Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil Exhibition through May 1

A First-Ever Museum Collaboration

Photos and written by Isabel M. Castro

The Neon Museum and Cirque du Soleil have joined forces to present Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil, the entertainment giant’s first museum-curated exhibition. The exhibition is on view through May 1 at City Hall’s Grand Gallery during regular business hours and is free to the general public.

This multi-media exhibition showcases legendary costumes, 3D-printed fabrics, makeup designs, and behind-the-scenes artifacts from Cirque du Soleil’s five Las Vegas productions: The iconic “Red Bird” costume from Mystère, the “Moonhead” headpiece from “O”, the Acrobatic shoes used in the “Wheel of Death” act from Mad Apple, KÀ, and makeup designs for Michael Jackson ONE.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held earlier this year, officiated by Major Shelly Berkeley along with principal organizers and performers. Aligning with the Neon Museum’s mission to celebrate Las Vegas’ cultural legacy, the exhibit offers a rare glimpse into over three decades of Cirque du Soleil’s history on the Strip shows.

The Creation of a Unique Exhibition

The idea for the exhibition took root during Duck Duck Shed, a four-day celebration of Las Vegas architecture, design, and culture organized by the Neon Museum. Aaron Berger, the museum’s executive director, recalls how a panel discussion with Cirque du Soleil artists, costume designers, and stage directors sparked the conversation.

“We had at least 100 people in the audience who were completely captivated by the stories behind O,” Berger explains. “From that moment, we knew there was an opportunity for something bigger—a full exhibition. That was 15 months ago, and since then, this has been an incredible collaboration between our team and Cirque du Soleil. Telling someone’s story is always humbling and intimidating. It’s one thing to curate a historical or art exhibit when the artist has long passed, but when your subjects are still performing—tonight marks the 12,000th performance of O—the stakes are even higher.”

In line with The Neon Museum’s expanded mission to celebrate all aspects of the city’s unique spirit in the world of performance art, audiences are mesmerized by the spectacle on stage—the dazzling costumes, gravity-defying acrobatics, and seamless storytelling. However, behind every breathtaking performance is a team of unsung heroes, from seamstresses to wig makers, whose work is rarely acknowledged. Curated by the visionary Sarah Hulme, this multi-media showcase pulls back the curtain to shine a spotlight on these behind-the-scenes artists who bring characters to life through costume and design. This marks the first-ever museum-curated exhibition dedicated to Cirque du Soleil, a significant undertaking for both institutions.

Unlike traditional costume exhibits that merely showcase garments on mannequins, this exhibition offers a more immersive experience. “It would have been easy to put a costume on display and let people admire it,” Hulme explains. “But what we wanted to highlight was the incredible craftsmanship, technicality, and functionality built into these designs.”

The Heart of the Exhibition

Hulme further points out that one standout feature is a side-by-side comparison of a brand-new costume and one that has been worn for just two months in a high-intensity water performance. “These costumes go through extreme conditions—chlorinated water, bromide, and even vegetable oil used in the hydraulic systems of pools,” Hulme says. “Performers have to change costumes multiple times during a show to stay dry and safe, which adds another layer of complexity to the design.”

Another innovative aspect of the exhibition is a modular display allowing visitors to see how costumes are deconstructed and reconstructed. “It’s not just about aesthetics,” Hulme explains. “Performers need to get in and out of their costumes quickly, often between acts. There are no complicated buttons—just strategically placed fastenings to make quick changes seamless.”

The Evolution of Costume Design

The exhibition also delves into the evolution of materials and techniques. One example is how 3D printing has revolutionized costume safety. “A particular costume originally had layers of beaded strings around the midriff, which posed a hazard during performances,” Hulme says. “With the advancement of 3D digital printing, designers recreated the beaded effect directly onto the fabric, eliminating risks while maintaining the visual impact.”

Materials are sourced from around the world, with intricate designs applied post-production. “For instance, the fabric for Yellow Bird, a character in Mystère, is hand-painted in Montreal before being shipped to Las Vegas for final costume assembly,” she shares. “Every fabric undergoes a transformation to suit the unique demands of each production.”

The People Behind the Magic

Beyond the costumes, the exhibition also honors the artists themselves. “When performers are on board, they undergo extensive measurements and 3D scanning for customized wigs and shoes,” Hulme says. “Unlike the traditional makeup rooms of the past, today’s artists are trained to do their own stage makeup, adjusting techniques based on their bone structure and facial contours.”

One of the most powerful moments in the exhibit features archival footage of legendary performers applying their makeup—an intimate look at their transformation into character. Each artist takes about 45 minutes to apply their makeup, and a video installation showcases the meticulous process from start to finish. The exhibition also includes swatches of skin tones used by Cirque du Soleil performers, reflecting how their makeup and costumes adapt to different seasons.

A New Perspective

For Berger, the goal of the exhibition is to give audiences a newfound appreciation for the artistry that happens beyond the spotlight. “Cirque du Soleil is made up of Olympians, world-class athletes, and artists who have dedicated their lives to their craft,” he says. “Their transition from competitive sports to theatrical performance is an incredible story in itself.”

The exhibition features costumes from shows such as MJ One, O, and Mystère, allowing visitors to examine their intricate details up close—something rarely possible during a live performance. The iconic Hunan costume, for example, is both elegant and functional, designed for a performer who must engage in sword fights while maintaining a regal presence on stage.

Beyond costume appreciation, the exhibition also serves as an inspiration for the next generation of artists. “I hope young people come through and see this as a possible future,” Berger says. “Whether you’re a costume designer, a performer, or a stage technician, this exhibition highlights the many ways one can have a career in the arts.”

Unlike other Neon Museum exhibits, this one is housed at City Hall, making visitor feedback especially important. “Since our staff isn’t there to hear reactions firsthand, we’re encouraging people to tag us on social media, leave comments, and share their thoughts,” Berger says. “We want to know what they think.”

This exhibition is just the latest chapter in a growing partnership between the Neon Museum and Cirque du Soleil. “It started two and a half years ago when their director of marketing visited us to discuss a neon sign commemorating their 30th anniversary,” Berger recalls. “That meeting led to deeper conversations about what else we could do together, and here we are today.”

With the exhibition now open and free to the general public with the hopes that visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, talent, and dedication that go into every Cirque du Soleil performance and if, they walk away saying, ‘I didn’t know that,’ then they have done our job. This not to be missed exhibition is a visually learning tools for the general audience but on particular to the youth seeking and considering professions in creative fields in their hometown of Las Vegas.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of imagination, the artistic entertainment company brings its creative approach to a wide variety of artistic forms, including live shows, multimedia productions, long-form 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 six continents and 86 countries. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, visit cirquedusoleil.com.

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. Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in 2021.

Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historical, artistic, 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 are just a few 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.

The public is invited to visit and enjoy, “Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas,” located in the lobby of City Hall’s Grand Gallery, 495 S. Main St. Parking available at the City Hall garage. For more information, visit lasvegasnevada.gov. For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org. Follow @NeonMuseum on Facebook and @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram.