Moulin Rouge Hotel This inspiration comes from the first Afro-American star in France, Josephine Baker. The wall painted of the Moulin Rouge Las Vegas, included many references to Paris and Toulouse-Lautrec. "Black showgirls performed on a stage amid a backdrop of walls featuring mahogany wood trim and Toulouse-Lautrec-style murals of black French cancan dancers. The showroom featured "Tropi-Can-Can" under the tutelage of veteran producer Clarence Robinson." When it opened, the Moulin Rouge was fully integrated top to bottom, from employees to patrons to entertainers. The hotel made the June 20, 1955, cover of "Life" magazine, with a photo of two showgirls. A veritable
Moulin Rouge Hotel added a 2:30am "Third Show" to accommodate the crowds. In November 1955 the Moulin Rouge was closed by Sheriff's deputies. By December 1955, the casino had declared bankruptcy. Nevertheless, to maintain its gaming license, the Moulin Rouge (like many closed properties) operates on a temporary basis for a state-mandated minimum of eight hours every two years, most recently on June 19, 2012 and on June 11, 2014. The short but vibrant life of the Moulin Rouge helped the Civil Rights Movement in Las Vegas. For a while the hotel was owned by the first African American woman to hold a