Search Results
neo000049-002
Date
2002
Description
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The series of text in the left and right of the east face of the building which reads "Nightly Strip Rides" and "Grand Canyon Tours" are filled with incandescent bulbs which oscillate rapidly. The incandescent bulbs, which line the raceways, also chase each other. The main text which reads "Las Vegas Helicopter Tours" is also filled with incandescent bulbs which animate as well. The words "Las Vegas," star dark, then flash on and oscillate. Next, the word "Helicopters," illuminates one letter at a time in a rapid pace. The bulbs also oscillate once lit. The entire phrase shuts off simultaneously before starting over again. The word "Helicopters" remains dark until the first portion of the phrase illuminates. The American flag centerpiece animates as well. The incandescent bulbs placed in the center of each one of the stars oscillate rapidly resulting in a twinkling effect. The stars are constantly animated while the bars of neon slow chasing pattern. The field remains dark then all the horizontal bars illuminate all at once. They then chase upward, leaving all the illuminated tubes blank in it's path. Once it reaches the top then it chases downward illuminating all of the bars again. Once they are full, they all shut off and the sequence starts over again.
Notes: The series of text in the left and right of the east face of the building which reads "Nightly Strip Rides" and "Grand Canyon Tours" are filled with incandescent bulbs which oscillate rapidly. The incandescent bulbs, which line the raceways, also chase each other. The main text which reads "Las Vegas Helicopter Tours" is also filled with incandescent bulbs which animate as well. The words "Las Vegas," star dark, then flash on and oscillate. Next, the word "Helicopters," illuminates one letter at a time in a rapid pace. The bulbs also oscillate once lit. The entire phrase shuts off simultaneously before starting over again. The word "Helicopters" remains dark until the first portion of the phrase illuminates. The American flag centerpiece animates as well. The incandescent bulbs placed in the center of each one of the stars oscillate rapidly resulting in a twinkling effect. The stars are constantly animated while the bars of neon slow chasing pattern. The field remains dark then all the horizontal bars illuminate all at once. They then chase upward, leaving all the illuminated tubes blank in it's path. Once it reaches the top then it chases downward illuminating all of the bars again. Once they are full, they all shut off and the sequence starts over again.
neo000049-003
Date
2002
Description
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text letters on the porte-cochere and entrances hold a three step animation: The incandescent bulbs all oscillate rapidly inside the letters, then steady burn on, and finally come to rest in the off position. The sequence then repeats. The main pylon sign carries several different sections which all hold different animation patterns. Inside the middle sculptural piece, the incandescent bulbs, which encrust the star shapes, oscillate in a twinkling fashion. The bulbs which border the outlying portion of the middle section chase each other, with the inner row running downward, and the outer row chasing upward. The double rows of incandescent bulbs that create the outer border, also chase each other in a similar fashion. The outer-most lane, of the double rowed bulbs, animate chasing downward, while the inner is treated with chasing animation, which chases upward. The bulbs, which encrust the bottom of the main marquee oscillate, as well as the bulbs on the widths edge of the main message center. The incandescent bulbs, which fill the text in the main marquee of the pylon, oscillate rapidly while the vertical red bars of neon, animate behind them. They star in the middle and chase out to either side illuminating all of the bars, then chase back to the center leaving them dark. They then start all illuminated, and curtain open to either side, then animates, chasing each other from either side back to the middle again. Once all illuminated, they flash off, on, off, on, then off. The marquee seems to be the one with a set sequence. On the main message board, the golden image of the cowboy animates in three stages, rocking back and forth, as if riding the bull. The letters, which adorn the tower of the building, animate in sequence. The incandescent bulbs in each letter light up individually one at a time from left to right, then once all are illuminated, they each oscillate one at a time, from left to right. They then light up continuously from left to right again one at a time, and then turn off. The letters, which run vertically on the northwest side of the tower, also have the same sequence.
Notes: The text letters on the porte-cochere and entrances hold a three step animation: The incandescent bulbs all oscillate rapidly inside the letters, then steady burn on, and finally come to rest in the off position. The sequence then repeats. The main pylon sign carries several different sections which all hold different animation patterns. Inside the middle sculptural piece, the incandescent bulbs, which encrust the star shapes, oscillate in a twinkling fashion. The bulbs which border the outlying portion of the middle section chase each other, with the inner row running downward, and the outer row chasing upward. The double rows of incandescent bulbs that create the outer border, also chase each other in a similar fashion. The outer-most lane, of the double rowed bulbs, animate chasing downward, while the inner is treated with chasing animation, which chases upward. The bulbs, which encrust the bottom of the main marquee oscillate, as well as the bulbs on the widths edge of the main message center. The incandescent bulbs, which fill the text in the main marquee of the pylon, oscillate rapidly while the vertical red bars of neon, animate behind them. They star in the middle and chase out to either side illuminating all of the bars, then chase back to the center leaving them dark. They then start all illuminated, and curtain open to either side, then animates, chasing each other from either side back to the middle again. Once all illuminated, they flash off, on, off, on, then off. The marquee seems to be the one with a set sequence. On the main message board, the golden image of the cowboy animates in three stages, rocking back and forth, as if riding the bull. The letters, which adorn the tower of the building, animate in sequence. The incandescent bulbs in each letter light up individually one at a time from left to right, then once all are illuminated, they each oscillate one at a time, from left to right. They then light up continuously from left to right again one at a time, and then turn off. The letters, which run vertically on the northwest side of the tower, also have the same sequence.
neo000049-004
Date
2002
Description
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text fascia sign just to the north of the giant glass display illuminates with a background of neon tubing which chases from right to left. The pattern of colors running across are a sequence banks of red, pink purple and blue vertical neon tubing, chase each other creating a pulsating movement of the individual banks of these colors. While they are animating, the channel letters, which spell "Riviera," are dark and proceed to light up one letter at a time. Once all lit they remain lit, until the background stops with all the bars illuminated. Once all the bars are lit, the interiors of the letters turn off one at a time starting on the far right. The giant mirrored section of the building, advertising for the Splash stage show. The sequence can be best described from its dramatic powering up. The entire sign comes alive with a rapid upward chasing pattern covering the surface of the tower. Once alive, small white bulbs grow out of the end of the space on the top and bottom of the end of the "Splash" text. Once all the previous elements are illuminated, the letters in the Splash logo shut off, illuminate one letter at a time in red neon, then the white neon figure of the seal balancing a ball on the end of it's nose, lights up. The neon bordered circular raceway, then animates with the bulbs in the center chasing each other in a clock-wise sequence. Once lit the vast array of white bulbs grown out of the end of the text begin to gently oscillate, as well as the sparse assortment of floating and attached incandescent bulbs on the wall of the tower. Once the bulbs animate for a few seconds, the entire wall chases downward, becoming black as night, except for the Slash logo text. Underneath the entire front side of the western face of the Riviera, the incandescent bulbs which cover the entire surface oscillate in a wildly, while the ringed entablature on the wall animates quietly in comparison. The multi-colored rings of neon tubing chase each other from left to right, chasing the distance then repeating. The sequence then changes direction and chase from left to right. Creating the tops and bottoms of the entablature are raceways lined with incandescent bulbs that chase each other from left to right. On the surface of the west wall incandescent bulbs chase each other along the raceways which run horizontally around the internally lit cabinets. The small vertical raceways which run inside the clear plastic boxes chase each other from top to bottom, but all the raceways are offset to each other by a few seconds. At the North end of the property the signage for the Riviera's, "Nickeltown" gambling attraction, dominates the corner. He animation on the large exploding sculptural fountain lights up the entire corner. The three rocketing pieces of steel are wrapped in repeating bands of their corresponding colors of blue, purple and yellow. All three simultaneously chase from bottom to top, until completely lit. Then they begin to animate in a chasing pattern from bottom to top. After a few moments of chasing, they chase from beginnig to top once more, leaving al the tubes dark in its path. Along the circular entablature, which runs the circumference of the top mass of the fountain, incandescent bulbs chase each other from right to left, but only on the side which faces the casino. The wall, which faces north, contains the multicolored banks of vertical neon bars that animate in a specific pattern. They chase each other from right to left, then only the purple neon tubing illuminates, they chase again, then only the blue neon tubing illuminates. They chase once again, and then only the gold bars illuminate. The bars chase yet one more time, then all of the tubing illuminates, thus ending the sequence. The main entrance to nickel town is adorned with neon text and images, but only the stars higher up on the wall itself animate. The incandescent bulbs elevated above the surface of the mirrored wall, animate in a soft oscillating pattern, adding the twinkling effect. The larger five pointed stars are animated on the interior by a center of oscillating incandescent bulbs, while concentric neon shapes echo outward in the yellow, purple and blue colors seen on the adjacent wall facing north. The smaller snow-flake esque star shapes are alive with oscillating incandescent bulbs. Looking upward along the north face of the closest tower, the giant vertical, Riviera channel letters animate one character at a time, oscillate then shuts off.
Notes: The text fascia sign just to the north of the giant glass display illuminates with a background of neon tubing which chases from right to left. The pattern of colors running across are a sequence banks of red, pink purple and blue vertical neon tubing, chase each other creating a pulsating movement of the individual banks of these colors. While they are animating, the channel letters, which spell "Riviera," are dark and proceed to light up one letter at a time. Once all lit they remain lit, until the background stops with all the bars illuminated. Once all the bars are lit, the interiors of the letters turn off one at a time starting on the far right. The giant mirrored section of the building, advertising for the Splash stage show. The sequence can be best described from its dramatic powering up. The entire sign comes alive with a rapid upward chasing pattern covering the surface of the tower. Once alive, small white bulbs grow out of the end of the space on the top and bottom of the end of the "Splash" text. Once all the previous elements are illuminated, the letters in the Splash logo shut off, illuminate one letter at a time in red neon, then the white neon figure of the seal balancing a ball on the end of it's nose, lights up. The neon bordered circular raceway, then animates with the bulbs in the center chasing each other in a clock-wise sequence. Once lit the vast array of white bulbs grown out of the end of the text begin to gently oscillate, as well as the sparse assortment of floating and attached incandescent bulbs on the wall of the tower. Once the bulbs animate for a few seconds, the entire wall chases downward, becoming black as night, except for the Slash logo text. Underneath the entire front side of the western face of the Riviera, the incandescent bulbs which cover the entire surface oscillate in a wildly, while the ringed entablature on the wall animates quietly in comparison. The multi-colored rings of neon tubing chase each other from left to right, chasing the distance then repeating. The sequence then changes direction and chase from left to right. Creating the tops and bottoms of the entablature are raceways lined with incandescent bulbs that chase each other from left to right. On the surface of the west wall incandescent bulbs chase each other along the raceways which run horizontally around the internally lit cabinets. The small vertical raceways which run inside the clear plastic boxes chase each other from top to bottom, but all the raceways are offset to each other by a few seconds. At the North end of the property the signage for the Riviera's, "Nickeltown" gambling attraction, dominates the corner. He animation on the large exploding sculptural fountain lights up the entire corner. The three rocketing pieces of steel are wrapped in repeating bands of their corresponding colors of blue, purple and yellow. All three simultaneously chase from bottom to top, until completely lit. Then they begin to animate in a chasing pattern from bottom to top. After a few moments of chasing, they chase from beginnig to top once more, leaving al the tubes dark in its path. Along the circular entablature, which runs the circumference of the top mass of the fountain, incandescent bulbs chase each other from right to left, but only on the side which faces the casino. The wall, which faces north, contains the multicolored banks of vertical neon bars that animate in a specific pattern. They chase each other from right to left, then only the purple neon tubing illuminates, they chase again, then only the blue neon tubing illuminates. They chase once again, and then only the gold bars illuminate. The bars chase yet one more time, then all of the tubing illuminates, thus ending the sequence. The main entrance to nickel town is adorned with neon text and images, but only the stars higher up on the wall itself animate. The incandescent bulbs elevated above the surface of the mirrored wall, animate in a soft oscillating pattern, adding the twinkling effect. The larger five pointed stars are animated on the interior by a center of oscillating incandescent bulbs, while concentric neon shapes echo outward in the yellow, purple and blue colors seen on the adjacent wall facing north. The smaller snow-flake esque star shapes are alive with oscillating incandescent bulbs. Looking upward along the north face of the closest tower, the giant vertical, Riviera channel letters animate one character at a time, oscillate then shuts off.
neo000049-005
Date
2002
Description
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: The text, which resides on the southern wall and reads "Casino," is filled with incandescent bulbs that all illuminate at the same time, and oscillate. They then shut off at the same time, and then repeat. The raceways of incandescent bulbs chase each other while the neon, which surrounds the back lit, plastic, screens on this wall flash on then off. The bottom two raceways sandwiching the reflective panel chase from left to right, while the remainder of the raceways surrounding the signs, run right to left. The incandescent bulbs on the pylon chase each other gracefully up the length of the pylon. The animation is patterned so as to appear as if a section of several bulbs are pulsing its way up the towers, hugging the edge of the bulbous tops. The raceways continue around the east face of the building. The umbrellas in the plaza behind the pylon, also are animated with incandescent bulbs chasing each other downward along the raceways.
Notes: The text, which resides on the southern wall and reads "Casino," is filled with incandescent bulbs that all illuminate at the same time, and oscillate. They then shut off at the same time, and then repeat. The raceways of incandescent bulbs chase each other while the neon, which surrounds the back lit, plastic, screens on this wall flash on then off. The bottom two raceways sandwiching the reflective panel chase from left to right, while the remainder of the raceways surrounding the signs, run right to left. The incandescent bulbs on the pylon chase each other gracefully up the length of the pylon. The animation is patterned so as to appear as if a section of several bulbs are pulsing its way up the towers, hugging the edge of the bulbous tops. The raceways continue around the east face of the building. The umbrellas in the plaza behind the pylon, also are animated with incandescent bulbs chasing each other downward along the raceways.
neo000049-006
Date
2017-08-30
Description
Sign animation: Chasing, flashing, oscillating
Notes: All of the bulbs, which reside in the fascia signs which designate entrances, oscillate rapidly. The entrance sign a bit closer to the north end of the property also contain the pan channel star shapes, with incandescent bulbs in the center. The bulbs which, reside on the widths edge of the small pole sign at the south end of the property, oscillate giving a twinkling effect. The main pylon's animation is rather simple considering the amount of lighting. Bulbs which create the dazzling background chase each other upward to the very point, then once they reach the top, each letter light up from left to right, one at a time, then off one letter at a time. The letters all turn on simultaneously while, while the background chases up, leaving the lights off in its trail. The text then shuts off as well. The small incandescent bulbs lacing the background of the main body of the sign oscillate subtly, twinkling themselves. Each letter of the text contains a single row of incandescent bulbs, just inside the border of the red neon. This row is always on in a chasing animation from left to right even when the letters are dark. The animation for the three sided, pole sign, at the north end of the property is adorned with sparkling animation as well. The purple bulbs, which create the border of the main base, chase each other from bottom to top, and the star shape in the center is filled with oscillating incandescent bulbs. The bulbs, which also encrust the bottom surface of the cabinet, oscillate as well. The incandescent bulbs, which adorn the background of the text portion of the sign, also sparkle with a soft random oscillating pattern. The stars which sit on top of the cabinet, animate in a random, non descriptive fashion. The inner star shaped pans oscillate with incandescent bulbs, and the neon borders flash on then off, in a clumsy random order. The three-sided sign also rotates, one of the few animatronic signs on the Strip.
Notes: All of the bulbs, which reside in the fascia signs which designate entrances, oscillate rapidly. The entrance sign a bit closer to the north end of the property also contain the pan channel star shapes, with incandescent bulbs in the center. The bulbs which, reside on the widths edge of the small pole sign at the south end of the property, oscillate giving a twinkling effect. The main pylon's animation is rather simple considering the amount of lighting. Bulbs which create the dazzling background chase each other upward to the very point, then once they reach the top, each letter light up from left to right, one at a time, then off one letter at a time. The letters all turn on simultaneously while, while the background chases up, leaving the lights off in its trail. The text then shuts off as well. The small incandescent bulbs lacing the background of the main body of the sign oscillate subtly, twinkling themselves. Each letter of the text contains a single row of incandescent bulbs, just inside the border of the red neon. This row is always on in a chasing animation from left to right even when the letters are dark. The animation for the three sided, pole sign, at the north end of the property is adorned with sparkling animation as well. The purple bulbs, which create the border of the main base, chase each other from bottom to top, and the star shape in the center is filled with oscillating incandescent bulbs. The bulbs, which also encrust the bottom surface of the cabinet, oscillate as well. The incandescent bulbs, which adorn the background of the text portion of the sign, also sparkle with a soft random oscillating pattern. The stars which sit on top of the cabinet, animate in a random, non descriptive fashion. The inner star shaped pans oscillate with incandescent bulbs, and the neon borders flash on then off, in a clumsy random order. The three-sided sign also rotates, one of the few animatronic signs on the Strip.
Photographs of Mirage signs, Las Vegas (Nev.), 2002
Date
2002
2017-08-15
Archival Collection
Description
Photos show Mirage signs during the daytime. Two surveys were conducted to gather information about this sign. One was conducted in 2002 and one was conducted in 2017. PDFs are available for both surveys. See the 2017 survey PDF for additional information that is not included in the object description.
Site name: Mirage (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: MGM Mirage
Sign details: The main attraction of the property is its spectacular exploding volcano placed among an astounding array of lagoons, waterfalls and palm trees. One of the themed hotel casinos, the architectural form takes precedence over an abundance of flashing lights and neon. Two pylon signs reside on the front of the property along Las Vegas Blvd, another on the west side of the property, two arched banner entrances are placed among them, lettering atop the towers, and various text placed among the vast stretch of landscaping are the only visible large elements of signage.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5 The structure and lighting on the signs are in excellent repair, with no apparent major physical damage. The surfaces of the pylons and assorted log text, are a bit dirty, but no more than any other establishment, considering the punishment each must undergo due to the elements as well as the live volcano.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Just north of Caesars Palace a giant pylon sign faces north/south, on the east side of the strip. Two giant square posts support a giant backlit advertisement panel, and an adorning entablature containing the channel letters spelling "Mirage." Between the two giant legs two cabinets are present to fill the space. Just below the main backlit panel an LED screen resides just above another back lit panel. The two giant legs have a series of polished metallic panels running vertically up the sides, creating a recessed channel. The sections are separated with slight overhangs. The bottom smaller panel cabinet is an advertisement for "Danny Gans" and the main panel advertises for the "Seigfried and Roy" magic show. A small banner rests between the main entablature, and the panel, reading "Magicians of the Century." The black channel letters in the main pediment spells "The Mirage," and are filled with incandescent bulbs. The lush foliage and walkways continue north where a covered awning faced with a carved wood and brass bullnose, allows pedestrians to take a moving walkway up to the resort. The landscaping continues north where it meets a driveway denoted by a low arched banner supported by a pair of square columns on either end. "The Mirage" is spelled in polished gold channel letters, with white interiors and filled with incandescent bulbs. The banner itself is sculpted into two sweeping solid shapes on the tops and bottoms, with a series of folded ribbon like scroll shapes. The center section is crafted as to allow light to pass through the negative spaces created by the rows of positive scroll shapes. The banners face east. On the faces of each of the flanking posts, two images of jumping dolphins are sculpted and finished in the same fashion. Past the gateway the thick beds of foliage and palm trees can be seen headed back along the drives. Continuing north a multi tiered lagoon rushes circulating water on and over waterfalls, while yet more green shrubbery and palm trees encrust islands and images of eroded rocks and geological formations. The beautiful imagery continues north, twisting and turning in and behind itself to create a fantastic spectacle for a passerby to be lured in and be fascinated. Approximately in the middle of the length of the expanse, the famous functioning volcano rests quietly amongst smaller rocks and waterfalls. Just past the volcano the lagoon opens up into a wide flat area of water where bronze dolphins are positioned to look as if they are jumping out of the water. Still the rich foliage dominates the landscape, until another arched gateway interrupts the expanse to allow traffic. The foliage, and lagoon landscaping, picks up again, cozily grasping the base of a smaller pylon of similar design as the first. The two reflective paneled legs rise up to connect with a horizontal piece of the same design. A large backlit cabinet advertising for Danny Gans occupies approximately three-quarters of the space between the legs. An entablature of the same design as the main pylon, yet smaller, crowns the top of the sign. The trademark font spells "The Mirage" in black channel letters and filled with incandescent bulbs. Just past the small double sided pylon, a small of recess of rocks plays home to the end marker of the Mirage. A bust of Siegfried and Roy with a tiger is ambiently lit, provided photo opportunities for tourists. An interesting function has been added to the bust. In the flower bed behind and on the sides of the object, faux boulders are places with glowing crystals protruding from the surface. The tower of rooms for the Mirage is the popular three winged "Y" configuration converging onto a center structure. On each face of each wing, giant black channel letters spell "The Mirage" in their trademark text. Each is filled with incandescent bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs located within text logos on the pylon sign, and upon the tower oscillate to appear as shimmering. The effect is one of the more common animations particularly among the larger, corporate casinos.
Sign environment: The placement of the Mirage right on the curve of the Strip makes the pylons visible from a good distance from either direction. The environment displayed by the mirage is that of paradise. When walking past, and up to the property, it hard not to stop and stare at the amazing foliage and spread of waterfalls, and rocks.
Sign manufacturer: Ad-Art
Sign designer: Pylons: Charles Barnard with touches from Wynn's design group Atlandia Design Group. Dolphin Archways: Barnard and Jack Dubois as well as hotel architect, Joel Bergman
Sign - date of installation: 1989
Sign - date of redesign/move: The main pylon has since been updated with a new Siegfried and Roy Back lit Mural, a new LED screen, and another back lit plastic screen featuring Danny Gans. An internally lit banner reads horizontally across the top of the giant Siegfried and Roy Mural which reads Magicians of the Century.
Sign - thematic influences: The theme is tropical island paradise. Complete with active volcano, the front spectacle of rushing waterfalls, chirping bird noises, and leaping bronze dolphins, serves as the backdrop for the simple, slim design of the property's pylon structure. The pylons were designed to reach harmony with the structure of the tower itself, rather than the island theme. The dolphins over the entrance arches however represent the tropical island theme, as well as speaking about the dolphin habitat inside.
Sign - artistic significance: The main pylon was the first of its kind to feature a full color illuminated photographic pictoral. Designed by Rosco, it was billed as the largest of its type in the world. The resort's themed spectacular was also the first of it's kind in regards to its extravagance and unique functionality. Approximate 125,000 people visited the property on its opening day. The resort fits well into the theme of design of the large, corporate property, after all it was one of the pioneers of such a movement in Las Vegas. The Mirage also set the standards for the now frequently seen element of the attraction spectacle, and the standard of quality on the Las Vegas Strip
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic
Site name: Mirage (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Site address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd
Sign owner: MGM Mirage
Sign details: The main attraction of the property is its spectacular exploding volcano placed among an astounding array of lagoons, waterfalls and palm trees. One of the themed hotel casinos, the architectural form takes precedence over an abundance of flashing lights and neon. Two pylon signs reside on the front of the property along Las Vegas Blvd, another on the west side of the property, two arched banner entrances are placed among them, lettering atop the towers, and various text placed among the vast stretch of landscaping are the only visible large elements of signage.
Sign condition: Structure 5 Surface 5 Lighting 5 The structure and lighting on the signs are in excellent repair, with no apparent major physical damage. The surfaces of the pylons and assorted log text, are a bit dirty, but no more than any other establishment, considering the punishment each must undergo due to the elements as well as the live volcano.
Sign form: Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère
Sign-specific description: Just north of Caesars Palace a giant pylon sign faces north/south, on the east side of the strip. Two giant square posts support a giant backlit advertisement panel, and an adorning entablature containing the channel letters spelling "Mirage." Between the two giant legs two cabinets are present to fill the space. Just below the main backlit panel an LED screen resides just above another back lit panel. The two giant legs have a series of polished metallic panels running vertically up the sides, creating a recessed channel. The sections are separated with slight overhangs. The bottom smaller panel cabinet is an advertisement for "Danny Gans" and the main panel advertises for the "Seigfried and Roy" magic show. A small banner rests between the main entablature, and the panel, reading "Magicians of the Century." The black channel letters in the main pediment spells "The Mirage," and are filled with incandescent bulbs. The lush foliage and walkways continue north where a covered awning faced with a carved wood and brass bullnose, allows pedestrians to take a moving walkway up to the resort. The landscaping continues north where it meets a driveway denoted by a low arched banner supported by a pair of square columns on either end. "The Mirage" is spelled in polished gold channel letters, with white interiors and filled with incandescent bulbs. The banner itself is sculpted into two sweeping solid shapes on the tops and bottoms, with a series of folded ribbon like scroll shapes. The center section is crafted as to allow light to pass through the negative spaces created by the rows of positive scroll shapes. The banners face east. On the faces of each of the flanking posts, two images of jumping dolphins are sculpted and finished in the same fashion. Past the gateway the thick beds of foliage and palm trees can be seen headed back along the drives. Continuing north a multi tiered lagoon rushes circulating water on and over waterfalls, while yet more green shrubbery and palm trees encrust islands and images of eroded rocks and geological formations. The beautiful imagery continues north, twisting and turning in and behind itself to create a fantastic spectacle for a passerby to be lured in and be fascinated. Approximately in the middle of the length of the expanse, the famous functioning volcano rests quietly amongst smaller rocks and waterfalls. Just past the volcano the lagoon opens up into a wide flat area of water where bronze dolphins are positioned to look as if they are jumping out of the water. Still the rich foliage dominates the landscape, until another arched gateway interrupts the expanse to allow traffic. The foliage, and lagoon landscaping, picks up again, cozily grasping the base of a smaller pylon of similar design as the first. The two reflective paneled legs rise up to connect with a horizontal piece of the same design. A large backlit cabinet advertising for Danny Gans occupies approximately three-quarters of the space between the legs. An entablature of the same design as the main pylon, yet smaller, crowns the top of the sign. The trademark font spells "The Mirage" in black channel letters and filled with incandescent bulbs. Just past the small double sided pylon, a small of recess of rocks plays home to the end marker of the Mirage. A bust of Siegfried and Roy with a tiger is ambiently lit, provided photo opportunities for tourists. An interesting function has been added to the bust. In the flower bed behind and on the sides of the object, faux boulders are places with glowing crystals protruding from the surface. The tower of rooms for the Mirage is the popular three winged "Y" configuration converging onto a center structure. On each face of each wing, giant black channel letters spell "The Mirage" in their trademark text. Each is filled with incandescent bulbs.
Sign - type of display: Neon; Incandescent; Backlit
Sign - media: Steel; Plastic
Sign animation: Oscillating
Notes: The incandescent bulbs located within text logos on the pylon sign, and upon the tower oscillate to appear as shimmering. The effect is one of the more common animations particularly among the larger, corporate casinos.
Sign environment: The placement of the Mirage right on the curve of the Strip makes the pylons visible from a good distance from either direction. The environment displayed by the mirage is that of paradise. When walking past, and up to the property, it hard not to stop and stare at the amazing foliage and spread of waterfalls, and rocks.
Sign manufacturer: Ad-Art
Sign designer: Pylons: Charles Barnard with touches from Wynn's design group Atlandia Design Group. Dolphin Archways: Barnard and Jack Dubois as well as hotel architect, Joel Bergman
Sign - date of installation: 1989
Sign - date of redesign/move: The main pylon has since been updated with a new Siegfried and Roy Back lit Mural, a new LED screen, and another back lit plastic screen featuring Danny Gans. An internally lit banner reads horizontally across the top of the giant Siegfried and Roy Mural which reads Magicians of the Century.
Sign - thematic influences: The theme is tropical island paradise. Complete with active volcano, the front spectacle of rushing waterfalls, chirping bird noises, and leaping bronze dolphins, serves as the backdrop for the simple, slim design of the property's pylon structure. The pylons were designed to reach harmony with the structure of the tower itself, rather than the island theme. The dolphins over the entrance arches however represent the tropical island theme, as well as speaking about the dolphin habitat inside.
Sign - artistic significance: The main pylon was the first of its kind to feature a full color illuminated photographic pictoral. Designed by Rosco, it was billed as the largest of its type in the world. The resort's themed spectacular was also the first of it's kind in regards to its extravagance and unique functionality. Approximate 125,000 people visited the property on its opening day. The resort fits well into the theme of design of the large, corporate property, after all it was one of the pioneers of such a movement in Las Vegas. The Mirage also set the standards for the now frequently seen element of the attraction spectacle, and the standard of quality on the Las Vegas Strip
Surveyor: Joshua Cannaday
Survey - date completed: 2002
Sign keywords: Oscillating; Pylon; Fascia; Porte-cochère; Neon; Incandescent; Backlit; Steel; Plastic
Mixed Content
