The Burlesque Hall of Fame: A Glittering Tribute to the Art of Tease

Located in the Las Vegas Arts District is a sensual secret bursting with sequins, feather boas, and stories that shimmer with history—the Burlesque Hall of Fame. If you’ve ever been mesmerized by the art of the tease, captivated by old Hollywood glamour, or just curious about what really goes on behind those glittering curtains, then this museum is the place for you.

The Burlesque Hall of Fame is all about preserving an art form that has thrived, survived, and evolved through decades of cultural shifts, moral panics, and ever-changing entertainment landscapes. It’s a love letter to the powerful, bold, and unapologetic performers who shaped burlesque into what it is today.

The Birth of the Burlesque Hall of Fame

Before the Burlesque Hall of Fame found its home in Vegas, it started in the most unlikely of places: a goat farm in the Mojave Desert. Burlesque legend Jennie Lee, known as “The Bazoom Girl,” founded the museum’s original incarnation, Exotic World, in the 1960s.

She began collecting costumes, photographs, and memorabilia from fellow performers, determined to keep their stories alive. What started as a personal collection soon grew into a shrine to burlesque’s golden era.

When Jennie passed in 1990, another burlesque icon, Dixie Evans, took over, keeping the dream alive by hosting the annual Miss Exotic World Pageant—a competition that became the Oscars of burlesque.

As burlesque saw a revival in the early 2000s, the museum moved to Las Vegas, its rightful home among the neon lights and showbiz legacy.

Today, the Burlesque Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the history and preservation of burlesque.

Step Inside: What Awaits You at the Burlesque Hall of Fame?

Inside, you’re greeted by a stunning collection of original costumes worn by the greats—Gypsy Rose Lee, Lili St. Cyr, Blaze Starr, Tempest Storm and so many more. Think sparkling gowns, towering feather headdresses and dazzling pasties that prove less is sometimes so much more.

Wander through the museum, and you’ll be surrounded by vintage photographs, promotional posters, and old playbills that document burlesque’s journey from Victorian vaudeville to its modern-day resurgence.

These images capture the fierce femininity, campy charm, and unapologetic confidence of performers who pushed boundaries and redefined entertainment.

You’ll see black-and-white shots of dancers draped in pearls, mid-century promo posters promising “The Most Beautiful Girls in the World!” and neon-colored flyers from the ’90s neo-burlesque boom. It’s a visual feast that takes you through decades of glamour, scandal, and artistry.

More Than Just A Sensual Striptease

Think burlesque is just about taking off clothes? Think again! The museum dives into the deep history of burlesque, from its 19th-century European roots to its explosion in America as a form of comedic and satirical entertainment.

Did you know that early burlesque was all about mocking high society and political figures? It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that striptease became its defining feature.

And even then, it wasn’t just about sex appeal—it was about power, storytelling, and the art of seduction. Burlesque has left its sparkly fingerprints all over pop culture.

From Hollywood movies and cabaret shows to fashion runways and music videos, its influence is undeniable. The museum highlights these connections, showing how performers like Madonna, Dita Von Teese, and Lady Gaga have borrowed from burlesque’s playbook to craft their iconic personas.

You’ll also see how burlesque intersected with the feminist movement, LGBTQ+ culture, and body positivity, challenging societal norms and reclaiming sexuality on its own terms

Experience The Yearly Burlesque Celebration Event

If you really want to experience the magic of burlesque, plan your visit around the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender—a four-day extravaganza that brings together the world’s top burlesque performers, historians, and fans.

The centerpiece of the Weekender is the legendary Miss Exotic World competition, where today’s burlesque stars battle for the coveted title. Expect jaw-dropping performances, extravagant costumes and a celebration of both the past and future of burlesque.

It’s a weekend of feathers, fun, and fierce talent—one that any burlesque lover or newcomers shouldn’t miss.

See the Art of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame

Las Vegas is a city built on spectacle and performance, and the Burlesque Hall of Fame fits perfectly into that legacy. This museum offers a fascinating, fun, and eye-opening look into a world that’s equal parts rebellious and glamorous.

The Burlesque Hall of Fame is also a great place for couples looking to spark romance and intimacy. It also makes for an out-of-the-box date idea that your partner will love, depending on how open they are!

Burlesque is still alive and thriving and the Burlesque Hall of Fame makes sure its legacy shines as brightly as a rhinestone-studded corset under the spotlight!