LAS VEGAS — The vibrant legacy of Las Vegas continues to unfold as artifacts from the recently demolished Tropicana casino and The Mirage surface, marking the transition from past glamour to future entertainment endeavors.
The Tropicana, known for its luxurious charm and lively entertainment, was brought down in an impressive implosion on October 9 to pave the way for a new baseball stadium. Meanwhile, The Mirage, Las Vegas’s first megaresort, closed its doors in July, preparing to reinvent itself nearly four decades after its grand opening.
As the iconic lights faded and the last bets were called, a different kind of frenzy took place behind the scenes. A multitude of items, both grand and modest, were carefully sorted, sold, donated, and discarded in the wake of these closures.
“We completely empty the hotel-casino to uncover its treasures,” remarked a spokesperson from International Content Liquidations, the company entrusted with the task of liquidating the Tropicana’s assets.
Las Vegas locals, who cherish their community’s rich history, turned out in force for the opportunity to take home a piece of nostalgia. Vintage furniture, decor, and memorabilia from the storied casinos drew a diverse crowd of buyers.
In June, just two months post-closure, enthusiastic shoppers explored the Tropicana’s empty floors, finding an eclectic mix of items from chairs to chandeliers, some priced as low as $25. The excitement was palpable as buyers eagerly filled their carts with treasures from the once-bustling casino.
Notably, items like vintage spotlights marked for donation were destined for the Las Vegas Showgirl Museum, preserving a piece of the city’s theatrical legacy. The Tropicana was renowned for hosting the iconic “Folies Bergere,” contributing to the evolution of the showgirl as an emblem of Las Vegas culture.
Explorers of the casino also uncovered artifacts such as rare photographs of past celebrity entertainers who had graced the Tropicana’s stage, solidifying its place in the annals of Las Vegas history.
UNLV’s Special Collections successfully acquired valuable historical records from the Tropicana, ensuring that the casino’s rich heritage is documented and preserved for future generations. Meanwhile, the Neon Museum has taken possession of iconic signage that represented the casinos for years.
The Mirage, with its Polynesian theme, kickstarted a significant construction wave along the Strip and became a cornerstone of Las Vegas entertainment, featuring attractions that captivated visitors for years. With the impending transformation into Hard Rock Las Vegas in 2027, and plans for a new baseball stadium at the former Tropicana site, the landscape of the Strip is set to evolve dramatically.
As the Tropicana’s structures fell in just 22 seconds, the artifacts and memories it left behind continue to inspire and resonate within the Las Vegas community.
“There’s history here,” stated an official from the Neon Museum. “The past awaits those who seek it beyond the glitz and glamour.”
