Last year, the Plaza opened a special gallery full of some of the most iconic sports memorabilia. The Las Vegas Club Gallery at the Plaza was filled with hundreds of sports-related items available for purchase by the public. The exhibit was a huge success, with many of the items quickly bought by eager sports enthusiasts and collectors.
In response to the overwhelming success of the Plaza’s sports memorabilia exhibit, the Plaza is doing it again. This time, with two exciting new exhibits that pay homage to the hotel’s old Vegas roots. These exhibits are an excellent way to showcase the history of not only Downtown Las Vegas, but also the unique role the
Plaza Hotel & Casino has played in shaping the area into what it is today.
Whether you are a local or visitor, the Plaza’s new displays are sure to give you a distinct perspective on the rich and interesting history and culture of Downtown Las Vegas.
Jerry Misko
In a style true to the artistic and creative vibe that flows through downtown, the Plaza’s first new exhibit will be one from famed local artist,
Jerry Misko. The exhibit, which opened on Jan. 15, features a collection of Misko’s edition prints accompanied by one-of-a-kind paintings of classic Vegas neon signs.
Misko, a Las Vegas native, has collaborated on projects with some of the most recognizable names in the city, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Neon Museum, First Friday, and even the city of Las Vegas. These collaborations, combined with 12 years of experience as a practicing artist in Las Vegas have given Misko’s art a distinctly Vegas personality perfect for the Las Vegas Club Gallery.
Those looking to take a piece of Vegas nostalgia home with them will be able to purchase Misko’s retro-meets-modern interpretations at the exhibit.
Union Plaza Then and Now
The second exhibit, which opens Feb. 4, is an exciting look at the evolution of the Plaza throughout the past five decades. The free exhibit, “Union Plaza Then and Now,” offers guests a rare look into the history of the Plaza through artifacts, photos, and videos. The exhibit is one of many from the
Museum of Gaming History, a non-profit educational project of The Casino Chip & Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc. that aims to preserve gaming history.
Since it opened in 1971, the Plaza has cemented itself as a cultural icon, not only in Vegas but throughout the world. The exhibit aims to explore this rich and iconic history by showcasing the evolution of the Plaza. “Union Plaza Then and Now” will feature over 150 artifacts including chips, dice, ashtrays, postcards and even a unique lightbox display of a rare shot glass collection.
Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the
history of the Plaza through a series of photographs that chronicles the progress made by the hotel from its groundbreaking to present day. For an even broader perspective of the transformation of both the Plaza and Downtown Las Vegas, guests will be treated to a 30-minute video about the hotel’s place in the historical development of downtown.
A special grand opening of both exhibits will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. The museum will be open to the public from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Whether you are a seasoned Las Vegas native with a broad understanding of the history of the city, or someone looking for a fun and unique activity downtown, you are sure to love the one-of-a-kind insights garnered from both exhibits.
