On Oct. 5, Todd Fisher, the son of entertainment icon Debbie Reynolds, will give a special presentation on his mother’s time in Las Vegas during the second day of The Neon Museum’s Duck Duck Shed. This gallery talk will take place at “The Persona. The Person: Debbie Reynolds in Las Vegas” exhibition in City Hall, offering insight into her life and contributions to Las Vegas.
Curated by The Neon Museum, “The Persona, The Person: Debbie Reynolds in Las Vegas” features Reynolds’ exquisite handmade gowns, costumes and personal effects from her and her family’s time living and performing in Las Vegas (1962-2014). This includes memorabilia depicting her friendship with Liberace, the red-beaded tuxedo she performed in at the Riviera after signing Las Vegas’ first-ever million-dollar contract in 1962 and more.
Additional Duck Duck Shed events today include a walking tour that will explore downtown Las Vegas’ architecture; a tour of The Neon Museum’s Neon Boneyard diving into architecturally specific insights into the Las Vegas properties of yesterday and today; and more.
OCTOBER 5: Gallery Talk with Todd Fisher / The Persona. The Person: Debbie Reynolds in Las Vegas: Explore the exhibition of Debbie Reynolds in Las Vegas as told by her son, Todd Fisher. This unique gallery talk will provide insights into Ms. Reynolds’ life as a renowned award-winning performer and mother. October 5 at 1 p.m. at the Now Café at City Hall.
Behind The Signs: Debbie Reynolds in Las Vegas: Stop in at the Grand Gallery of Las Vegas City Hall and learn about legendary actor, singer and dancer Debbie Reynolds. “Debbie Reynolds in Las Vegas” explores this talented trailblazer’s impact in Las Vegas from her years performing at the Riviera, Desert Inn and South Point, to owning the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel. October 5-7 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Grand Gallery of City Hall Las Vegas
Local Lore of Downtown Walking Tour: Join a small group for a two-hour walking tour of the legendary casinos and glittering neon signs that reside in downtown Las Vegas led by renowned local historian Richard Hooker. October 5-7 beginning at 10 a.m. at Golden Nugget’s Grand Ballroom
By Architects for Architects (and Enthusiasts!): A Tour of the Neon Boneyard: Partake in a walking tour at The Neon Museum’s Boneyard – housing many of Las Vegas’ decommissioned signs – led by Jaclyn Roth of Assemblage Studios. The tour will provide architecturally specific insights into the properties of yesterday and today as well as the architects and designers who created them. October 5-7 at 6 p.m. at The Neon Museum
Viva Las Vegas Movies: The Neon Boneyard serving as the backdrop, this tour will explore the properties featured in iconic films from the all-time greats, cult classics, to lesser-known independent films in which Las Vegas has played a role. October 5-7 at 9 p.m. at The Neon Museum
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. In 2021, The Neon Museum achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition bestowed to museums in the United States. On its 2.27-acre campus, The Neon Museum has an outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard (“boneyard” is traditionally the name for an area where items no longer in use are stored); the North Gallery, home to the immersive audiovisual experience “Brilliant!” which uses technology to re-illuminate more than 40 non-operational signs; the Boulevard Gallery outdoor exhibit and event space; and its visitors’ center inside the former La Concha Motel lobby. The museum collection also includes nine restored signs installed as public art in downtown Las Vegas. Public education, outreach, research, and arts preservation represent a selection of the museum’s ongoing projects. For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org. Also follow @NeonMuseum on Facebook and Twitter and @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram.
Taking place October 4-7, Duck Duck Shed is presented by The Neon Museum and supported in part by a grant from the City of Las Vegas Centennial Commission which is funded by sales of the Las Vegas license plate. All programming is offered on an a la carte basis so attendees can attend the programs of their choice and that best meet their schedules. For full details on event programming and to sign up for any of the tours, exhibits or lectures, visit duckduckshed.com and follow @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.