Pose Beneath Two 50-Foot Showgirls at Downtown’s Gateway
The Downtown Las Vegas Showgirl Gateway Sign welcomes visitors with two towering showgirls, illuminated “Las Vegas” lettering, oversized dice, poker-chip details, and roulette-themed pavement. The colorful public-art installation stands where Main Street meets Las Vegas Boulevard near the southern entrance to Downtown Las Vegas.
The landmark is an easy photo stop among the many free things to do in Las Vegas. No ticket or reservation is required to see or photograph it from legally accessible public areas.
The showgirls are impressive during daylight, but the display becomes more dramatic after dark when the figures, lettering, and headdresses illuminate. Individual lights, colors, or effects may occasionally be unavailable because of maintenance or operating conditions.
This is a roadside public landmark rather than a staffed attraction. Visitors should plan where to park or be dropped off, use designated pedestrian routes, and remain alert around the surrounding traffic.
Last reviewed: July 20, 2026. Lighting, pedestrian access, parking, road construction, landscaping, traffic patterns, and nearby property access can change.
Showgirl Gateway Sign Quick Facts
- Cost: Free to see and photograph from public areas.
- Location: Where Main Street meets Las Vegas Boulevard, near the southern entrance to Downtown Las Vegas.
- Address: 1810 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89104
- Hours: There is no ticket gate or published attraction schedule. The outdoor landmark is generally visible whenever surrounding public areas are accessible.
- Best Time: After dark, when the illuminated figures and color-changing elements are easiest to appreciate.
- Showgirl Height: Approximately 50 feet each.
- Showgirl Width: Approximately 15 feet each.
- Showgirl Weight: Approximately 6,800 pounds each.
- Lettering: Large illuminated “Las Vegas” letters measuring approximately 12 feet tall.
- Other Features: Oversized dice, poker-chip elements, a roulette-wheel design, and City of Las Vegas branding.
- Time Needed: Approximately 10 to 25 minutes for viewing and photographs.
- Best For: Las Vegas sign fans, photographers, first-time visitors, public-art enthusiasts, and Downtown sightseeing.
- Nearest Major Landmark: The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod.
- Parking: No dedicated attraction parking lot is currently advertised. Use legal nearby parking or rideshare and follow all posted restrictions.
- What May Cost Extra: Parking, transportation, food, drinks, professional photography permits, and nearby attractions.
What to Expect at the Showgirl Gateway Sign
The display occupies a prominent landscaped area beside active streets. The two retro-style showgirls rise above the large “Las Vegas” letters, creating a backdrop designed specifically for photographs and short videos.
The surrounding hardscape extends the casino theme with:
- Oversized dice
- Stacks of colorful poker chips
- A large roulette-wheel pavement design
- Illuminated City of Las Vegas lettering
- Decorative barriers and landscaping
The attraction does not include a visitor center, gift shop, tour guide, restroom, security attendant, or formal queue. The amount of accessible space and the best photo position may depend on other visitors, current barriers, landscaping, and traffic conditions.
Some photographs make the installation appear to be directly in front of The STRAT. The resort tower is nearby and can appear prominently in certain angles, but the Showgirl Gateway Sign is a separate City of Las Vegas public-art installation.
How the 50-Foot Showgirls Are Illuminated
The current showgirls were fabricated by YESCO, the Las Vegas sign company associated with many major casino signs and illuminated landmarks.
White LED modules illuminate the figures internally. Full-color LED components in the large headdresses create sparkling and color-changing effects after dark.
Each showgirl measures approximately 50 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Their scale makes the figures easy to see from passing vehicles, while the lower lettering and casino-themed pavement create a closer pedestrian photo backdrop.
The installation uses modern LED technology rather than operating as a conventional vintage neon sign. Visitors interested in restored historic neon can pair this stop with the separate Las Vegas Boulevard collection farther north.
How to Find the Downtown Showgirl Sign
The display is located at 1810 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, where Main Street and Las Vegas Boulevard come together near the Gateway District, the Arts District, and The STRAT.
Do not confuse it with the Las Vegas Gateway Arches. The arches span Las Vegas Boulevard closer to The STRAT, while the Showgirl Gateway Sign is a separate ground-level installation approximately one mile south.
Arriving by Car
Use the street address in a navigation app and identify legal nearby parking before leaving the vehicle. There is no confirmed dedicated attraction parking lot immediately beside the sign.
Do not stop in a traffic lane, driveway, bus zone, restricted lot, landscaped shoulder, or no-parking area for a photograph. Parking rules and nearby business access can change.
Arriving by Rideshare
Rideshare may be easier than searching for parking, particularly after dark. Choose a safe legal pickup or drop-off point and confirm the exact pin with the driver.
Drivers may be unable to stop directly beside the landmark because of traffic flow, turn lanes, road design, or temporary restrictions. Review the Las Vegas Ride Share Guide before traveling.
Approaching on Foot
Stay on established sidewalks and use marked pedestrian crossings. Do not cross Las Vegas Boulevard or Main Street outside an authorized crossing or step into active traffic lanes to improve a camera angle.
Pedestrian access may be less comfortable during extreme heat, late-night hours, construction, or periods of heavy traffic. Remain aware of your surroundings and keep phones and camera equipment secure.
Best Time to See the Showgirl Gateway Sign
Daytime
Daylight makes it easier to see the painted surfaces, construction, pavement details, dice, poker chips, and surrounding streetscape. It may also be easier to navigate sidewalks and crossings during the day.
Twilight
Twilight often provides the best balance for photography. The sky retains some color while the illuminated figures and letters begin to stand out.
After Dark
Night produces the most dramatic view. The showgirls, sparkling headdresses, and changing lights create a stronger classic-Las-Vegas atmosphere than they do under bright midday sun.
There is no guaranteed nightly lighting schedule published for every component. Maintenance, electrical problems, city projects, private work, or temporary operating conditions may leave part of the display dark.
Hot-Weather Visits
The attraction is outdoors with limited shade. During summer, visit early in the morning or after sunset, carry water, and avoid spending unnecessary time on hot pavement.
Tips for Better Showgirl Gateway Photos
- Visit after dark: The LED lighting and sparkling headdresses create the strongest visual impact at night.
- Try twilight first: A blue evening sky can preserve more background detail while still showing the illuminated sign.
- Use a wide camera setting: The showgirls are 50 feet tall, so a wider lens can help fit both figures and the lettering into one frame.
- Include the pavement: The roulette-wheel design, dice, and poker-chip details make the composition more distinctive.
- Try a vertical photograph: Portrait orientation emphasizes the height of the showgirls and their headdresses.
- Record a short video: Video can capture changing colors and sparkling lighting effects more effectively than one still image.
- Watch the background: The STRAT tower, traffic, billboards, and passing vehicles can either enhance or distract from the image.
- Stay within public areas: Do not step into traffic lanes, climb barriers, enter landscaping, or stand where access is restricted.
- Keep the walkway open: Move aside after taking photographs so other visitors and pedestrians can pass.
- Ask before professional work: Commercial photography, elaborate lighting, tripods, models, or extended productions may require city permission.
- Secure valuables: Keep phones, cameras, wallets, bags, and other equipment under direct control, particularly at night.
History of the Downtown Gateway Showgirls
The first version of the Showgirl Gateway Sign opened in 2018 with two showgirls standing approximately 25 feet tall. It was developed as a new welcome feature after an earlier Downtown Las Vegas gateway sign was damaged by a vehicle.
The original installation introduced the “Las Vegas” lettering, gaming-themed pavement, dice, poker chips, and selfie-focused design that remain central to the landmark.
In 2022, YESCO installed the present 50-foot showgirls for the City of Las Vegas. The new figures are approximately twice as tall as the originals and were engineered with larger structures and updated lighting.
The current installation became part of the broader Las Vegas Boulevard Improvement Project, which also added the nearby Gateway Arches, restored historic signs, updated utilities, rebuilt roadway infrastructure, improved sidewalks, and expanded the illuminated streetscape leading toward The Neon Museum.
Read more about the surrounding corridor through the City of Las Vegas landmarks guide.
Other Free Signs and Landmarks Nearby
The illuminated arches span Las Vegas Boulevard near The STRAT and welcome northbound travelers into Downtown Las Vegas. The arches and showgirls are separate landmarks but work well together as a nighttime photo route. Read the Las Vegas Gateway Arches visitor guide.
Fifteen restored casino, motel, and business signs form an outdoor public-art route extending north along Las Vegas Boulevard toward The Neon Museum and Washington Avenue. Use the Las Vegas Boulevard historic neon signs guide to identify the displays.
The Arts District begins nearby and includes galleries, murals, vintage shops, breweries, restaurants, First Friday activities, and changing public art. Individual businesses and events set their own hours and prices.
See the Showgirl Gateway Sign at Night
This video provides a preview of the illuminated showgirls and surrounding photo area. Lighting colors, traffic, landscaping, and nearby buildings may have changed since filming.
Downtown Las Vegas Showgirl Gateway Sign FAQ
Q: Is the Showgirl Gateway Sign free?
A: Yes. No ticket or reservation is required to see and photograph the outdoor display from legally accessible public areas. Parking, transportation, and professional photography may cost extra.
Q: Where is the sign located?
A: It is at 1810 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, where Main Street meets Las Vegas Boulevard near the Gateway District and The STRAT.
Q: How tall are the showgirls?
A: Each current showgirl is approximately 50 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
Q: Are the showgirls neon signs?
A: They are modern illuminated signs using internal white LEDs and full-color LED components. They are inspired by classic Las Vegas signage but are not conventional vintage neon displays.
Q: Is the attraction open 24 hours?
A: There is no gated attraction or published opening schedule. The landmark is generally visible from public areas whenever surrounding roads and pedestrian routes are open.
Q: Do the lights remain on all night?
A: A guaranteed nightly operating schedule is not published for every component. Lighting can be affected by maintenance, electrical issues, city projects, or other conditions.
Q: Is there dedicated parking?
A: No dedicated attraction lot is currently advertised. Use legal nearby parking or rideshare and follow all signs and property restrictions.
Q: Can visitors walk directly up to the sign?
A: The installation was designed as a pedestrian photo landmark, but visitors must use current legal sidewalks, crossings, and access points. Do not enter traffic lanes or restricted areas.
Q: Is the sign best during the day or at night?
A: Night is usually best because the figures, headdresses, and lettering illuminate. Daylight is better for seeing the construction and casino-themed pavement details.
Q: Is this the same attraction as the Las Vegas Gateway Arches?
A: No. The Gateway Arches span Las Vegas Boulevard near The STRAT. The Showgirl Gateway Sign is a separate ground-level display approximately one mile south.
Q: Is the attraction suitable for children?
A: Families can visit, but adults should supervise children closely around traffic, crossings, barriers, landscaping, and nighttime pedestrian areas.
Q: Is it worth a special trip?
A: It can be worthwhile for sign enthusiasts, photographers, and visitors seeking an unusual nighttime photo. Most people should combine it with the Gateway Arches, Arts District, or other nearby Downtown landmarks.
