NOW OPEN: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND THE NEON MUSEUM DEBUT FIRST-EVER, LIMITED-TIME EXHIBITION IN LAS VEGAS

"Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas" Marks Global Entertainment Producer's First Museum-Curated Exhibition, Showcasing Over 100 Costumes and Artifacts

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global entertainment producer Cirque du Soleil and The Neon Museum – the nonprofit museum dedicated to collecting and preserving Las Vegas' history – have joined forces to debut a first-of-its-kind exhibition, "Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas." As part of The Neon Museum's expanded mission to celebrate the spirit of Las Vegas, this marks the first-ever exhibition collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and a museum. Honoring over three decades of entertainment history, "Stories from Backstage" is on display from now through May 1, 2025, inside City Hall's Grand Gallery in downtown Las Vegas.

For photos, click here.

"Stories from Backstage" unveils a look into one of the most iconic entertainment brands in the world, giving visitors a glimpse into the artistry, innovation and dedication that goes into bringing its productions to life. Guests can discover how athletes transform into artists, how performers embody characters and how cutting-edge technology shapes costume evolution. Featuring fabrics, feathers, masks and mannequins, the space reveals the backstage secrets and artistry of those who have made the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil shows unforgettable since the 1990s.

"This landmark exhibition — the first of its kind — marks a significant milestone for The Neon Museum, reflecting our expanded mission to illuminate the cultural essence of Las Vegas by preserving and sharing the iconic signs, stories and creative spirit that define our city's past, present and future," said Aaron Berger, executive director of The Neon Museum. "Cirque du Soleil is synonymous with Las Vegas. After viewing this exhibition, guests will gain a completely new perspective of the artists and artistry through performers' stories, up-close views of the costumes and makeup that dazzle from afar — revealing the magic that makes Cirque in Las Vegas the destination entertainment experience it has been for over 30 years."

The exhibition includes iconic costumes, makeup, measurement sheets, shoes, 3D-printed fabrics and much more from the five current Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows including Mystère, "O," Mad Apple, KÀ and Michael Jackson ONE. Highlight artifacts include:

• The Spearmen shoes from KÀ
• Wigs from the synchronized swimmers from "O"
• Red Bird costume from Mystère
• The Bateau from "O"

"We couldn't ask for a better partner than The Neon Museum to help share our story, as their dedication to preserving our pieces and collection is remarkable," said Mike Newquist, chief revenue officer for Cirque du Soleil.  "This collaboration beautifully blends art, history and community, and highlights how Cirque du Soleil has become woven into the fabric of Las Vegas over the past 30 years, with our artists and crew proudly calling this city home."

Sarah Hulme, the exhibition's chief curator and deputy director of The Neon Museum, said, "We are extremely excited to be able to pay homage to the backstage artists of Cirque du Soleil who have made Las Vegas their home. We share their stories and showcase their artistry, exhibiting nearly one hundred artifacts from every live show in the city. Visitors will see costumes as they have never displayed before, learn about the secrets of their design and how they have evolved as new technologies have developed.  It is a colorful, vibrant and interactive journey that we believe locals and tourists alike will enjoy."

"Stories from Backstage" is open to the public Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The exhibition also is a cornerstone program of The Neon Museum's Duck Duck Shed, a four-day exploration into Las Vegas' architecture, design and culture taking place April 24-27, 2025. Duck Duck Shed provides a cultural perspective of Las Vegas with behind-the-scenes tours, exclusive programs and thought-provoking discussions.

Located in downtown Las Vegas, The Neon Museum is guided by core values that foster a sense of belonging, promote scholarship through meaningful collaborations, deliver engaging experiences that capture the city's unique spirit. The Museum's signature event series, Duck Duck Shed, is presented by the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial and offers a look into the deep history of Las Vegas' architecture, design and culture. More information on the event will be announced soon.

About The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum illuminates the cultural essence of Las Vegas by sharing iconic signage, diverse collections and stories that define its vibrant past, present and future. Its core values seek to create a sense of belonging for everyone; promote scholarship through its work and collaborations; offer fun engagement that reflects the spirit of Las Vegas; and demonstrate overall excellence.

Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in 2021, the highest national honor for museums in the United States. Situated on a 2.27-acre campus, the Museum features:

• The Neon Boneyard: An outdoor exhibition space displaying historic signs no longer in use.
• The North Gallery: Home to Brilliant! Jackpot, an immersive audiovisual experience that re-illuminates over 40 non-operational signs using advanced technology.
• The Boulevard Gallery: A transitional space showcasing collection pieces.
• The Visitors' Center: Located in the iconic former La Concha Motel lobby designed by famed architect Paul Revere Williams.
• The Neon Boneyard Park: A green space where visitors can learn more of Las Vegas' rich history.

The museum's collection also includes 15 restored signs displayed as public art in downtown Las Vegas collectively known as The Las Vegas Boulevard Scenic Byway Project and additional pieces on loan to non-profits and government entities. Its ongoing initiatives encompass public education, outreach, research, and arts preservation. Recently, The Neon Museum announced plans for a relocation and expansion to the Arts District in downtown Las Vegas. Updates will be shared soon.

For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org. Also follow @NeonMuseum on Facebook and @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram.

About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the artistic entertainment company brings its creative approach to a large variety of artistic forms such as live shows, multimedia productions, long-from content, music, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from more than 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.

SOURCE The Neon Museum