For fans of the hit TV show Pawn Stars, a trip up to the Las Vegas pawnshop that started it all to see where the show is filmed and perhaps even bump into one of the familiar faces from the series is an essential stop on any Vegas itinerary.
If you want to know how to meet the cast, are curious about what to expect when you arrive at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop or have any other questions about your visit, in this post, we have all the info you need to know about Pawn Stars Las Vegas.
Pawn Stars Las Vegas Overview
Most people are familiar with Pawn Stars, the hit TV show that first aired on History in 2009 – and the show’s stars, including Old Man, Rick, Corey and Chumlee, have become household names.
However, for the few who aren’t familiar with the show or the concept, let’s remind ourselves what the show is about.
Pawn Stars is a reality TV show that revolves around the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, the famous Las Vegas pawnshop associated with the Harrison family.
The show is based on the items people bring into the shop to be valued and to sell, and much of the action centers on the valuation of the antiques and artifacts that show up as well as the haggling over how much the shop is willing to pay for them.
Aside from this, the show also focuses on the relationships between the main protagonists and their interpersonal conflicts, providing a second layer of interest to each episode.
The show also regularly features experts in various fields who help to value the items that are presented on the show – and also to spot a fake when one turns up.
Despite the enduring success of the show, the pawnshop continues to perform its original role, and members of the public can still visit the shop to peruse the antiques, memorabilia, jewelry, collectibles and Pawn Stars merchandise on sale there.
This has led to the shop establishing itself as one of Vegas’ most popular non-gaming attractions as fans of the show make the pilgrimage to see the shop – and if they’re lucky, meet one of the stars of the show too.
As a working pawnshop, visiting the store is free too, making it a fun place to check out for anyone on a tight budget.
The Cast of Pawn Stars
Although the Pawn Stars concept is based on the valuation of the antiques and memorabilia that turn up, it’s the cast that really makes the show – and here are the main protagonists.
Richard “Old Man” Harrison
Richard Harrison, usually just known as “Old Man”, was one of the founders of the pawnshop along with his son Rick. Old Man was famous for his straight-talking and no-nonsense approach to life and business. He passed in 2018.
Rick Harrison
Rick Harrison is the son of Old Man and the best-known face of the pawnshop. He had been trying to pitch the pawnshop for a TV show for several years before it was finally accepted, and he remains closely associated with both the store and the Pawn Stars brand.
Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison
Corey is Rick’s son and is still known by his nickname “Big Hoss” despite trimming down and losing over 100lbs. He grew up around the shop and the pawn business and has frequently shown himself as an astute judge of the value of antiques, often buying expensive pieces.
Austin “Chumlee” Russell
Austin Russell, invariably known as “Chumlee”, is an old school friend of Corey and has been employed at the pawnshop since he was 21.
He is the butt of many jokes on the show where his level of intelligence is often questioned. However, he has also frequently surprised viewers and cast members alike by demonstrating a keen knowledge of several specialist fields of antiques.
Antwaun Austin
A more minor cast member, Antwaun Austin is the pawnshop’s security. Although he doesn’t feature prominently in most episodes, he is a familiar face to many longtime fans of the show.
Who Are the Experts?
Many experts also appear on the show to help with evaluating the pieces people bring in. Here are just a few.
Mark Hall-Patton
Mark Hall-Patton, known as the “Beard of Knowledge”, is a regular on the show. He specializes in American history.
Murray SawChuck
Murray SawChuck is a professional magician and an expert in magic-related memorabilia as well as everything related to Houdini.
Hope Parish
Hope Parish is an expert on Hollywood props and is sometimes called on by the show to share her knowledge.
Steve Grad
Steve Grad is Pawn Stars’ resident autograph expert and has featured in many episodes.
Alex Cranmer
Another regular on the show, Alex Cranmer specializes in military antiques.
Visiting the Pawn Stars Shop and Meeting the Cast
If you want to visit the store and perhaps meet one of the stars, you have two main options – either you can just go to the shop as a regular customer during normal opening hours or you can book a meet and greet or tour experience.
Visiting the Pawnshop
Although the pawn window is open 24/7, the shop itself can be visited during the day between 10am and 5:30pm.
If you do this, you’ll be able to browse the vast array of antiquities and memorabilia that’s on sale there as well as take photos of the shop that’s become the famous location for the show. Note, though, that photos toward the pawn counter are not allowed, and videos are not permitted inside the shop.
Rick, Chumlee and other familiar faces from the Pawn Stars world do occasionally make appearances when they’re not filming or working on other projects, but these appearances are usually impromptu. If you want a guaranteed photo or autograph opportunity, it’s better to book one of the official meet and greet options rather than relying on luck.
Note that the renowned pawnshop has become an incredibly popular Las Vegas attraction, and you may have to wait in line outside for some time before you get in.
The shop gives priority to Nevada residents, so if you live locally – or you can take a local with you when you visit – you may be able to get in much quicker.
Meet and Greet and VIP Tour Options
The shop offers a Pawn Stars Meet & Greet Package that gives visitors a guaranteed chance to meet Rick Harrison or Chumlee for photos, autographs and a short Q&A. The package also includes Pawn Stars merchandise.
Meet and greet dates and times can change, so it’s best to check the official Gold & Silver Pawn Shop website before planning your visit.
There is also a Las Vegas Reality TV tour option through Annie Bannanie Tours. This guided tour includes transportation from the Strip and stops at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Pawn Plaza and other Las Vegas locations connected to Pawn Stars and related reality TV shows.
Further details of current meet and greet packages and tour options are available on the shop’s official website.
Important note: Cast appearances, tour stops and meet and greet availability can change. If meeting Rick, Chumlee or another specific person is the main reason for your visit, check the current schedule before booking.
What Can You Buy At Pawn Shop?
Even if you don’t manage to meet the cast in-store, there’s plenty of stuff available to browse – and to buy, if you find something that interests you.
Categories include Arms & Armor, Autographs, Collectibles, Coins & Currency, Fine Art, Jewelry, Militaria & History, Movies & TV, Music, Sports and Pawn Stars gear.
There’s also a special section devoted to the items featured on the show, so if you saw something you particularly like during one of the episodes, you may have the chance to buy it in the store.
Finally, the store carries a range of Pawn Stars-related merchandise, including t-shirts, caps, bags, signed photos and other souvenirs.
So in short, whatever you’re shopping for, there’s something for everyone in the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop!
Pawn Stars Shop Location
The World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is located at 713 S. Las Vegas Blvd., a couple of miles north of the Strip. Heading north, you’ll find it in the third block on the right after East Charleston Avenue between Gass Avenue and East Garces Avenue. Parking is free.
If you take a taxi or a ride share, the pawnshop is well-known, and almost every driver should know where to take you.
Opening hours:
- For pawning – 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- The store – 10am-5:30pm daily
- Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving
Price:
- Visiting the store is free
- The official Pawn Stars Meet & Greet Package is $59
- Prices for guided tours can vary by date, package and booking platform
Where Else Can You Meet the Cast?
If you don’t get lucky and bump into the cast during your visit to the shop, there are other places nearby where you may have a better chance of seeing them.
Rick can often be found at Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ and Tavern, his bar and restaurant in Pawn Plaza right next door. Chumlee also owns Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard in Pawn Plaza and is often there starting around noon, although exact appearances can vary.
For the best chance of meeting someone, check the official Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Pawn Plaza, Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ and Chumlee’s Candy social media pages before you go.
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FAQs
Is It Still an Operating Pawnshop?
Yes. Despite its renown and the fame of the main cast members, the pawnshop that started it all is still in operation and can be visited for free. You can also buy memorabilia, antiques, jewelry, collectibles and merchandise on-site – and the pawn window is open 24 hours a day.
Is It Worth Visiting?
If you are a fan of the show, a trip to the shop is a must. Although you’re not guaranteed to meet the cast during a regular visit, at least you will be able to take a few snaps inside the world-famous shop itself, browse the items for sale and visit Pawn Plaza next door.
Can You Meet the Cast There?
The cast members make impromptu visits to the pawnshop and nearby Pawn Plaza businesses, although there are no guarantees during a regular walk-in visit.
If you are determined to meet someone from the show, the official meet and greet package is the safest option because it is designed specifically for photos and autographs.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Although the pawnshop is open from 10am to 5:30pm, the best time to visit is usually soon after opening or later in the afternoon since that’s when it may be less busy. That way, you won’t have to wait in line as long, and browsing what’s on offer or taking photos will be a more peaceful experience.
An Unmissable Stop for All Pawn Stars Fans
Located just north of the Las Vegas Strip and free to visit, the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is an unmissable stop on any itinerary for fans of the show – and it won’t even cost you anything to visit.
While there, you can take in the familiar surroundings of the shop itself, snap a few photos, peruse the antiques, memorabilia and merchandise that’s on sale – and if you’re lucky or book the right experience, you might even meet one of the stars of Pawn Stars.