Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas: Best Museums to Visit

What is the Burlesque Hall of Fame?

Las Vegas is a city of bright lights, endless parties, and spectacular shows. Everyone can find entertainment to their liking here, but among the city's attractions, the Burlesque Hall of Fame holds a special place. This museum is a true treasure for those interested in the history and culture of burlesque.

The permanent exhibition is captivating, erotic, and slightly shocking, offering a historical view of the burlesque world from its early days to its revival in the 1990s and up to the present. The museum houses more than 3,500 artifacts as well as stage areas.

The History of the Museum

The Burlesque Hall of Fame began as the personal collection of Jennie Lee, a legendary dancer who dreamed of a Burlesque Museum as early as the 1950s. Retired dancer Jennie Lee started collecting burlesque memorabilia when she owned the Sassy Lassy nightclub in San Pedro. After being diagnosed with cancer, she and her husband moved to a deserted goat farm in California's Mojave Desert.

Unfortunately, Jennie passed away before she could realize her dream. However, thanks to her close friend and fellow performer Dixie Evans, the dream came to life. Fifteen years after Jennie's death, Dixie created the museum in Helendale, California. It became a pilgrimage site not only for past generations of performers but also for a new generation of neo-burlesque dancers.

A New Phase of Development

In the early 2000s, a small group of volunteers took on the task of preserving the unique collection of costumes, props, photographs, and transforming it into an official nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving this often overlooked area of entertainment history.

In late 2005, the museum temporarily closed for inventory and repairs due to significant damage to the museum's facilities caused by adverse weather conditions. In 2006, the Hall of Fame moved from Helendale to Las Vegas, hoping to create a permanent, first-class venue to attract tourists and conduct research and exhibitions.

A New Home

Founded on a deserted goat farm in California and moved to the Arts District in Las Vegas, the Burlesque Hall of Fame has finally found its rightful home in the Arts Square. Today, the collection has grown to include several thousand costumes, props, photographs, and personal items documenting the careers and lives of dancers and producers over nearly a century of performances.

The Burlesque Hall of Fame currently occupies a small space of just 220 square meters, which does not allow for a proper display of the collection or accommodate a growing audience, but this does not detract from the experience of exploring the collection.

Iconic Figures of Burlesque

The Burlesque Hall of Fame tells the stories of the most famous performers and figures in the genre. Visitors will learn about legendary personalities such as Dita Von Teese, Lili St. Cyr, and many others. The museum's exhibits provide detailed information about their careers, performances, and contributions to the development of burlesque.

• Dita Von Teese
  Is one of the most famous contemporary burlesque performers. Her style, inspired by retro aesthetics, and original shows have won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. The museum features costumes and accessories used by Dita in her performances.
• Lili St. Cyr
  Was a legendary burlesque performer known for her extravagant numbers and stage personas. The museum showcases her famous costumes and offers more insights into her life and career.

What to See at the Burlesque Hall of Fame

The Burlesque Hall of Fame is a nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving, sharing, and inspiring with the art of burlesque. The staff seeks, collects, protects, and displays artifacts from the past. The main mission is to show respect for diverse heritage, promote lifelong learning through direct engagement with living legends of the art form, and continuously strengthen the ability to make positive contributions to the future of burlesque.

Exhibitions and Displays

The museum offers a variety of exhibitions featuring costumes, accessories, photographs, videos, and props: feather boas, gloves, garter belts, dresses, shoes, and jewelry. Many of these items are specifically designed for striptease and tell the vibrant history of burlesque. Attention is given to both star performers of the past and contemporary artists who continue the traditions of the genre. The following exhibitions are held here:

• The history of burlesque, from the late 1800s to the present day.
• The emergence of neo-burlesque and its role in bridging generations.
• The Bawdy Shop Studio — a learning space for classes, exhibitions, lectures, readings, and film screenings.

Unique individual items include the ivory used by Sally Rand, gloves and a black velvet shoulder piece worn by Gypsy Rose Lee, a heart-shaped sofa owned by Jayne Mansfield, and the cremated ashes of Sherry Champagne.

Interactive Exhibitions

One of the museum's features is its interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of burlesque. Here, you can try on costumes, learn stage tricks, and even try your hand on an improvised stage.

Educational Programs

The Burlesque Hall of Fame also serves as an important educational center. Various programs and master classes are held here, focusing on the history of burlesque, stagecraft, and costuming. The museum collaborates with theater schools and universities, providing students and researchers with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of burlesque.

Master Classes and Lectures

Regularly, the museum hosts master classes and lectures led by renowned performers and experts in the field of burlesque. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested to learn more about performance techniques, costume creation, and the history of the genre.

Research Projects

The museum actively participates in research projects aimed at studying the historical aspects of burlesque and its impact on contemporary art. These projects help deepen knowledge of the genre and develop new approaches to its popularization.