Moulin Rouge Historic Site
A Las Vegas Landmark in Civil-Rights and Entertainment History
The Moulin Rouge Historic Site marks the former location of the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino at 900 W. Bonanza Road in the Historic Westside. The property opened in 1955 as a racially integrated hotel-casino at a time when Black performers and visitors faced segregation throughout much of Las Vegas.
Although the original resort operated for only a few months, its influence extended far beyond its short business life. The site later became associated with a pivotal 1960 meeting between civil-rights leaders, government officials, and casino representatives that helped end formal segregation at Las Vegas public accommodations.
The original buildings no longer stand, and the property is not open to the public. This page documents the location’s history and present condition rather than promoting it as an active attraction.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026. The property remains a non-operating historic site. Public access, ownership, redevelopment plans, fencing, and site conditions can change. Do not enter the property without authorization.
Quick Facts | History | Civil Rights | What Remains | Neon Sign | Visitor Guidance | FAQ
Quick Facts
Historic Name:
Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino
Current Page Name:
Moulin Rouge Historic Site
Address:
900 W. Bonanza Road, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Opened:
May 24, 1955
Original Operation:
The original hotel-casino closed in October 1955, although later reopening attempts occurred.
Historic Significance:
Racial integration, African American entertainment history, employment opportunity, and the 1960 Las Vegas desegregation agreement
Current Condition:
The original hotel and casino buildings no longer stand.
Public Access:
The property is not open to the public.
Historic Designation:
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992
The Moulin Rouge in 1955
The Moulin Rouge opened in the Historic Westside during an era when Black entertainers could perform at major Las Vegas resorts but were often barred from staying, dining, gambling, or socializing at the same properties.
The new resort was integrated among its guests, employees, performers, and public areas. Its opening attracted national attention and brought together Black and white entertainers, residents, visitors, and hospitality workers in ways that were unusual in segregated Las Vegas.
The property became known for entertainment, dining, casino activity, and a late-night show that attracted performers and guests after Strip productions ended. Despite its popularity, the original operation entered financial difficulty and closed within months.
The Moulin Rouge Agreement and Las Vegas Desegregation
The site gained further importance on March 26, 1960. African American community leaders, NAACP representatives, public officials, and casino representatives met at the closed Moulin Rouge while civil-rights activists were preparing a protest against segregation on the Las Vegas Strip.
The discussions led resort operators to agree to integrate public accommodations. The planned protest was canceled, and the meeting became an important milestone in Las Vegas civil-rights history.
The agreement did not immediately resolve every form of discrimination or guarantee equal employment, but it helped remove formal racial barriers that had excluded Black residents and visitors from casino dining, gaming, entertainment, and hotel spaces.
What Remains at the Site Today
Fires, deterioration, and demolition removed the original hotel and casino buildings. The front facade and tower were demolished after safety concerns, and later fires destroyed remaining structures.
The site is now largely undeveloped. It should not be described as a functioning hotel, casino, museum, park, or visitor attraction.
Redevelopment proposals and limited gaming-license activity have occurred over the years, but those actions do not mean the Moulin Rouge has reopened for regular public use.
Where to See the Moulin Rouge Sign
The original cursive Moulin Rouge sign was designed by Betty Willis, who also designed the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
The sign was removed from the property for preservation and is now part of The Neon Museum’s collection. It was restored and reilluminated in 2020.
Visitors who want to see a preserved Moulin Rouge artifact should plan a visit to The Neon Museum rather than entering the former hotel site.
See Video from UNLV Special Collections
Visitor and Site-Access Guidance
Do not enter the property.
The site is not a public attraction. Respect fencing, signs, private-property boundaries, construction activity, and current ownership restrictions.
View only from a lawful public area.
Do not stop in traffic, block driveways, enter adjacent properties, or cross fencing to take photographs.
Do not expect surviving resort buildings.
The original hotel, casino, facade, tower, and entertainment spaces are gone.
Visit the Neon Museum for the sign.
The preserved and restored Moulin Rouge sign is displayed as part of the museum’s historic Las Vegas sign collection.
Explore the broader Historic Westside respectfully.
The Moulin Rouge story is part of a larger African American community history that includes businesses, churches, schools, civil-rights leaders, entertainers, and neighborhood institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: No. The original hotel-casino closed in 1955, and the remaining buildings were later destroyed or demolished.Q: Can visitors enter the Moulin Rouge site?
A: No. The National Park Service identifies the former property as not open to the public. Do not enter the site without authorization.Q: What is left at the original location?
A: The original hotel and casino structures no longer stand. The property is largely an undeveloped historic site.Q: Why was the Moulin Rouge important?
A: It opened as an integrated hotel-casino during segregation and later hosted the 1960 meeting that helped end formal segregation in Las Vegas public accommodations.Q: Is the Moulin Rouge on the National Register of Historic Places?
A: Yes. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Q: Where is the Moulin Rouge neon sign?
A: The preserved sign is part of The Neon Museum’s collection in Las Vegas.
Q: Has the Moulin Rouge reopened as a casino?
A: No. Limited gaming activity has occasionally been conducted to preserve the property’s gaming license, but the site is not operating as a normal public casino.
Q: Is this worth visiting as a stand-alone attraction?
A: There is no public attraction or surviving hotel to tour at the site. Visitors interested in the Moulin Rouge should see its sign at The Neon Museum and explore reputable Historic Westside history resources.
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