is about 15 minutes further on. Boulder City's historic main street has cafés, antique shops and a quieter, small-town pace, so it makes a pleasant half-day out.
What to expect
The experience
Screen-used props, creature suits and complete villain costumes from horror films and TV, plus recreated pieces from classic and B-movie horror. The displays focus on how special makeup effects are made as much as on the films themselves.
Best time
On the way back from Hoover Dam, around lunch.
How long
60–90 minutes.
Tips
Devlin has worked on more than 100 horror movies and TV shows, including The X-Files and the Puppet Master series. He also made Halloween masks for haunted attractions nationwide. A haunted-house attraction in one of Boulder City's oldest buildings, open on select nights only and ticketed separately. It is designed to scare, so it is not for young children. In historic downtown Boulder City, about 35 to 40 minutes by car from the Strip and about 15 minutes from Hoover Dam. There is no direct public transport from the Strip, so drive, book a tour or take a rideshare. Open daily 10am–6pm. Adults $20, children $10, under-5s free. Allow 60 to 90 minutes, plus time for the gift shop. Visit on the way back from Hoover Dam and have lunch on Boulder City's historic main street. Check the Fright Zone haunted house calendar if you want a proper fright. It opens on select nights only.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Horror fans, film-effects enthusiasts and anyone looking for an offbeat stop on a Hoover Dam day.
- Families
- Fine for older children who like monsters, but some displays are gory for younger ones.
- Couples
- An offbeat stop for horror fans on the way back from Hoover Dam.
- Pair with
- Pairs well with Hoover Dam Tour and Punk Rock Museum.
- Time needed
- 60–90 minutes.
Good questions
Where is Tom Devlin's Monster Museum?+
In historic downtown Boulder City, Nevada, about 35 to 40 minutes by car southeast of the Las Vegas Strip and about 15 minutes from Hoover Dam.
Who is Tom Devlin?+
A special makeup effects artist who has worked on more than 100 horror films and TV shows, including The X-Files and the Puppet Master films.
What are the hours and prices?+
Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children, and children under 5 go free.
Is it suitable for children?+
Children are welcome, but some displays are graphic or gory. Older children who enjoy monster movies tend to love it, but very young or sensitive children may not. The haunted house is for older visitors.
What is the Fright Zone?+
A haunted-house attraction run by the museum in one of Boulder City's oldest buildings. It opens on select nights only and needs a separate ticket.
