In honor of Black History Month, Neon Museum guests can explore the history of Las Vegas’ push toward equality. The Museum of Gaming History has debuted an exhibit of Moulin Rouge memorabilia and artifacts inside the Neon Museum’s La Concha visitor’s center.
The Moulin Rouge hotel-casino marked a triumphant if brief chapter in the story of Las Vegas. Opened in 1955, it was the first racially integrated resort of its kind in America, and helped lead to the integration of the Las Vegas Strip.
Today, the former location of the historical building is an empty lot, but its artifacts shine brightly at the Neon Museum. Since last year, the iconic cursive sign has been reassembled and re-illuminated. And now, the Museum of Gaming History displays Moulin Rouge gaming chips, postcards, shot glasses, branded ceramics and more in its exhibit. There’s even an original copy of the June 20, 1955, issue of Life magazine that featured Moulin Rouge showgirls on the cover.
The Moulin Rouge exhibit is one of eight the Museum of Gaming History has up across Las Vegas, at various museums and inside Downtown’s El Cortez and Plaza casinos.
