Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas
The city of Las Vegas is set to host an exhibition that delves into the magic behind one of its most iconic entertainment brands. Cirque du Soleil teamed up with The Neon Museum—the nonprofit dedicated to preserving Las Vegas’ vibrant history—to present “Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.” The exhibition, which opened this week and runs through May 1, 2025, marks the first-ever collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and a museum, offering visitors an intimate look at the creativity, technology, and dedication that bring Cirque’s awe-inspiring productions to life.
Housed in City Hall’s Grand Gallery in downtown Las Vegas, “Stories from Backstage” celebrates over three decades of Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas legacy. The exhibition showcases the artistry behind the brand’s five current Las Vegas shows—Mystère, “O,” Mad Apple, KÀ, and Michael Jackson ONE—through a dazzling array of costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes artifacts. From intricate wigs and 3D-printed fabrics to iconic costumes like the Red Bird from Mystère and the Bateau from “O,” the exhibition reveals the secrets of how athletes become artists, performers embody characters, and cutting-edge technology transforms costumes into masterpieces.
“This landmark exhibition marks a significant milestone for The Neon Museum,” said Aaron Berger, executive director of The Neon Museum. “It reflects 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. Cirque du Soleil is synonymous with Las Vegas, and this exhibition offers a new perspective on the artistry that has made Cirque a destination entertainment experience for over 30 years.”
For Cirque du Soleil, the collaboration is a celebration of its deep ties to Las Vegas. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner than The Neon Museum to help share our story,” said Mike Newquist, chief revenue officer for Cirque du Soleil. “This collaboration beautifully blends art, history, and community, highlighting how Cirque du Soleil has become woven into the fabric of Las Vegas over the past three decades, with our artists and crew proudly calling this city home.”
The exhibition’s chief curator, Sarah Hulme, deputy director of The Neon Museum, emphasized the interactive and immersive nature of the experience. “Visitors will see costumes as they have never been displayed before, learn about the secrets of their design, and discover how they’ve evolved with new technologies,” she said. “It’s 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 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and serves as a cornerstone program of The Neon Museum’s Duck Duck Shed, a four-day exploration of Las Vegas’ architecture, design, and culture taking place April 24–27, 2025. The event will feature behind-the-scenes tours, exclusive programs, and thought-provoking discussions, offering a deeper dive into the city’s creative spirit.
A Legacy of Art and Innovation
Since its founding in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has been captivating over 400 million people across 86 countries. With its Las Vegas shows, the brand has become an integral part of the city’s identity, blending artistry, athleticism, and storytelling to create unforgettable experiences.
The Neon Museum, founded in 1996, has similarly become a cultural cornerstone of Las Vegas, preserving the city’s iconic neon signs and sharing the stories behind them. In 2021, the museum achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national honor for U.S. museums. Its 2.27-acre campus includes the Neon Boneyard, the North Gallery, and the iconic La Concha Motel lobby, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant future.
A Must-See Experience
“Stories from Backstage” is more than just an exhibition—it’s a celebration of the creativity, innovation, and community that define both Cirque du Soleil and Las Vegas. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Cirque or a first-time visitor to the city, this exhibition promises to inspire, educate, and entertain.
“After viewing this exhibition, guests will gain a completely new perspective of the artists and artistry behind Cirque du Soleil,” said Berger. “It’s a testament to the magic that has made Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world.”
“Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas” is now open at City Hall’s Grand Gallery. For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org. Follow @NeonMuseum on Facebook and @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram for updates.
