The life and legacy of daredevil Evel Knievel will be showcased in a new museum opening June 27 in Las Vegas' Arts District downtown.
The Evel Knievel Experience: An Interactive Museum of America's Original Daredevil will feature insight about his thrilling experiences and rare artifacts from his life.
Initially launched as the Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka, Kan., in 2017, the attraction will have an expanded collection and be permanently located in Las Vegas.
"Evel Knievel's story doesn't belong to just one generation -- it still resonates in a powerful way today," said Mike Patterson, co-founder and CEO of the Evel Knievel Experience. "We designed this attraction as a place where people can feel that for themselves, whether they grew up watching him or are discovering his story for the first time."
In the 4D-reality jump, guests can sit on a thundering motorcycle, wear a helmet and experience a 16-car-long jump. The interactive Jump Planner will enable guests to design their own daring jump and see if they can successfully land it. Bad to the Bones is another display that will show the injuries that Knievel sustained during his most famous crashes.
Iconic items on display
Artifacts include Knievel's red, white and blue jumpsuits; his motorcycles; the Caesars Palace jump helmet, credited for saving his life when he crashed while performing the jump in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve 1967; and the Snake River Canyon Skycycle X-2 from his stunt in 1974. Knievel died in 2007 at age 69.
"Evel Knievel tapped into the fountain of youth through sheer determination, resilience and an unshakable belief in pushing life to its limits," said Lathan McKay, co-founder of the Evel Knievel Experience. "After dozens of crashes, countless broken bones and near-death experiences, he continued pursuing some of the world's most daring stunts with the energy and fearlessness of someone decades younger."
Museum guests will be able to walk through the fully restored "Big Red" Mack truck and trailer Evel Knievel used on tour. Photo Credit: The Evel Knievel Experience
Guests will also be able to walk through his fully restored "Big Red" Mack truck and trailer he used on tour. The truck will lead a long-distance caravan celebrating Knievel's life from Kansas City, Mo., to Las Vegas before taking its place in the museum on Saturday, May 23. Motorcyclists and other fans are expected to accompany "Big Red" on the journey.
The collection also features signature canes, jewelry helmets, wardrobe piece and cars.
"We're thrilled to be able to share what made Evel Knievel so special and such a significant contributor to American culture. The Evel Knievel Experience is another great attraction for visitors to our city," said Kelly Knievel, the showman's eldest son and a resident of Las Vegas.
The museum will include a cafe and retail space with gifts, apparel and memorabilia.
In addition to self-guided general admission, the Evel Knievel Experience will eventually offer VIP and guided tours, group bookings and private event opportunities.
Among the artifacts visitors will see: the helmet Evel Knievel wore at his Caesars Palace jump in 1967. The headgear is credited with saving the daredevil's life. Photo Credit: The Evel Knievel Experience
The Experience will be at 1001 S. First St. General admission is $35 (plus tax and fees) and $15 more for the 4D-reality experience (recommended one hour after entry). Discounted tickets are available for youth ages 6-12, groups of eight or more and military members. Children 5 and under will be admitted free.
The attraction will be open at 10 a.m. daily with last entry at 8 p.m. Parking will be available on site for $4 per hour. Guests should allow 60 to 90 minutes to take in the venue.