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Costume change for ‘Jubilee’ exhibit at Nevada State Museum
Costume change for ‘Jubilee’ exhibit at Nevada State Museum
LAS VEGAS – The Nevada State Museum’s “Showgirl Wall” offers visitors the opportunity to examine original stage costumes and design renderings from the iconic Las Vegas stage show 
“Jubilee.”
The exhibit is the result of a partnership between the museum and Bally’s Las Vegas and has received much ballyhoo since its debut this past June. Now a new rotation of artworks and costumes is on display on the Showgirl Wall for the next six months.
Jubilee was the costume-spectacular production show at Bally’s Las Vegas that entertained millions of guests during its illustrious 35-year run on The Strip.
Following the State Museum’s acquisition of Pete Menefee’s personal archive of original Jubilee costume design artworks, the curator in charge of interpreting these drawings was keen to provide the public with an awareness of the behind-the-scenes artisans responsible for dreaming up the extravagant costume designs.
“It seemed to me that the ideal exhibition would unite the original concept drawings with the completed costumes,” said Karan Feder, guest curator of costume and textiles at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas. “I find it fascinating to compare a two-dimensional idea with the realized three-dimensional object. This process of translation from paper to textile is magical.”
Jubilee is regarded as one of the most lavish and expensive showgirl shows ever to grace the Las Vegas Strip. Impresario Donn Arden selected costume designers Bob Mackie and Pete Menefee to create the show’s dazzling costumes.
“Bally’s Las Vegas takes great pride in the Jubilee costume collection,” said Damian Costa, vice president of entertainment operations for Caesars Entertainment. “For the first time, the public will have an opportunity to view these Jubilee artifacts together to better appreciate the distinctive artistry of this iconic production show, and we are delighted with the opportunity to partner with Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas to showcase these costumes.”
