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From Cold War Bunker to Ghost Museum: Zak Bagans’ Latest Paranormal Venture in Las Vegas

By jili tutorial · October 7, 2026

From Cold War Bunker to Ghost Museum: Zak Bagans’ Latest Paranormal Venture in Las Vegas

Overview: A Unique Acquisition

Zak Bagans, the charismatic lead host of the Travel Channel’s hit series Ghost Adventures, has purchased a sprawling 16,000-square-foot Cold War-era bunker in Las Vegas, Nevada. His plan? To transform this subterranean fortress into his second museum dedicated to the paranormal, following the success of his long-running Haunted Museum located in downtown Las Vegas. This article dives deep into the history, mysteries, and future of this extraordinary underground property.

The Bunker’s Origins: A Cold War Relic Built for Survival

Designed by a Visionary Architect

The bunker, aptly named The Underground House, was conceived in the 1970s by Girard “Jerry” B. Henderson, an Avon executive who described himself as a “nucleophobe”—someone with an intense fear of nuclear war. Henderson commissioned atomic-age architect Jay Swayze to design the structure. Swayze was no stranger to underground living; he had previously created the “Underground World Home,” a prototype dwelling that debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. That exhibit showcased how families could live comfortably beneath the earth’s surface, blending modern amenities with blast-resistant design.

Buried Deep Beneath an Unassuming Home

The Underground House is hidden nearly three floors underground, nestled beneath a modest-looking house in a quiet suburban neighborhood off Flamingo Road. From the surface, nothing betrays the massive complex below—a deliberate choice for secrecy and security during the height of the Cold War. Henderson spent an estimated $10 million (equivalent to roughly $68 million today) to create a self-sufficient retreat capable of withstanding a nuclear blast.

Luxurious Features of a Doomsday Shelter

Far from a spartan bunker, the Underground House was outfitted with surprising luxuries designed to mimic the world above:

These features were intended to prevent the psychological strain of living underground for extended periods. The bunker could sustain its occupants for months, with its own water supply, air filtration systems, and power generation.

A History of Unusual Tenants

From Avon Executive to Cryogenic Foundation

After Henderson died of a heart attack in 1983 at age 78—the only known death on the property—the bunker passed through several hands. Henderson’s wife later inherited it, and after her passing, the property changed owners multiple times. Most recently, it was owned by the Stasis Foundation, a biochemical organization specializing in cryogenic preservation (the practice of freezing bodies or tissues for potential future revival). The foundation initially listed the bunker for as much as $18 million before Bagans negotiated a purchase price of $4.5 million—a significant discount reflecting the property’s niche appeal and maintenance costs.

Pop Culture Appearances

The Underground House has attracted a range of high-profile visitors and creators over the decades:

Paranormal Connections: Is the Bunker Haunted?

Mysteries Surrounding the Property

For Zak Bagans, the bunker’s appeal goes beyond its historical and architectural significance. While initially purchasing the property for a museum, Bagans discovered what he calls “very heavy-duty mysteries” connected to the house and its previous owners. In an interview with TMZ, he stated, “I didn’t set out to buy this as a haunted house, but we found there are secrets I’m not ready to share.” He has declined to specify which spirits he believes may linger, but the only confirmed death on-site is Henderson himself, who suffered a fatal heart attack in the bunker in 1983.

Bagans’ Intentions for the Paranormal Investigation

Bagans plans to preserve the house’s history while “digging deeper into the mysteries” that surfaced during the purchase process. This aligns perfectly with his Ghost Adventures ethos—combining historical preservation with paranormal exploration. The bunker’s sealed, climate-controlled environment (originally designed for cryogenic work) may also contribute to unusual sensory experiences, such as temperature fluctuations or auditory anomalies, which could be interpreted as paranormal activity.

How Does the Haunted Museum Compare?

Bagans’ first Las Vegas museum, the Haunted Museum, is housed in a historic 1930s mansion downtown and features over 30 themed rooms filled with allegedly cursed objects, including the infamous “Devil’s Toy Box” and a coffin used in exorcism rituals. The Underground House museum will likely follow a similar model, focusing on the bunker’s unique history and any paranormal evidence Bagans uncovers.

What to Expect: The Future Museum

Preservation and Expansion

Bagans has stated his intention to preserve the bunker’s original features—the painted skies, waterfalls, and artificial landscapes—while adding museum exhibits. Visitors can expect:

Opening Timeline and Location

No official opening date has been announced, but given Bagans’ track record with the Haunted Museum, renovations could take 1–2 years. The bunker is located off Flamingo Road in a residential area, so parking and crowd management may be tight—similar to the downtown museum’s logistics.

Broader Context: Las Vegas as a Paranormal Hub

Las Vegas has long been a magnet for oddities, from the Neon Museum to the Mob Museum. Bagans’ Haunted Museum is already one of the city’s top-rated attractions, drawing curious tourists and ghost enthusiasts alike. The addition of a Cold War bunker-turned-museum only strengthens Vegas’ reputation as a destination for the strange and supernatural.

Metallica at The Sphere: A Coincidental Mention

In a related note, legendary metal band Metallica has taken up residency at The Sphere, Las Vegas’ cutting-edge entertainment venue, kicking off its stay with numerous high-energy shows. While unrelated to Bagans’ bunker, it reflects the city’s constant evolution as a cultural and paranormal hotspot.

Practical Tips for Future Visitors

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Paranormal History

Zak Bagans’ purchase of the Underground House is more than a real estate transaction—it’s a convergence of Cold War history, architectural innovation, and paranormal mystery. Whether the bunker proves to be genuinely haunted or simply a treasure trove of strange artifacts, it promises to offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience beneath the glittering surface of Las Vegas. As Bagans himself said, “There are mysteries here that go beyond what we can see.” For fans of Ghost Adventures, the wait for answers—and the opening—has only just begun.