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The Moulin Rouge consists of two stuccoed buildings which housed a hotel, casino, and a theater. Many original features survive, including its large neon sign, styled in cursive writing reading "Moulin Rouge," and colorful murals depicting dancers and fancy cars. Opening night was a gala affair hosted by Joe Louis and featuring performances by The Platters and flashy chorus-line routines. Within the next few months the hotel attracted such performers as Louis Armstrong, George Burns, Nat King Cole, Jack Benny, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Initially, the night spot became so popular, a 2:30 a.m. "third show" was added. Although the Moulin Rouge closed in October 1955, its short life had a lasting impact. When civil rights activists scheduled a march on March 26, 1960, to protest racial discrimination in Las Vegas resorts, hotel owners, city and state officials, and Nevada Governor Grant Sawyer hurriedly set up a meeting with NAACP president, Dr. James McMillan and other black leaders at the Moulin Rouge. Most of the hotel owners agreed to integrate their establishments, and the planned march was canceled. The Moulin Rouge Hotel in Las Vegas is located at 900 West Bonanza Road. It is being renovated and not open to the public. Recently, the property was a setting for the filming of the movie "Casino."
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