Last Updated on June 8, 2026
The Neon Museum – the Las Vegas non-profit illuminating the city’s cultural legacy through historic signage and storytelling – officially welcomed two treasured artifacts from one of the city’s most transformative resorts, The Mirage Hotel and Casino. The property’s Lagoon sign and an original Volcano FireShooter™ were unveiled during a special ceremony on June 5, honoring the preservation of these pieces of Las Vegas history.
The Lagoon sign once served as a prominent marker for The Mirage Volcano attraction along Las Vegas Boulevard. Originally fabricated in September 2008, the sign spans 13 feet in width and weighs approximately 400 pounds. Following the closure of The Mirage, the sign and FireShooter™ were donated to The Neon Museum by The Mirage and Hard Rock International and underwent careful conservation to preserve its historic character and craftsmanship.
“The Mirage transformed Las Vegas and redefined what a resort destination could be,” said Aaron Berger, Executive Director and CEO of The Neon Museum. “For generations of visitors, the Volcano became more than an attraction, it was a shared experience, a gathering place and one of the most recognizable symbols on the Strip. Preserving the Lagoon sign and a FireShooter™ ensures that an important piece of Las Vegas history remains accessible to future generations. In addition to allowing visitors the chance to reconnect with this ghost of times past, the signage and FireShooter™ will be added into our Arts & Design K-12 field trips. This piece will span from nostalgia to inspiring education. It’s very exciting.”
A relighting ceremony was held at The Neon Museum honoring the visionary leaders who helped shape The Mirage, with architects and designers of The Mirage Jon Sparer (FAIA), Andrew Kreft (Lifescapes International), Brett Ewing (Cuningham) and Desmond Stevens (STO Design Group) reilluminating the installation.
Restoration efforts focused on honoring the artifact’s authenticity while ensuring its longevity. Conservators repaired structural elements, restored original lighting components and stabilized existing materials, allowing the sign to retain the distinctive appearance that made it instantly recognizable to generations of visitors. Transportation, installation and restoration have been made possible by PENTA CARES, Hartlauer Signs and The Neon Museum’s Sign Conservation Fund.
The Mirage is widely credited with pioneering the megaresort era on the Las Vegas Strip. Originally designed as a Polynesian-themed oasis in the desert, the property was nothing short of revolutionary. Debuting a myriad of innovative attractions, from Siegfried & Roy’s legendary white tiger show to Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles LOVE, the resort enjoyed widespread acclaim and helped shape a new era of entertainment tourism. Through decades of showstopping entertainment options, it was the iconic Volcano that wowed millions of guests at over 400,000 shows.
The pieces are now on display at The Neon Museum. For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org.
About The Neon Museum
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. Its core values seek to create a sense of belonging for everyone; promote scholarship through its work and collaborations; offer fun engagement that reflects the spirit of Las Vegas; and demonstrate overall excellence.
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in 2021, the highest national honor for museums in the United States. Situated on a 2.27-acre campus, the Museum features:
- The Neon Boneyard: An outdoor exhibition space displaying historic signs no longer in use.
- The North Gallery: Home to Brilliant! Jackpot, an immersive audiovisual experience that re-illuminates over 40 non-operational signs using advanced technology.
- The Boulevard Gallery: A transitional space showcasing collection pieces.
- The Visitors’ Center: Located in the iconic former La Concha Motel lobby designed by famed architect Paul Revere Williams.
- The Neon Boneyard Park: A green space where visitors can learn more of Las Vegas’ rich history.
The museum’s collection also includes 15 restored signs displayed as public art in downtown Las Vegas collectively known as The Las Vegas Boulevard Scenic Byway Project and additional pieces on loan to non-profits and government entities. Its ongoing initiatives encompass public education, outreach, research, and arts preservation.
For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org.
