A Las Vegas showgirl exhibition is ongoing at the Las Vegas City Hall, and it aims to set a spotlight on the famous showgirl in years past. The Vegas showgirl is indeed a cultural icon, and the exhibition brings back the glitz, glamour, and glory of the legendary figure, as much a Vegas landmark as the fountains at the Bellagio or the white tigers of Siegfried and Roy.

The Las Vegas City Hall has opened its doors to a captivating new exhibition that delves into the rich history of a once-vital icon of the city's vibrant entertainment scene. Titled "The Spectacle of the Showgirl," the exhibition runs through the 10th of October and offers a nostalgic journey through the glitz and glamour that defined the showgirl era. The free exhibition, which is actually on loan from the Las Vegas Showgirl Museum of Grant Philipo, features an array of showgirl dresses and the ubiquitous headdresses from legendary productions across the region and across different time periods.

A nostalgic tribute

The exhibition is a fitting tribute to the showgirl legacy, coinciding with a significant transitional period for Las Vegas as the mayoral administrations of Oscar Goodman and Carolyn Goodman come to an end. Oscar Goodman, who served as mayor from 1999 all the way to 2011, played a pivotal role in reviving the showgirl as an emblem of Las Vegas. Over the past 25 years, any big celebration in the city saw Oscar escorted by showgirls, a sight that became synonymous with his tenure.

Carolyn Goodman, who succeeded her husband as mayor, further cemented the showgirl's place in the city's identity. In 2018, her administration erected two spectacular showgirl signs to greet visitors entering downtown Las Vegas from the north. However, in true Las Vegas fashion, these signs were replaced just four years later with new ones standing almost 60 feet, reflecting the city's penchant for constant reinvention.

The showgirl's evolution

But despite Oscar and Carol Goodmans' efforts to preserve the showgirl's legacy, this iconic symbol has largely become a relic of the past. The showgirls seen today along the sidewalks of the Las Vegas Strip are typically street performers or paid models posing for photos in exchange for tips. The concept of full-time jobs for women in dazzling sequined outfits and elaborate headdresses has faded into history. In fact, the last true showgirl performance, Bally's "Jubilee!", closed in 2016 after a remarkable 35-year run.

"The Spectacle of the Showgirl" showcases a stunning collection of showgirl attire, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence and artistry of these legendary performers. Highlights include costumes from Grant Philipo's Dunes production "90 Degrees & Rising" in 1992 and the 1989 show "Allez Lido," which was at the Stardust. Each piece in the exhibition tells a story of a bygone era when showgirls epitomized the glamour and charm of Las Vegas entertainment.

Located on the first floor Grand Gallery of Las Vegas City Hall, the exhibition is accessible to the public from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5:30 pm. Until October 10, visitors can immerse themselves in the history and legacy of the showgirl and experience firsthand the elaborate costumes and dazzling headdresses that once graced the stages of Las Vegas' most iconic shows. Don't miss the chance to witness this celebration of a bygone era in the heart of Las Vegas.

The end of an era

As the city transitions into a new chapter with the end of the Goodmans' mayoral reign, "The Spectacle of the Showgirl" serves as a poignant reminder of the city's storied past. The exhibition not only honors the legacy of the showgirl but also shows the dynamic and ever-changing nature of Las Vegas itself. Visitors to the exhibition will leave with a renewed appreciation for the showgirls who once epitomized the glamour and spectacle of this iconic city.