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 the cast 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’s been running since it 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, an establishment that first started doing business in 1989.
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 artefacts 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.
However, despite the enduring success of the show – which is now in its 23rd season – the pawnshop continues to perform its original role, and members of the public can still visit the shop to peruse the antiques and memorabilia 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 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 back in 1989, 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 other founder of the pawnshop. He had been trying to pitch the pawnshop for a TV show for several years before it was finally accepted, and now, since the death of his father, he is the sole owner of the shop.
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 an ever-present element in the show who occasionally has to intervene when people become rowdy or upset.
As a result, he is a well-loved, familiar face to fans of the show and worthy of a selfie or an autograph in his own right.
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 All Knowledge”, is a regular on the show and also makes an appearance in the pawnshop most Saturdays. 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 over 120 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 the cast, you have two options – either you can just go to the shop as a regular customer during normal opening hours or you can join a VIP tour.
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 due to local laws, taking photos of the pawn counter is forbidden.
The star cast members, Rich, Corey and Chumlee, do occasionally make appearances in the pawnshop when they’re not shooting, but these appearances are unannounced, so seeing them there is just a case of being very lucky.
Note that nowadays, 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 will be able to get in much quicker.
VIP Tour
Another option if you want to guarantee that you will meet at least one of the star cast members is to join the VIP tour, which lasts roughly four hours.
This tour takes in the pawnshop itself, allowing you to walk through the “Employees Only” door for a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.
You’ll also get to visit the Pawn Plaza next door, home to Rick’s bar and Chumlee’s candy shop, and you’ll then have the chance to visit shops owned by some of the experts who regularly feature on the show.
Further details of the tour and its itinerary are available on the shop’s official website.
Important note: Unfortunately, at the time of writing, this tour is temporarily unavailable – although there are plans to start the VIP tours again soon.
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, Collectibles, Militaria & History, Movies & TV, Music and Sports.
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, tank tops, caps, key chains, stickers and more.
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 on Las Vegas Boulevard 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 VIP tour costs $80 per adult (13+) plus a $5 booking fee
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 where you have a good chance of running into them.
On Friday and Saturday nights, Rick can usually be found tending bar in Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ and Tavern, his bar over in Pawn Plaza right next door. Chumlee also owns a candy store in Pawn Plaza and is usually there 12-4pm, Wednesdays to Sundays.
If you turn up at the pawnshop on a Saturday around noon, you might not meet one of the main stars, but bouncer Antwaun and regular expert Mark Hall Patton are there most weeks for a meet and greet.
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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 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, at least you will be able to take a few snaps inside the world-famous shop itself – and you might be lucky enough to bump into Rick, Corey or Chumlee while you’re there.
Can You Meet the Cast There?
The cast members make impromptu visits to the pawnshop and can sometimes be encountered there, although there are no guarantees.
If you are determined to see them in the flesh, you have more chance of seeing Rick in his bar or Chumlee in his candy shop, both located next door in Rick’s Pawn Plaza.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Although the pawnshop is open from 10am to 5:30pm, the best time to visit is before 10:30am or after 5pm since that’s when it’s least 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, you might even bump into Rich, Corey or Chumlee themselves.